News

How often should I add water to my outdoor spa hot tub?

2025-06-05 15:30

As outdoor spa hot tubs have become an integral part of modern families, more and more consumers are beginning to pay attention to how to properly use and maintain these devices to ensure their comfort, efficiency, and long-term service life. As a frequently used device, water quality and water volume management of outdoor spa hot tubs is a crucial part of their maintenance.


So, as users of outdoor spa hot tubs, how often should we add water to the tub? Although this question may seem simple, it actually involves multiple factors, including water level, frequency of use, water quality, equipment status, and seasonal changes. Understanding these factors and taking appropriate management measures will help keep the water clean, the tub equipment running well, and improve the overall user experience.


This article will answer questions about outdoor spa hot tub water volume management in detail, from the aspects of water level maintenance, how to judge the timing of adding water, factors affecting the frequency of adding water, common misunderstandings and solutions, etc., to help consumers scientifically and rationally manage the water volume of spa hot tubs, extend the service life of spa hot tubs, and ensure that every use can enjoy the best experience.

outdoor spa hot tub

Why do outdoor spa hot tubs need to be filled with water regularly?

Before discussing how often to add water to an outdoor spa hot tub, we first need to understand why adding water is necessary. The amount of water in an outdoor spa hot tub is closely related to water level maintenance. Timely water addition can avoid some potential problems while ensuring the normal operation of the tub equipment.


1.1 The impact of water level on the heating system

The heating system in an outdoor spa hot tub usually adjusts the heating efficiency according to the amount of water. If the water level is too low, the spa hot tub heater may overheat and even risk damage. When the water level is too low, the heater cannot be fully immersed in water when working, which may cause dry burning or overheating, which will not only damage the heater, but also threaten the overall operation of the spa hot tub. Therefore, maintaining the proper water level is crucial to extend the life of the heater.


1.2 The relationship between water quality maintenance and water level

Over time, the water quality in an outdoor spa hot tub may be affected by a variety of factors, such as frequency of use, weather conditions, external contaminants, etc. When the water level drops, the water quality of the spa hot tub tends to become unstable. In order to keep the water clean and stable, the water level needs to be kept within a certain range, which helps the filtration system operate more efficiently and prevents the accumulation of harmful substances in the bathtub.


1.3 Avoid excessive evaporation

The outdoor spa hot tub is exposed to the external environment for a long time, especially in high temperature, strong wind or direct sunlight, and the water will be reduced due to evaporation. Summer is especially the season when water evaporates faster, so it is necessary to add water regularly to make up for the drop in water level caused by evaporation. Evaporation not only affects the water level, but also causes water quality problems. Therefore, timely water addition can help the bathtub maintain a balance between water volume and water quality.


1.4 Meet usage needs

The frequency of use of the outdoor spa hot tub is also a key factor in determining the timing of water addition. After each use of the spa hot tub, the water level will drop, especially when multiple people use it. In order to ensure that there is enough water for heating and use each time, regular water addition helps ensure the normal operation of the bathtub and provide a better user experience.

spa hot tub

How to judge whether the outdoor spa hot tub needs to be added with water?

Although we know that outdoor spa hot tubs need to be refilled regularly, how do we know when the tub needs to be refilled? The timing of refilling is not fixed, but is determined by a variety of factors. Here are some common situations where you can tell when the water level is dropping and you need to refill.


2.1 The water level is below the mark

Most outdoor spa hot tubs have a water level mark, usually on the inner wall or outside of the tub. This mark indicates the normal water level range of the tub. When the water level drops below this mark, it means that you need to refill. By checking the water level of the tub regularly, you can easily tell whether you need to refill.


2.2 The water level drops after use

After each use of the outdoor spa hot tub, the water level will drop due to drainage and splashing. Especially when multiple people use it, the drop in the water level will be more obvious. To ensure that the water level is not low the next time you use it, you can check the water level after each use and refill water as needed.


2.3 The heater is not working properly

When the water level of the outdoor spa hot tub is too low, the heater may not work properly due to lack of water. If you find that the heater is not working properly, making unusual sounds or prompting overheating, it may be because the water level is insufficient. At this time, you need to add water in time to ensure the normal operation of the heating system.


2.4 Changes in water quality

When the water level is too low, the water quality of the outdoor spa hot tub may be affected, resulting in excessive concentration of chemicals in the water or imbalance of the water's pH. If the water quality deteriorates or odors appear, it may be that the water level is too low and the water quality cannot be effectively maintained. At this time, you need to add water and check the balance of water quality.

outdoor spa hot tub

What are the factors that affect the frequency of adding water to the outdoor spa hot tub?

The frequency of adding water to the outdoor spa hot tub is affected by many factors. Different usage scenarios and environmental conditions may result in different time intervals for adding water. The following are several major factors that determine the difference in the frequency of adding water.


3.1 Frequency of use

The frequency of use of the outdoor spa hot tub directly determines the frequency of adding water. If the spa hot tub is used frequently within a month, the water level will drop after each use, so more frequent water additions are required. On the contrary, if the spa hot tub is used less frequently, the need for adding water may be relatively less.


3.2 Weather and Environmental Conditions

Weather and environment also have a great impact on the water level of an outdoor spa hot tub. In the hot summer, water evaporates faster, especially in a tub exposed to the sun, where the water level drops faster. Therefore, more water additions are needed in the summer to make up for the loss of water. In the cold winter, due to less evaporation, the frequency of water additions may be reduced.


3.3 Extent of water level changes

The extent of water level changes is related to the size of the tub, the efficiency of the heating system, and changes in the external environment. In hot weather, long-term use, or when multiple people use it at the same time, the water level drops faster, and frequent water additions are required. If the water level drops less, the interval between water additions can be appropriately extended.


3.4 Maintenance of filtration and water treatment systems

The water quality and the state of the filtration system will also affect the frequency of water additions. If the water treatment system of the outdoor spa hot tub is working properly and can effectively remove impurities and contaminants from the water, the frequency of water additions may be reduced. On the contrary, if there is a problem with the filtration system, resulting in unstable water quality, more frequent water additions are required to keep the water clean and stable.

spa hot tub

How to properly add water to ensure the best use of the spa hot tub?

Adding water may seem simple, but it actually requires some skills and precautions. Improper ways of adding water may have adverse effects on the equipment, structure and water quality of the bathtub. Therefore, you should pay attention to the following points when adding water:


3.1 Check the water level regularly

First, regularly checking the water level is the key to ensuring that the water level remains within a reasonable range. After using the spa hot tub, you should pay attention to the drop in the water level, especially after multiple uses. To ensure the normal operation of the equipment, you can set a water level mark to help judge when water needs to be added. It is best to check the water level before and after each use, especially after large gatherings or multiple people use the spa hot tub.


3.2 Use a suitable water source

When adding water, you should try to use a clean water source and avoid using water that is polluted or contains a lot of minerals. Tap water is the most common choice, but if you live in a hard water area, the minerals in the water may accumulate in the bathtub, causing scale problems. At this time, you can consider using filtered or softened water to reduce the impact of minerals on the spa hot tub.


3.3 Avoid adding too much water

Overly high water levels can also cause problems, especially near the overflow of the spa hot tub. Excessive water levels increase the risk of the tub overflowing and may cause the tub's pipes or drainage system to become clogged. Therefore, water should be added according to the tub's design requirements to avoid excessive water levels. The appropriate water level should cover the working parts of the pump and heater, but should not exceed the overflow mark.


3.4 Control the water temperature

When adding water, you should also pay attention to the control of water temperature. The water temperature of an outdoor spa hot tub is usually between 38-40℃, and when adding water, if the water source is too cold, it will affect the overall temperature of the tub. It is recommended to choose a water source close to the bathtub water temperature when adding water to avoid sudden temperature differences that affect the bathing experience. At the same time, avoid overheating the water to avoid damaging the heating system in the spa hot tub.


3.5 Clean and replace water regularly

In addition to adding water regularly, you also need to clean the outdoor spa hot tub and replace the water regularly. Even if the water level does not drop significantly, you should replace some of the water regularly to keep the water clean. Generally, change the water every 2 to 3 months and perform a thorough cleaning and disinfection to prevent water deterioration and extend the life of the spa hot tub.


Lovia Spa delivers the best of both worlds: quality craftsmanship and low manufacturing costs. Our outdoor spa factory has been a leader in wellness product manufacturing since 1989. We provide spa systems at wholesale prices, available with personalized branding and packaging options. Our team assists with product selection, quotes, and promotions that benefit both new and returning customers. Join hundreds of global buyers who trust our factory for high-quality spa sourcing.

Get the latest price? We'll respond as soon as possible(within 12 hours)
This field is required
This field is required
Required and valid email address
This field is required
This field is required
For a better browsing experience, we recommend that you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge browsers.