September is when summer fades and evenings start to feel crisp, the perfect excuse to enjoy your hot tub more often. It’s also the ideal month to give your spa some extra TLC, so it’s ready for autumn and winter without any unexpected issues.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist for keeping your water balanced, your kit running smoothly, and your energy bills under control.
1. Give It a Full Service Clean
If it’s been three to four months since you last changed the water, September is a brilliant time to refresh things:
- Drain completely – Use the drain valve or a submersible pump.
- Wipe down the shell and jets – Use a spa-safe surface cleaner to remove residue and limescale. (Surface cleaner can be purchased here.)
- Flush the pipes – Add a hot tub plumbing cleaner before draining to get rid of hidden build-up. (Flush can be purchased here.)
2. Inspect and Clean Your Cover
Autumn means wind, rain, and falling leaves which means your cover will be doing the heavy lifting to keep heat in and debris out.
· Check for damage or waterlogging – Look for cracks, tears, or heavy water absorption. Covers like the Oxford Weather Shield are especially durable and weather-resistant, designed to withstand UK conditions, but even high-quality covers should be inspected regularly.
· Clean and condition the vinyl or fabric – Wipe down with a spa-safe cleaner to remove dirt and debris. For Oxford Weather Shield covers, gently rinse and allow to dry; their heavy-duty Oxford fabric is resistant to rain and UV but still benefits from occasional cleaning
· Ensure a snug fit – A tight-fitting cover helps retain heat and protects your hot tub from debris.
3. Test and Balance Your Water
Cooler weather can cause water chemistry to shift more quickly.
- Test at least twice a week – Check pH (7.2–7.6), alkalinity, and sanitiser levels.
- Shock once a week – This keeps the water fresh and bacteria-free.
- Top up as needed – Rainwater can dilute chemicals, so stay on top of levels.
4. Rinse and Rotate Filters
- Rinse every fortnight – A quick spray with the hose does the trick.
- Deep clean monthly – Use a filter soak solution for a proper cleanse. (Filter cleaner can be purchased here.)
- Replace yearly – Or sooner if they look worn or damaged.
5. Adjust the Temperature
As the evenings get chillier you could try:
- Raising the temperature slightly – 38–39°C is ideal for autumn soaks.
- Using energy-efficient modes – Many modern spas have economy settings to help cut electricity bills.
6. Check Your Equipment
- Look for leaks – Especially around pump unions and heater housing.
- Listen for unusual sounds – Catch pump or heater issues before they get worse.
- Run all jets – Make sure they’re working properly.
7. Stock Up on Essentials
Avoid running out of supplies just as you’re about to jump in:
- Sanitiser tablets or granules
- Shock treatments
- pH and alkalinity adjusters
- Filter cleaner and spare filters
- Test strips
8. Make It Cosy
Autumn is the perfect time to create a little retreat in your garden:
- Add solar lights or string lights to make evenings inviting.
- Keep towels or robes warm and nearby.
- Use windbreaks or privacy screens to make the area more sheltered.
Taking care of your hot tub now means you’ll enjoy stress-free soaks through autumn and into winter. A well-maintained spa runs more efficiently, costs less to heat, and gives you peace of mind when the temperature drops.