As the days get longer and temperatures rise, your hot tub becomes the perfect spot to relax, entertain, or unwind after a sunny day. But before diving in, it’s important to make sure your spa is summer-ready. Here’s your go-to guide to prepare your hot tub for the warm months ahead.

Drain and Clean Your Spa

Start fresh! Drain the water completely and give your spa shell a thorough wipe-down with a non-abrasive cleaner. This helps remove buildup and prepares the tub for clean, fresh water.

Clean or Replace the Filter

Your filter works overtime during heavy use. If it’s been more than a few months, consider replacing it. Otherwise, rinse it thoroughly and soak it in a filter cleaner solution to restore peak performance.

Inspect Seals, Jets, and Valves

Summer’s a good time for a mini spa check-up. Inspect o-rings, gaskets, and jets for signs of wear or cracks. Replacing small parts now can save bigger issues down the road.

Refill with Fresh Water and Balance Chemicals

Once everything’s clean, refill your tub with fresh water. Test and balance the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. A spa that’s chemically balanced is safer, smells better, and feels nicer on your skin.

Adjust the Temperature

You might not want 104°F in the summer heat! Lower your spa’s  temperature to around 95–98°F or even try “cool tubbing” — set it below 85°F for a refreshing daytime soak.

Shield from the Sun

Consider adding a spa cover lifter, umbrella, or canopy  to protect your tub and keep the water cooler. This also protects your spa parts from harsh UV rays

Update Accessories

Summer’s also a great time to check and replace any accessories like pillows,  steps, lighting, or water features. They enhance the experience and make your spa the ultimate backyard retreat.

Make the Most of Summer Soaking

Regular seasonal care helps extend the life of your spa and its components —  and ensures a safe, sparkling experience all summer long. Need replacement filters, parts, or summer spa accessories? Shop Easy Spa Parts now!

What’s the Best Hot Tub Temperature?

One of the best parts of owning a hot tub is relaxing in warm, soothing water. But how hot should your hot tub actually be?

Most people enjoy their hot tub at a temperature between 100°F and 102°F. The highest safe temperature is 104°F, but that’s usually too hot for long soaks.

A Quick Look at Ideal Hot Tub Temperatures

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Temperature

• Who’s using it? If children or older adults are in the hot tub, keep the temp lower.
• How long are you soaking? A cooler setting is better for longer soaks.
• Do you have health concerns? Always ask your doctor before using a hot tub at higher temperatures.
• Personal comfort: Everyone is different—try a few settings and see what feels best for you.

How to Set the Temperature

Your hot tub has a built-in control panel that lets you choose the temperature. Set it to your preferred number, and the heater will warm the water automatically.

If your spa isn’t heating properly, you may need to check your heater or thermostat. We can help with that!
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Keep Your Water Warm and Energy Bills Low

Here are a few simple tips to keep your hot tub at the right temperature:

• Use a good spa cover to keep heat in.
• Make sure your check valves and other parts are working properly.
• Don’t let your water sit too long without checking the temp.

The best hot tub temperature depends on you—but most people love it around 100°F to 102°F. Just remember to stay safe, and don’t go too hot if you’re soaking for a long time or have health concerns.

Need help with parts or water temperature issues?
We’re here for you at Easy Spa Parts!

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When Should You Replace a Spa Flow Switch or Sensor?

Your spa’s performance and safety rely on a properly functioning flow switch or flow sensor. These small but critical components help monitor water flow, preventing your heater from operating when there isn’t enough water circulation—avoiding damage and keeping your hot tub safe. But how do you know when it’s time to replace them?

What Does a Spa Flow Switch or Sensor Do?

The flow switch or sensor acts like a gatekeeper for your hot tub’s heating system. It detects whether water is flowing properly through the spa plumbing. If flow is insufficient, it signals the heater to shut off—protecting it from overheating and possible failure

Signs Your Spa Flow Switch or Sensor Needs Replacement

1. Heater Not Turning On If your heater won’t kick in even though the spa is full and the pump is running, the flow switch may be stuck or faulty.
2. “FLO” or “FLOW” Error Codes Seeing a FLO, FLO2, or FLOW error on your spa’s display is a common sign that the flow switch or sensor is malfunctioning—or there’s not enough flow.
3. Intermittent Heating Sometimes the heater works, sometimes it doesn’t. This inconsistency can point to a failing flow sensor that only works sporadically.
4. Visible Wear or Corrosion If you’ve opened up your equipment compartment and notice rust, mineral buildup, or corrosion on the sensor or wires, it’s time to replace it.
5. Old Age Flow switches and sensors don’t last forever. If yours is more than 5–7 years old, replacing it as preventative maintenance could save you future headaches.

Troubleshooting Tips Before Replacing

Before you order a replacement, rule out these common causes of flow-related errors:

• Dirty filters: A clogged filter reduces flow—try cleaning or replacing it.
• Airlocks: Air in the system can mimic low flow—bleed the air out of the lines.
• Low water level: Always make sure your water level is high enough for proper circulation.
• Pump or circulation issues: A weak or failing circulation pump can trigger flow errors.

Replacing Your Flow Switch or Sensor

If you’ve ruled out everything else and suspect your switch or sensor is the culprit, replacement is fairly straightforward. Just be sure to:

• Turn off power to your spa
• Match the part number or model to ensure compatibility
• Use quality OEM parts for long-term reliability

Where to Buy Spa Flow Switches and Sensors

At Easy Spa Parts, we carry a full line of OEM flow switches and sensors for most spa brands including Dimension One, Caldera, Hot Spring, and more. Not sure which part you need? Contact us and our experts will help you find the right fit.

Need help choosing the right replacement? Visit our Spa Flow Sensors & Switches page to browse our top-quality parts.

Adjusting your hot tub temperature throughout the year ensures maximum comfort, energy efficiency, and an optimal soaking experience. While not required, many hot tub owners prefer modifying their spa settings based on seasonal changes. Here’s a complete guide to help you determine the ideal hot tub temperature for every season.

Winter: Stay Warm and Cozy

During the colder winter months, increasing your hot tub temperature can enhance relaxation and provide warmth. A recommended range of 100°F to 104°F helps counteract chilly outdoor temperatures and keeps you comfortable.

Winter Hot Tub Tips:

• Keep your spa covered when not in use to retain heat and conserve energy.
• Regularly check water levels to prevent freezing issues.
• Use a thermal spa blanket for added insulation and energy efficiency.
• Inspect the heater and pump to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Upgrade your hot tub cover for better insulation. Check out our high-quality spa covers for optimal heat retention.

Spring: Transitioning to Milder Weather

As temperatures rise in spring, gradually lowering your hot tub temperature can maintain comfort and improve energy efficiency. A range of 98°F to 102°F is ideal for enjoying a warm yet refreshing soak.

Spring Maintenance Tips:

• Clean and replace filters to ensure optimal water circulation.
• Balance water chemistry after heavy winter use to prevent scaling and bacteria buildup.
• Inspect your spa cover for wear and tear to ensure proper insulation.

Summer: A Cool and Refreshing Soak

Hot tubs aren’t just for warmth—they can provide a cooling escape in summer! Lowering the temperature to 95°F to 100°F offers a refreshing soak without overheating in the summer heat.

How to Keep Your Spa Cool in Summer:

• Set the temperature lower and keep the cover on during the day to prevent heat buildup.
• Run filtration cycles at night when temperatures are lower to conserve energy.
• Consider “sleep mode” or “economy mode” to maintain a cooler temperature and reduce energy costs.

Fall: Preparing for Cooler Evenings

As the crisp autumn air arrives, adjusting your hot tub temperature to 98°F to 102°F ensures a cozy experience. Fall is the perfect season to enjoy your spa before winter sets in.

Fall Hot Tub Prep Tips:

• Check and adjust water levels before winter to prevent damage.
• Inspect the heater, pump, and filters to ensure efficient operation.
• Drain and refill your hot tub if it hasn’t been refreshed in a while to maintain clean and clear water.
• Replace old filters to keep your spa water clean. Browse our premium spa filters for better performance.

Finding Your Perfect Year-Round Temperature

While these seasonal adjustments can enhance your spa experience, your ideal hot tub temperature is ultimately a personal preference. If you’re comfortable keeping it at 100°F year-round, that’s perfectly fine!

Why Adjusting Your Hot Tub Temperature Matters

• Energy Savings – Optimizing temperature based on the season helps lower electricity costs.
• Enhanced Comfort – Adapting to weather changes ensures a more enjoyable soaking experience.
• Extended Spa Lifespan – Proper temperature adjustments can reduce strain on hot tub components, increasing longevity.

By optimizing your hot tub temperature for each season, you can improve energy efficiency, enhance comfort, and extend the life of your spa components. No matter the weather, your hot tub should be a place of relaxation and enjoyment all year long.

A properly functioning hot tub filter is essential for maintaining clean and safe water. Over time, filters can become clogged or ineffective, leading to water quality issues. Here’s how you can check if your hot tub filter is working correctly.

1. Check the Water Clarity

If your hot tub water looks cloudy, discolored, or has debris floating around, it may be a sign that the filter isn’t working properly. A well-functioning filter should keep the water crystal clear and free of visible contaminants. If you notice persistent cloudiness despite using proper chemicals, your filter may need cleaning or replacement.

2. Inspect the Filter for Dirt and Debris

Remove the filter from its housing and inspect it closely. If it appears excessively dirty, clogged with debris, or discolored, it may not be filtering the water efficiently. Regular cleaning using a filter cleaner or soaking in a chemical solution can help restore its effectiveness. If the filter material looks worn out or damaged, consider replacing it.

3. Monitor Water Flow

Water should circulate freely through your hot tub’s jets. If you notice reduced water flow, weak jets, or uneven pressure, it could indicate a clogged or damaged filter restricting the flow. A simple cleaning may resolve the issue, but if the problem persists, a filter replacement might be necessary.

4. Listen for Unusual Noises

A struggling filter pump might make unusual noises, such as humming, gurgling, or rattling, due to blockages or strain. If you hear odd sounds, turn off your spa and inspect the filter for clogs or trapped debris. Keeping the filter clean will help reduce strain on the pump and ensure smooth operation.

5. Check for Error Codes

Some modern hot tubs display error codes when there’s a problem with the filtration system. If you see an error code on your control panel, refer to your hot tub’s manual or manufacturer’s website to determine whether it indicates a filter-related issue. Addressing these warnings promptly can prevent further complications.

6. Regular Maintenance and Replacement

Even with regular cleaning, hot tub filters have a limited lifespan. Most filters should be replaced every 12-24 months, depending on usage and water quality. A well-maintained filter improves water clarity, reduces chemical usage, and extends the life of your hot tub components. If your filter is old, replacing it may be the best way to restore proper function.

Need a New Hot Tub Filter? If your filter is beyond cleaning and needs replacement, check out our Hot Tub Filters for high-quality options. Keeping your filter in top shape ensures a better spa experience and extends the life of your hot tub components.

For more tips on spa maintenance, contact us for expert advice!

Maintaining a safe, clean, and enjoyable hot tub experience starts with mastering hot tub chemistry. Whether you’re a new hot tub owner or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will cover the essentials and link you to the best products to keep your spa in perfect condition.

Why Hot Tub Chemistry Matters

Proper water chemistry ensures that your hot tub stays sanitary, prevents damage to its components, and keeps your soaking experience comfortable. Unbalanced water can lead to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and costly repairs. Let’s break it down step by step.

Key Hot Tub Chemistry Basics

1. Balancing pH Levels

The pH level measures how acidic or basic your hot tub water is. The ideal range for hot tub water is between 7.4 and 7.6. Levels outside this range can lead to:

• High pH: Scaling, cloudy water, and reduced sanitizer efficiency.
• Low pH: Corrosion of hot tub components and skin irritation.

2. Sanitizing Your Hot Tub

Sanitizers kill bacteria and other harmful organisms The most common options are chlorine and bromine.

• Chlorine: Works quickly and is cost-effective.
• Bromine: Gentler on the skin and lasts longer in hot water.

3. Controlling Alkalinity

Total alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer for pH levels. The ideal range is 80-120 ppm. If TA is too low, pH can fluctuate wildly. If it’s too high, water becomes cloudy, and scaling can occur.

4. Shocking Your Hot Tub

Shock treatments oxidize organic contaminants  clear cloudy water, and restore sanitizer efficiency. Shocking is essential after heavy use or if the water looks dull.

5. Maintaining Calcium Hardness

Calcium hardness measures the amount of dissolved calcium in the water.  The ideal range is 150-250 ppm. Low calcium can cause corrosion, while high calcium leads to scaling.

Hot Tub Maintenance Tips

• Test Regularly: Use a reliable test kit or strips to check your water chemistry at least twice a week.
• Clean Filters: Dirty filters can hinder water circulation and chemical effectiveness. Clean or replace them regularly.
• Drain and Refill: Every 3-4 months, drain your  hot tub and start fresh to prevent chemical build-up.

Why Choose Easy Spa Parts for Your Hot Tub Needs?

At Easy Spa Parts, we provide top-quality hot tub chemicals and accessories to simplify your maintenance routine. Our products are:

• Easy to use.
• Specifically designed for spa systems.
• Backed by expert advice and customer support.

Explore our full range of hot tub chemicals and accessories.

Various error codes and messages indicate that a heater may not be working. These codes and messages vary by part manufacturer.

In this case, we’ll discuss Balboa codes and messages, but much of this information can be used for other parts manufacturers. 

These are the most common error codes regarding the heater:

• “Sn” Usually indicates issues with the sensors
• “Dr/Dry” Usually indicates that the heater is dry
• “Fl/FLO” Usually indicates that the water flow is minimal and not sufficient for heating

1. For the first “Sn” we will check the sensors on the hot tub, for this it is important to POWER OFF the spa at the breaker
2. Set your meter to Ohms “Ω” to 20K
3. Remove the wires from the PC board
4. Put your probes one on each wire end (red & black)
5. You reading should be based off of the manufacture’s chart view chart below ↓

“Dry”/ “Dr”

As we stated earlier, is an indication that the heater is dry, this means that there is no water going through the heater,
For this please physically check that there is water going through the heater.

“Flo”

There are several reasons why there could be low water flow, the main one being an obstructed pipe, so be sure to check this. The other could be a dirty filter, which would cause low water flow as it filters slower. In this case, be sure to clean the filter. Also, ask the customer when the last filter was replaced. It is recommended to replace filters every 18 months and wash them every 6 months.

In some applications you will find that the pipe feeding the heater is smaller, for example, a 1” pipe going into the 2” heater, in this case, we recommend using a “Strap around” heater sensor 30674 which can place on the heater and connect in the same area as the regular sensors

Other Issues.

Another issue that can be presented on the heaters is that they are not receiving any voltage, or amperage. Keep in mind that sometimes you can be receiving the proper voltage, but not any amperage or the improper amperage.

How do we check these things?

NOTE: This is to be tested with the power on

Voltage: For voltage, we can test the voltage directly on the heater terminals, with one lead on each terminal. Your reading should be close to your setup (120V or 240V)
note this can be ± 10V from the incoming voltage.

Now for amperage, we recommend testing this with an amp clamp. Grab one of the hot wires on the heater and place in the clamp, separated from the other wire(s), your amp reading should be 16-18 amps (for 230V settings on 4.0kW heaters) or 20-23 amps (For 230V settings on 5.5Kw heaters)

One more thing to test would be the heater terminal on the board, you can unplug the heater (in the case of plug-ins) and then test the center to hot, and center to hot, you should be receiving 120V on each test, if this is not the case, you will have to replace the board.

Author: David Gomez