When you soak in your hot tub, you naturally introduce lotions, oils, detergents, cosmetics, and normal body residue into the water. Even with proper sanitation, these elements slowly build up and create what’s known as “total dissolved solids.” When this happens, water becomes harder to balance, chemicals stop working as effectively, and problems like cloudiness, odor, foaming, and skin irritation become more common.

In most cases, hot tubs should be drained and refilled every three to four months, depending on usage and bather load. Homes with frequent use, large families, or entertaining guests may benefit from even more frequent water changes.

Signs It’s Time for a Fresh Refill

It may be time to drain and refill if you notice:

• Water that stays cloudy despite proper treatment
• Strong chemical odors
• Frequent foaming
• Difficulty keeping pH and sanitizer balanced
• Dry or irritated skin after soaking

When these issues appear, adding more chemicals usually isn’t the solution. In fact, it often makes the problem worse. A clean refill resets the system and allows water care products to work properly again.