Just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean your hot tub gets the summer off. In fact, warmer weather and increased outdoor activity across the Portland-Vancouver area can create a perfect storm of hot tub issues—cloudy water, funky smells, and chemical imbalances that creep up faster than you’d expect.
At Rose City Pool & Spa, we specialize in keeping hot tubs running smoothly year-round. Whether you’re in Vancouver’s Cascade Highlands or Portland’s Alberta Arts District, June is the time to give your hot tub the attention it needs to stay clean, safe, and enjoyable all season long.
Why Summer Spa Maintenance Matters in the Pacific Northwest
Even though usage may drop a bit during warmer months, neglecting your hot tub can lead to problems down the line. Summer presents unique challenges—UV exposure, pollen, and fluctuating temperatures all impact your water chemistry and equipment.
Here’s why summer maintenance is just as important as winter care:
- Higher UV levels in Portland and Vancouver can break down chlorine faster
- Increased organic debris like pollen, insects, and plant material clog filters
- Warm water + less use can lead to bacteria buildup without proper sanitation
- Guests and gatherings mean unpredictable usage spikes (and lotion, sweat, etc.)
Keeping your system tuned up in June saves you money and frustration in July—and helps ensure your water is always inviting when you want to hop in.
Summer Water Chemistry: What You Need to Know
Balancing water in your hot tub during summer looks a little different than in the colder months. With the sun shining longer and temperatures rising, expect sanitizer levels to fluctuate more quickly.
Here’s what to stay on top of:
- Sanitizer (Chlorine/Bromine): UV exposure can degrade chlorine faster, especially if you leave the cover off often. Test more frequently and keep levels within 3–5 ppm for chlorine, 4–6 ppm for bromine.
- pH Levels: Keep your pH between 7.4 and 7.6 for sanitizer effectiveness and user comfort. Sweat, sunscreen, and organic material can quickly knock pH out of range.
- Shock Treatments: Use a non-chlorine shock weekly during summer to oxidize oils and waste from guests.
- Alkalinity: Check your total alkalinity monthly (80–120 ppm). Low alkalinity leads to pH bounce; high levels reduce sanitizer effectiveness.
If it feels like a juggling act, that’s because it can be. Many of our clients in the Vancouver and Portland metro areas rely on our weekly hot tub/spa maintenance plans to take the guesswork (and test strips) out of the equation. Schedule a service call to let us handle the chemistry.
Cleaning the Right Way: What to Focus On
Good water balance means nothing without a clean tub. Dirt, residue, and debris buildup faster during the warmer months. Here’s how to keep everything in peak condition:
1. Clean the Filters
Filters should be rinsed weekly and deep-cleaned at least once a month. If your water still looks off, it may be time for a replacement. We offer filter deep cleans and inspections to keep your system running like new.
→ Book a filter cleaning if it’s been more than a month.
2. Wipe Down Surfaces
Pollen, tree sap, and sweat leave behind film on the shell. Use a non-abrasive spa cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Keep the Cover Clean
Don’t let your hot tub cover become a mildew trap. Rinse off dust and debris every 1–2 weeks and use a vinyl protectant to guard against UV damage.
Smart Summer Spa Habits
To keep things clean between visits or services, recommend these habits to your household or guests:
- Shower before using the tub
- Limit lotions, deodorants, or hair products before soaking
- Use a spa-safe skimmer net to remove debris daily
- Keep the cover on when not in use—even during the day
These little steps reduce chemical demand and keep water looking fresh between deep cleans.
Don’t Skip Maintenance Just Because It’s Hot
We get it—once June rolls around, most homeowners in Portland and Vancouver are thinking more about BBQs and beer gardens than bromine. But regular hot tub maintenance keeps your system healthy year-round and prevents mid-summer issues like:
- Cloudy or foamy water
- Foul odors
- Algae blooms
- Filter strain and pump burnout
Trust us—dealing with a green, foamy hot tub in July is a lot harder than preventing it in June.
Stay Ahead of the Soak
From Mount Tabor to Felida, Rose City Pool & Spa helps homeowners stay ahead of summer’s hot tub surprises. Whether you need a deep clean, fresh filter, or a professional to manage your weekly maintenance—we’ve got your back.
Schedule your summer filter cleaning or set up weekly hot tub/spa service and enjoy crystal-clear water all summer long.
