How to Prepare Your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Before Going on Holiday
If you’re heading off for a well-earned break, don’t forget to prepare your hot tub before your holiday. Leaving it unchecked for a week or two can lead to cloudy water, chemical imbalances, or even bacterial growth – not exactly what you want to return home to.
Follow this simple guide to keep your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub clean, balanced, and energy-efficient while you’re away.
If you’re comparing options, you can browse our full range of hot tubs here.
1. Balance and Clean Before You Leave
Start with a full water test. Make sure your pH (7.2–7.6) and alkalinity (80–120 ppm) are in range, and top up sanitiser levels. If your filters haven’t been cleaned in the last few weeks, now’s the time – rinse and refit them so the system can circulate freely.
If you’re away longer than a week, consider adding a chlorine or bromine tablet dispenser to keep sanitiser levels steady.
💡 Tip: Always leave your cover on securely to prevent debris and evaporation.
2. Turn Down the Temperature
There’s no need to heat an empty hot tub. Lowering your temperature setting reduces running costs and protects your sanitiser from breaking down too quickly.
If you expect freezing temperatures while you’re away, check your Jacuzzi® Owner’s Manual or speak to our team about our winterisation service options to prevent your pipes from freezing.
3. SmartTub® to the Rescue
If your Jacuzzi® model includes SmartTub®, this is where it shines. Using the SmartTub® app, you can:
- Activate Vacation Mode to lower water temperature automatically.
- Monitor filtration cycles and overall system health from your phone.
- Receive alerts if there’s an issue — even while you’re abroad.
That means you can relax knowing your hot tub is safe, efficient, and under control while you’re away.
👉 Learn more about SmartTub® features and benefits in our SmartTub System Guide.
4. Freshen Up When You Return
Even with the best precautions, a little imbalance or residue can occur while you’re away. Give your spa a quick refresh:
- Shock the water with your preferred oxidiser.
- Add Jacuzzi® Pipe Cleaner before your next drain-and-refill cycle to clear any unseen buildup in the plumbing.
- Re-test your water chemistry and adjust as needed.
👉 For ongoing chemical care, see our Hot Tub Chemicals FAQ.
Final Thought
Taking ten minutes to prep your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub before a trip can save you hours of cleaning later. With balanced water, the right settings, and SmartTub® keeping an eye on things, you can head off on holiday confident your spa will be just as inviting when you get home.