Best Practices in Extreme Heat

When the weather turns hot, your hot tub doesn't need to work as hard, and neither do you. The simplest approach is also the best one: turn the temperature down and let nature do the rest.

Set it to 27°C

During a heatwave, drop your set temperature to 27°C. At this setting the water stays cool and refreshing rather than hot, which is exactly what you want when it's warm outside. Your heater barely has to run, the ambient air and sunshine keep the water pleasant, and you'll likely find the tub far more inviting as a cool-down spot than a hot soak.

It also takes the strain off your pump and heater, which would otherwise be fighting against high outdoor temperatures all day — saving energy and extending the life of your equipment.

Keep an eye on your water chemistry

Heat changes a couple of things behind the scenes. Warm water and sunlight burn through sanitiser much faster than usual, and more frequent dips add to the demand. A light touch here keeps your water clear, safe, and your tub in great shape:

• Test your water every day or two. During hot spells, chlorine or bromine levels can drop quickly. Aim to keep free chlorine between 3–5 ppm (or bromine between 4–6 ppm). If levels fall too low, bacteria can multiply rapidly in warm water, so don't skip this step.
• Watch your pH. Heat can cause pH to drift upward, which reduces the effectiveness of your sanitiser even if the levels look fine. Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6 for the best results.
• Shock the water weekly. A non-chlorine shock oxidises organic waste (sunscreen, sweat, body oils) that builds up faster in summer. This keeps the water sparkling and helps your sanitiser work more efficiently.
• Check your total alkalinity. This acts as a buffer for your pH. Keep it between 80–120 ppm to prevent wild pH swings. If your pH keeps drifting, alkalinity is usually the culprit.

Manage the water level and temperature

• Top up the water level regularly. Evaporation speeds up significantly in the heat, especially if the cover is off during use. Keep the level above the minimum line to ensure the pump runs properly and doesn't run dry.
• Use the cover when the tub isn't in use. It keeps debris out, slows evaporation, and stops the water heating up too much in direct sun. If the water ever feels warmer than your set temperature, that's simply the sun at work — leaving the cover off for a short while will help it cool back down.
• Consider the time of day. If you want the water at its coolest, use the tub in the morning before the sun has had a chance to warm it, or in the evening once temperatures drop. This is when a cool soak feels most refreshing.

Look after your filter

More use in summer means your filter works harder. A clogged filter restricts water flow, puts extra strain on the pump, and makes it harder to keep the water clear.

• Rinse your filter every few days with a garden hose to remove debris and body oils.
• Deep clean with a filter cleaner once a fortnight during heavy use periods. Soak the cartridge overnight in a dedicated filter cleaning solution to dissolve oils and mineral deposits that a rinse alone won't shift.
• Replace your filter cartridge if it looks worn, discoloured, or damaged. A fresh filter makes a noticeable difference to water clarity and pump performance.

Energy-saving tips for hot weather

Summer is actually the most energy-efficient time to run a hot tub — but a few habits can save you even more:

• Lower the set temperature when not in use. If you're not planning to use the tub for a day or two, drop it to 20°C. In warm weather it will heat back up quickly when you need it.
• Run the filtration cycle during off-peak hours. If your energy tariff charges more at peak times, schedule your filtration cycle for overnight or early morning.
• Keep the cover in good condition. A well-fitting, undamaged cover is your biggest energy saver. Even in summer, a good cover prevents heat gain from the sun and keeps the water temperature stable.

Stay comfortable and safe

Even at a cooler setting, it's worth taking a few sensible precautions — especially during a heatwave:

• Stay hydrated. Warm water and hot weather together mean you'll lose fluids faster. Keep a cold drink nearby and sip regularly.
• Limit your soak time. Even at 27°C, prolonged soaking in warm weather can raise your core body temperature. 15–20 minutes is a good guide, especially in strong sun.
• Avoid soaking in the hottest part of the day. Between midday and 3pm, UV levels are at their highest. If you do use the tub at this time, apply sunscreen and consider a parasol or shade sail nearby.
• Supervise children at all times. Children overheat more quickly than adults. Keep sessions short and make sure they're drinking plenty of water.
• Don't use the tub if you feel unwell. If you're already feeling the effects of the heat — dizziness, nausea, or fatigue — step out, cool down, and rehydrate before considering another dip.

Quick summer checklist

Keep this handy during hot spells:

• ✅ Set temperature to 27°C
• ✅ Test water chemistry every 1–2 days
• ✅ Shock the water weekly
• ✅ Top up water level as needed
• ✅ Rinse filter every few days
• ✅ Keep the cover on when not in use
• ✅ Stay hydrated and limit soak time

That's all there is to it. Set it to 27°C, keep your water balanced, and enjoy the summer. If you have any questions about caring for your Wave Spa, our team is on hand to help — just use the chat at the bottom of the page.