Hot tubs in summer: what you need to know about choosing, installing, cooling, and maintaining your water

Published: 19/08/2025
Last updated: 22/08/2025

Hot tubs in summer: what you need to know about choosing, installing, cooling, and maintaining your water

With summer in full swing, life moves outdoors. When it comes to various garden entertainment and relaxation solutions, a hot tub remains one of the most versatile choices. It is used not only in winter, but also becomes indispensable on hot summer days or evenings. However, in order to enjoy this water spa pleasure without any worries, it is worth knowing which hot tub is best suited for the warm season, how to install it, maintain it, and even use it for refreshment during the heat.

 

Outdoor jacuzzi on a wooden terrace by the lake, with a pier, surrounded by nature and fairy light lighting

 

Wooden or plastic hot tub – which is better for summer?

 

Although both options have their charm, their differences become apparent in the summer. A wooden hot tub looks more natural and often fits in well with farmsteads or forest surroundings, but it requires more maintenance: wood reacts to temperature changes and humidity and can crack or deform in the heat. In addition to the advantages listed above, such hot tubs often require additional sealing.

 

A man is sitting in an outdoor hot tub in a garden surrounded by wooden saunas, piles of firewood, and greenery

 

Meanwhile, plastic hot tubs, especially those made of fiberglass, withstand heat better, are easier to clean, and do not absorb odors or moisture. It is also quicker to prepare for use. Modern models, especially hydromassage pools such as Novitek, offer not only a clean design but also functionality, from massage jets to integrated lighting and cooling functions. It is also worth mentioning that the latter can have a wood finish, which is much easier to maintain than a completely wooden hot tub.

 

A couple enjoys an outdoor jacuzzi by a mirrored wall, holding champagne glasses in their hands, with the sunset by the lake providing the backdrop

 

How to install a hot tub in your yard while maintaining aesthetics and privacy?

 

A hot tub can become not only a place to relax, but also a focal point of your home. It is recommended to install it on a solid, level surface, such as a wooden deck or paving stones. To ensure a pleasant experience in all weather conditions, it is worth considering covers or blinds to protect against wind and sun, or even installing minimalist pergolas.

 

Hedges and decorative walls with soft lighting are perfect for creating privacy, while LED lighting around the hot tub in the evening creates a truly unique atmosphere. Natural scents and hydrolats suitable for hydromassage pools can be used for aromatherapy.

 

To make your time in the hot tub even more enjoyable, don't forget other accessories: drink holders, headrests, audio solutions, and unique LED lighting that will create a special atmosphere for nighttime bathing.

 

An evening terrace with lighting and a gazebo, equipped with an outdoor jacuzzi, next to a cozy cottage with glass doors

 

Hot tubs in the summer – use or look for alternatives?

 

In summer, when temperatures exceed 30 °C, the question may arise – is it worth using a hot tub during the heatwave? Definitely yes. Modern hot tubs and hydromassage pools usually allow you to regulate the water temperature , and some models even have a cooling function, such as a cooled SPA pool, where the water temperature can be kept lower.

 

Cozy interior with a jacuzzi, open roof, decorated with woven baskets, fur and plants

 

What should you use to keep your pool clean during the hot season?

 

In summer, especially when the hot tub is used by more people, water cleanliness becomes a priority. Along with regular maintenance, appropriate cleaning products are also very important, the most popular of which are chlorine, active oxygen, flocculants, and test strips. These products, when used in combination, will help not only to maintain the functioning of the hot tub, but also the cleanliness of the water, even if the hot tub or, for example, a hydromassage pool is used by more people (more information on hot tub and pool water maintenance can be found here: pool chemicals, what you need to know). 

 

Black modern jacuzzi close up, showing water jets and built-in control panel

 

How often should you change the water and maintain the filters in summer?

 

In summer, when the hot tub is used more intensively, the water change intervals are shorter. If the hot tub is used by the whole family at least several times a week, it is recommended to change the water every 1–2 weeks, depending on the chemicals used and the condition of the filters. It is important to remember to clean the filters at least once a week, use a cover to protect the hot tub from external debris, and take a shower before getting in.

 

Ice baths, contrast showers, and refreshment without a sauna

 

If you don't have a sauna, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the benefits of a contrast shower or ice bath. Outdoor showers with cold water, dousing tubs, and ice baths (special tubs that can maintain extremely low water temperatures with the addition of ice) are perfect for this. These procedures not only refresh the body, but also stimulate blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, and provide energy on hot days.

 

Spa pool from above, located on a wooden terrace with a lounger, plants and a parasol, overlooking the surrounding courtyard