Leaving a hot tub while you're away

Short answer

For a few days, balance and shock the water and lock the cover. For 5 to 14 days, Hot Spring's manual says drop to the lowest setting, about 80°F, because chlorine lasts longer in cooler water. Past 14 days, have someone look after it or drain it.

Updated October 2026By the HotTubFinder research desk

What the manuals say to do before time away
Time away	Before you go	When you get back
3 to 5 daysHot Spring	Adjust pH, shock, lock the cover	Shock and balance pH
5 to 14 daysHot Spring	A day ahead, set the lowest temperature (about 80°F); adjust pH and shock	Shock, reset the temperature, wait until chlorine is under 5 ppm
Over 14 daysHot Spring	Have a service or a neighbor look after it, or drain or winterize (after 4 weeks on tubs with its ozone system)	If drained, refill and start up
Over 2 weeksBullfrog	Vacation mode: set point 20°F lower, all day	Switch back to your usual mode

Does a hot tub have a vacation mode?

Some do by name. Bullfrog's X Series has a Vacation mode that holds the set point 20°F lower around the clock and suggests it for absences over two weeks; its Weekender mode does the same on weekdays only. Jacuzzi's controls have an economy mode. On tubs without one, Hot Spring's advice amounts to the same thing: set the lowest temperature, about 80°F. Master Spas says owners who don't plan to use the tub can set it to the lowest temperature its control allows.

Why lower the temperature while you're away?

Chlorine lasts substantially longer in 80°F water than at 101 to 104°F, Hot Spring's manual says, so a cooler tub holds its sanitizer while nobody is checking it. It also heats less, which saves some running cost; see hot tub running cost.

Should you turn a hot tub off while you're away?

Not in cold weather. A running tub guards itself against freezing: Jacuzzi says its tubs do so automatically when operating, and that owners should check the power during hard freezes. Hot Spring notes its ozone system extends the time away but does nothing against freezing. If you'll be gone long in winter, see winterizing a hot tub. Take the pillows out while you're away, as Hot Spring suggests.

Common questions

What do I do with my hot tub when I go on vacation?

For a few days: balance the pH, shock and lock the cover. For 5 to 14 days, Hot Spring says set the lowest temperature (about 80°F) a day ahead too. Shock again when you get back.

How long can a hot tub go without maintenance?

Hot Spring says up to 14 days with its vacation steps, or 4 weeks on tubs with its ozone system. Longer than that, arrange for someone to look after it or drain it.