For homeowners in Whistler and Squamish, investing in a hot tub isn’t just about luxury – it’s about creating a personal sanctuary for relaxation, recovery, and wellness. But owning a hot tub comes with responsibilities, and having the right supplies is essential for long-term enjoyment, water clarity, and protecting your investment.
Whether you’ve just purchased a Jacuzzi®, Bullfrog® Spa, or are maintaining an older tub, this guide will walk you through the top hot tub supplies every local owner needs. Backed by our 40+ years of experience at Poolside Spa Sales & Service, this list ensures you’re fully equipped for sparkling water, safe soaking, and spa-time bliss.
1. Water Care Essentials: Sanitizers, Balancers & Shock Treatments
When it comes to hot tub maintenance, water care products are the foundation of everything.
Sanitizers like chlorine and bromine are crucial for killing harmful bacteria and maintaining safe water. Most homeowners in Squamish and Whistler opt for bromine due to its gentler odor and stable performance in high-heat environments, typical for spas.
Equally important is water balancing – maintaining proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Imbalanced water can cause skin irritation, cloudy water, or damage to your spa’s plumbing and surfaces. Keeping a bottle of pH increaser/decreaser, alkalinity buffer, and calcium booster on hand is essential.
Don’t forget spa shock treatments. These hot tub supplies break down organic waste (like sweat, lotion, or debris) that can’t be eliminated through sanitizers alone. Weekly shocking restores water clarity and eliminates odors.
2. Filtration Systems & Filter Maintenance
Clean water starts with proper filtration, which traps contaminants and keeps your water crystal clear. All Jacuzzi® and Bullfrog® spas come equipped with high-quality filters, but those filters need regular cleaning and replacing.
Stock up on hot tub supplies like replacement filters so you’re never caught without a spare. Rinsing your filters weekly and deep cleaning them monthly using a filter cleaner ensures maximum lifespan and efficiency.
You might also consider filter cleaning tools, such as handheld filter combs or cartridge sprayers, to make cleaning faster and more thorough. These simple tools can prolong the life of your filter and improve water flow to your hot tub’s pump.
3. Durable Hot Tub Covers & Lifters
A quality hot tub cover is your first line of defense against the elements, especially during Squamish and Whistler’s wetter months. Insulated covers help maintain water temperature, reduce energy costs, and keep debris out of your spa.
Over time, covers can absorb moisture or get damaged, so check for any cracks, sagging, or mildew. If your cover is more than 5 years old, it may be time to replace it.
Pair your cover with a cover lifter. These handy accessories make it easier to open and close your spa, reducing strain and prolonging the cover’s life.
4. Safety Accessories: Spa Steps, Rails & Non-Slip Features
Safety around your hot tub is just as important as relaxation. Whether you’re stepping into a Jacuzzi® or Bullfrog®, having proper hot tub supplies like spa steps with anti-slip tread can prevent falls, especially during icy winters.
Add an adjustable handrail for extra support, especially useful for elderly users or those with mobility issues.
For homes with kids, consider additional safety measures like locking covers or floating chlorine dispensers that stay secure while unattended.
For the highest standard of safety, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) recommends using locking hot tub covers that meet ASTM/ANSI safety standards, which help prevent unsupervised access and accidental entry into the spa.
5. Comfort Add-Ons: Pillows, Trays & Ergonomic Headrests
A hot tub is meant to be your sanctuary, and comfort accessories can enhance the experience.
Hot tub supplies like headrests and spa pillows offer neck and head support, especially during long soaks. Be sure to choose ones designed for spa use—water-resistant and mildew-proof.
Spa-side trays and cup holders provide a safe, non-slip place for drinks, snacks, or even waterproof speakers. Add a floating LED tray for a luxurious touch during night-time use.
6. Cleaning Hot Tub Supplies: Skimmers, Vacuums & Surface Wipes
Keeping your spa clean doesn’t have to be hard. With the hot tub supplies, it’s actually pretty satisfying.
Start with a surface skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, and debris. This daily habit keeps your water looking fresh.
Invest in hot tub supplies like a hot tub vacuum, a must-have for cleaning grit and sand that settles on the floor. Many cordless models make the job quick and easy.
For scum lines or grime buildup, spa-safe cleaning wipes or microfiber cloths can keep your acrylic surfaces spotless without damaging the finish.
7. Water Testing Kits: Strips & Digital Meters
Water testing is essential for hot tub supply. It ensures your water chemistry is safe, balanced, and crystal clear.
Test strips are convenient and fast, just dip and compare to the color chart. However, for a more precise reading, consider a digital water tester. These units provide exact numbers for pH, chlorine, bromine, and alkalinity.
Table: Water Chemistry Targets for Hot Tubs
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.2 – 7.8 |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 – 120 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 150 – 250 ppm |
| Free Chlorine | 1 – 3 ppm |
| Bromine | 3 – 5 ppm |
Monitoring these levels weekly helps you avoid issues like algae, cloudiness, or plumbing damage caused by hard water or metal content.
8. Spa Enhancements: Aromatherapy & Lighting Systems
One of the best parts of spa ownership? Turning your hot tub into a luxurious escape.
Aromatherapy hot tub supplies, like mineral-infused crystals or liquid fragrances, can elevate your relaxation without affecting water chemistry.
Pair that with customizable LED lighting systems available in Jacuzzi® spas, and you’ve got a spa experience that rivals any resort. Lighting adds ambiance while also helping improve visibility at night.
Be sure to use only spa-safe aromatherapy products to avoid clogging filters or irritating your skin.
9. Energy-Efficiency Upgrades: Pumps, Blankets & Saltwater Systems
Energy efficiency matters, not just for your wallet, but for sustainability too.
Thermal blankets float on top of the water to minimize heat loss and evaporation. Combine them with a high-efficiency pump or upgraded heater and you’ll reduce both runtime and utility bills.
Some local homeowners are also switching to saltwater systems, which offer gentler water, less odor, and lower maintenance. While not suitable for every spa, Jacuzzi® and Bullfrog® models offer compatible options.
Look out for ozone or mineral sanitation systems as well, such as FROG® spa products, which reduce chemical usage while boosting water clarity.
10. Local Experts & Supply Options in Squamish & Whistler
Living in the Sea-to-Sky region means you have access to one of the most trusted spa teams in BC, Poolside Spa Sales & Service.
Located in both Squamish and Whistler, our stores carry a wide range of hot tub accessories, Jacuzzi® parts, spa steps, filters, cleaning tools, and even gift cards for the spa enthusiast in your life.
Can’t make it in store? Call or visit our website to ask about service plans, spa parts near me, or custom product orders. Our expert technicians are ready to help you find the right spa supply near you, no guesswork, just outstanding customer service.
FAQs
How often should I clean my hot tub filter?
Filters should be rinsed weekly, deep cleaned monthly, and replaced every 12–18 months, depending on usage.
What’s the difference between chlorine and bromine in hot tubs?
Both sanitize the water, but bromine is more stable in hot water and has a less noticeable odor – ideal for hot tubs.
Can I use regular household cleaners on my hot tub?
No. Always use spa-specific cleaners to avoid damage to acrylic surfaces or an imbalance in water chemistry.
How do I improve water clarity in my spa?
Use a clarifier, keep your filters clean, maintain water balance, and shock weekly to remove organic waste.
Are saltwater systems better for hot tubs?
They offer softer water and lower maintenance, but compatibility depends on your hot tub model. Speak with our team before upgrading.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a new hot tub owner in Squamish or a seasoned spa enthusiast in Whistler, having the right hot tub supplies makes all the difference. From sanitizers and filters to cover lifters and aromatherapy, each product contributes to a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable spa experience.
At Poolside Spa Sales & Service, we’re proud to be your local experts, offering everything you need to keep your backyard oasis running at its best.
Visit us in store or contact us online today to discover premium spa accessories, service solutions, and personalized advice.
