Not really. Although tap water is technically “potable” or safe to drink, it often contains dissolved minerals and chemicals that can cause problems in hot tubs.
These minerals and chemicals can clog filters, corrode equipment, and make the water cloudy or foul-smelling.
For best results, use a spa water filter to purify your tap water before adding it to your hot tub.
Is Tap Water Bad For Hot Tubs?
Servicing your hot tub is important to ensuring long life and preventing expensive repairs.
Part of this service includes adding water, which most hot tub owners get from their hoses or a local water source.
This leaves some wondering, is tap water bad for my hot tub?
The simple answer is yes, using lake or river water is generally not recommended for refilling your spa.
The minerals found in these sources can clog filters and deposit scale on the interior surfaces of your tub, shortening its lifespan.
While distilled water is the ideal fill source for spas, it can be cost-prohibitive for many people.
If you must use tap water, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the effects of the minerals it contains.
First, install a good-quality water filter on your hose. This will remove some of the minerals before they ever enter your tub.
Additionally, you can use a product like SpaPure Mineral OUT to help remove minerals that have already built up in your spa water.
With a little effort, you can safely use tap water in your hot tub without damaging the equipment or affecting the quality of your soak.
Just be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your investment.