We just recently became hot tub owners and it's a whole vibe! Here's my recommendations to what we purchased to care for our spa.
I prefer a test kit with drops rather than strips for (what I think) is better accuracy. Testing the water and taking care of any imbalances is the number 1 most important thing when owning a hot tub.
Pool Test Kits & Strips - Pool Chemicals - The Home Depot
We've been using this brand of alkalinity increaser and I'm loving the results! Clean packaging, fast acting and no chemical smell!
SpaGuard Spa Total Alkalinity - 2 Lb
We have been using this PH decreaser in our home spa and I love the results! Pretty packaging, easy application and no chemical smell. Love it!
SpaGuard pH Decreaser - Pool Geek
Use Muriatic Acid to bring the alkalinity of your home spa down quickly.
Klean-Strip Green 1 Gal. Green Muriatic Acid GKGM75006
We recently purchased this vacuum for our hot tub and it's been a great addition to the myriad of products needed to keep a hot tub running and sparkling clean.
Intex Rechargeable Handheld Pool Cleaner
It has been amazing soaking in our hot tub in the morning before our day begins or at night when things are quiet. It's a vibe! This inflatable hot tub was pretty easy to set up and run and it's roomy!!
INTEX Outdoor Hot Tubs & Pools Supplies
We bought this to clarify our hot tub and it's been a game changer!
SpaGuard Spa Water Clarifier - 1 Pint
This is the hot tub mat we purchase to go underneath our hot tub. There are 2 main reasons why you would want to purchase this, one to protect the bottom of your hot tub and 2, to add comfort for yourself if the hot tub is inflatable like ours. This product fulfills both tasks beautifully!
77IN Hot Tub Mat for Inflatable Tub
This little sponge is so cute and really works to help keep things clean!
LeisureQuip ScumBoat Absorber for Hot Tubs
I've been using this shock in my home spa and it's doing a fantastic job keeping the water clean!
Hth Shock - Walmart
This HTH PH Increaser is really easy to use and there's no chemical smell.
HTH Pool Care pH up, Raises pH, Swimming Pool Chemicals ...