Hot Spot Spa Pillows: How to Care for Them, Remove Them, and Order the Right Replacement

Spa pillows are easy to take for granted until one starts to crack, fade, or slip out of place. Then you notice just how much they contribute to a comfortable soak. On a Hot Spot spa, the headrest pillows support your neck while you lean back into the jets, and a worn pillow can turn a relaxing session into one where you are constantly adjusting. The good news is that pillows are one of the easiest parts of your spa to care for and replace.

This guide covers how to keep Hot Spot pillows in good shape, how to remove and reinstall them, when replacement makes sense, and how to find the right pillow for your model and year.

Why Spa Pillows Wear Out

Spa pillows live in a demanding environment. They are exposed to hot water, sanitizers, body oils, and sunlight, and they are compressed every time someone leans back. Hot Spring spas, including the Hot Spot Collection, position pillows above the normal water level to reduce the bleaching effect of chlorinated water and spa chemicals, but they still get splashed and soaked in use.

Over time, that exposure breaks down the pillow's surface and foam. The most common culprits are:

• Sanitizer exposure, especially during shock treatments with higher chemical levels.
• Body oils and lotions, which build up on the surface.
• UV exposure when the cover is open in direct sun.
• Heat and constant compression.

How to Care for Your Pillows

A little routine care adds years to a pillow's life. Hot Spring's owner's manuals recommend the following.

Clean Them When You Clean the Shell

Whenever you clean the spa shell, such as during a water change, remove the pillows and clean them too. A mild soap and water solution removes body oils. Always rinse the pillows thoroughly afterward, since soap residue left on the pillow ends up in your spa water and causes foam.

Condition After Cleaning

Hot Spring's manuals suggest conditioning pillows with a vinyl protectant after cleaning, such as the Cover Shield product Hot Spring recommends for its covers and pillows. Conditioning helps protect the surface from drying and cracking.

Remove Them When the Spa Is Not in Use

If the spa will not be used for a long period, such as during a vacation or when it is winterized, remove the pillows until the next use. Do the same whenever you super-chlorinate or shock the water. The higher chemical levels during a shock treatment are hard on pillow materials, and it only takes a moment to lift them out.

Keep the Cover On

Leaving the cover off for long periods in direct sunlight exposes pillows to UV, which fades and dries them out. Keeping the spa covered between uses protects the pillows along with the water.

How to Remove and Reinstall a Pillow

Many Hot Spring family pillows attach to a plastic retainer on the spa. The general method described in Hot Spring's manuals is to carefully pull and lift one end of the pillow, stretching it lengthwise until it releases from the retainer, then free the other end. To reinstall, reverse the process, seating one end and stretching the pillow gently to seat the other.

A few tips:

• Work slowly and use even pressure. Yanking can tear an older, brittle pillow.
• Pillows are easier to remove and install when they are warm and flexible, so avoid doing this on a very cold day.
• Look at the retainer while the pillow is out. A cracked or loose retainer can cause even a new pillow to slip.
• Check your owner's manual, since attachment methods can vary by model and year.

When to Replace a Pillow

Replace a pillow when it shows any of these signs:

• Cracks, splits, or peeling on the surface
• Significant fading or discoloration that does not clean off
• Foam that feels hard, flattened, or waterlogged
• A pillow that no longer stays attached to its retainer
• A sticky or slimy feel that returns right after cleaning

Worn pillows are more than a comfort issue. Cracked surfaces can trap oils and bacteria, and pieces of a deteriorating pillow can end up in your filter. It is also a good idea to replace all of the pillows in the spa at once, so they match in color and feel.

Water Chemistry and Pillow Life

Pillow care and water care are more connected than they seem. Pillows sit where water splashes most, and every chemical imbalance they are exposed to adds wear. Sanitizer levels that run consistently high are especially hard on pillow surfaces, so avoid overdosing, and let levels drop back into the normal range before replacing pillows after a shock. Water that runs low in pH can also be harsh on vinyl and plastics. Keeping your water balanced protects the pillows along with your heater, jets, and cover.

Body oils and lotions are the other big factor. They cling to pillow surfaces, attract dirt, and break the material down over time. Encouraging everyone to rinse off before soaking helps keep pillows cleaner between wipe-downs, and a quick wipe with a damp cloth after heavy use keeps residue from building up.

Pillows and Comfort

A fresh pillow can change how a spa feels. As pillows age, the foam compresses and the support that holds your head at a comfortable angle disappears, which can leave you slouching or tensing your neck to stay above the water. Many owners are surprised how much more relaxing their favorite seat feels after a pillow replacement. If one seat has become everyone's least favorite, a worn pillow may be the reason.

Finding the Right Replacement for Your Hot Spot

Hot Spot pillows are model-year specific, because pillow shape and mounting changed as the Hot Spot shells were redesigned. The two most common Hot Spot Collection headrest pillows are generally listed by parts suppliers as follows:

• Part 77444: commonly listed for 2011 to 2019 Hot Spot models, including the Tempo, Relay, Rhythm, SX, and TX (with some models covered only for the later part of that range).
• Part 78909: commonly listed for 2020 to current Hot Spot models, including the Pace, Relay, Rhythm, Stride, SX, and TX.

Because the same model name, such as Relay or Rhythm, can use a different pillow depending on the year, the model year is just as important as the model name. Before ordering:

1. Find your spa's model and serial number on the label inside the equipment compartment, with the power turned off.
2. Confirm your spa's model year from the serial number, your paperwork, or your owner's manual.
3. Take a photo of your current pillow and its retainer.
4. Match the part to both your model and model year, and contact our team if you are unsure.

Keeping Spare Pillows on Hand

If you use your spa year-round or share it with a busy household, a spare pillow can save you from a stretch of uncomfortable soaks while a replacement ships. It also makes rotation easy: swap in the spare while you clean and condition the other, or keep a fresh set ready for when you shock the spa. Store spare pillows indoors, out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat or cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should Hot Spot spa pillows be replaced?

There is no fixed schedule. Replace them when they crack, fade, harden, or stop staying attached. Good care, including regular cleaning, conditioning, and removing them during shock treatments, extends their life.

How do I remove a Hot Spot pillow?

On many models, pull and lift one end of the pillow to stretch it until it releases from its plastic retainer, then free the other end. Check your owner's manual for your model.

Which pillow fits my Hot Spot Relay?

It depends on the year. Parts suppliers commonly list pillow 77444 for 2011 to 2019 models and 78909 for 2020 to current models. Confirm your model year before ordering.

Can I clean spa pillows with household cleaners?

Use mild soap and water, and rinse thoroughly. Harsh cleaners can damage the pillow, and soap residue causes foam in the spa.

Why does my new pillow keep slipping off?

Check that it is the correct part for your model year, and inspect the plastic retainer on the spa. A cracked or worn retainer can prevent even a new pillow from staying in place.

Should I remove pillows when I shock the spa?

Yes. Hot Spring's manuals recommend removing pillows during super-chlorination and whenever the spa will go unused for a long period.

Comfortable pillows make every Hot Spot soak better. Clean and condition them when you clean the spa, take them out during shock treatments and long breaks, and replace them when they start to crack or slip. When it is time to order, match both your model and model year, and your new pillows will fit perfectly.