If you’re a spa newbie, you may feel a little overwhelmed at what you’ve gotten yourself into.
The maintenance doesn’t cross your mind too much until it’s installed and all yours.
Kind of like when a new parent is left alone with their newborn for the first time but without the dire consequences!
There are consequences, nonetheless, primarily in the form of green water and a hot tub you can’t use unless you’re wearing a hazmat suit.
Don’t worry. It’s not too difficult once you know what to do and when you should do it.
Here are some guidelines to get you started.
1. Regularly check the chemistry
Consistently maintaining the right levels of chemicals in your spa will make the cleaning much easier.
It’s a good idea to test the water about two to four times a week and adjust the concentration of chemicals to get the optimum balance.
You can test the water yourself or you can take a sample into your spa supplier and they can give you a professional assessment.
Once a week you’ll need to give your spa a “shock” treatment that sanitizes the water.
Keep in mind that this needs to be done weekly, even if the spa hasn’t been used.
2. Keep the spa clean
You can use a skimmer net to clean leaves, bugs or other debris that are on the top of the water or floating in it.
If you keep your hot tub covered – which you should! – dirt and debris won’t gather at the bottom of the spa, and you won’t have to vacuum it out.
Cleaning the water lines and the surfaces is only done when you’re draining the spa.
Household cleaners and soaps are not recommended for use on your spa – stick with the products that are made for this job. You can find them at your spa supply store.
3. Wash the filter
If your spa is used frequently, it’s a good idea to clean the filter with special filter chemicals every four weeks. If it is only being used occasionally, you can extend the regular cleanings to every eight weeks.
You should still remove it and rinse it with clean water once a week.
The filter should be replaced every 12 to 14 months, or every 15 cleanings as this is what really causes the filter to break down.
4. Maintain the outside of the spa
Don’t forget that the outside of your spa needs some TLC, too.
In the course of protecting your spa from the elements, your cover can take a beating.
Using vinyl cleaner and a soft cloth, wipe down the outside of the cover.
You don’t want to use any kind of cleaner on the underside of the cover because there’s a chance it could throw off the chemical balance of the spa water.
Instead, spray the underside down with your garden hose and use a non-abrasive sponge for any dirt or debris.
After letting the cover air dry, apply a vinyl protector to the exterior.
Most spas have a shell made of acrylic, so all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth every once in awhile to remove dust and dirt.
5. Add water
It’s important to keep the water at the correct level or you could risk damaging the pump.
Keep an eye on the spa as you’re topping it off to make sure that you don’t overfill it. You definitely don’t want it to overflow!
Proper maintenance lengthens your spa’s life
The best way to protect your investment is to take care of it!
It may seem like a lot at first, but as you get used to the routine, it will seem easier.
One way to keep yourself on track is to set a reminder on your smartphone for each maintenance task.
When properly cared for, your spa will provide you with years of enjoyment and relaxation.
Do you have a tried and true method for staying up-to-date with your spa maintenance?
