7 Tips for Maintaining Your Spa Pool During the Busy Season

It's important to make sure you are taking the necessary spa pool maintenance steps to keep your water and spa shell in great condition.

In this article, you'll learn:

• What are the best ways to maintain my spa pool during the busy season?
• What are some common problems that occur with spa pools during the busy season?
• What does a high pH level in my spa or hot tub mean?
• How can I keep algae from growing in my spa pool during the busy season?
• Are there any other tips or advice for spa maintenance during the busy season?
• How much chlorine should I use during the busy season?

CHEMICAL DISCLAIMER: In this article, you will find general information about chemicals. This article may not provide safety information that is specific to any particular product; it is not intended to be comprehensive or complete, and it is not intended to guarantee the appropriate use of any particular product or chemical.

Consumers should follow the specific instructions provided by the product manufacturer on the product label. This includes understanding the specific chemical composition of the product, its intended uses, and the potential exposure to various constituents.

What are the best ways to maintain my spa pool during the busy season?

1. Sanitise spa water consistently

Ensure you are dosing your spa water with sanitiser regularly, as per the manufacturer's instructions/ This will help to kill bacteria and maintain water clarity and prevent contamination.

Warm water is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and with extra usage, you'll need to pay careful attention to your water treatment and sanitising regimen.

If using chlorine, the recommended sanitiser level is 6-10g per 1000L of water*. If using chlorine-free sanitisers such as hydrogen peroxide, then follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage on the product label. Find out more about hydrogen peroxide in the button below.

When you add chemicals, grab a bucket of your spa water, add sanitiser at the required dosage and mix until fully dissolved in the bucket. Then turn your jets off and gently mix in the chemicals and water from the bucket into the middle of your spa or hot tub.

Leave your jets off for 30 mins to one hour. This will allow the chemicals to mix properly with the water.

2. Monitor and adjust the water balance

Part of your weekly spa or hot tub maintenance schedule should be regularly checking and monitoring the chemical levels and water quality to ensure that it is safe for use.

Use a test kit or test strips to check the pH level and total alkalinity several times a week and ensure it is within the correct range. Adjust pH and alkalinity levels accordingly if needed.

3. Clean Filters Regularly.

Keeping your filters clean will help maintain the quality of the water in your spa pool and help your pump operate more efficiently. Clean filters can help reduce the amount of debris and particles in the water, leading to better water clarity.

Remove your filters on a monthly basis and use an approved filter cleaning compound to soak them, then rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. Using a filter cleaner wand can help make rinsing your filters easier.

If your spa is experiencing high usage during the busy season, you should clean your filters more often.

4. Shock your spa

Use either a shock dose of sanitiser (25g per 1000L of water) or a dedicated spa shock product every week to help kill organic matter that may have entered your spa and maintain your water clarity.

You can also use a water clarifier to help remove tiny particulate that can build up in spa water during heavy use.

5. Monitor the water flow rate

Turn all your pumps on and monitor the water flow from all the jets and water features around your spa. If you notice low flow around one jet, check it is opened all the way.

This will ensure the water circulates through all your plumbing and helps prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria behind closed jets. If one jet has a lower flow rate, you should remove and clean it, or it may need replacing.

6. Schedule Maintenance

It is important to schedule regular maintenance on your spa pool to ensure that all parts are working properly and that any necessary repairs are made quickly.

Need help? Contact the Spa World™ Service department.

7. Keep Extra Supplies On Hand

During the busy season, it's a good idea to keep extra supplies on hand in case something does go wrong with your spa pool. Many spa owners carry an extra set of filters, at least a couple of months' supply of chemicals, or even spare parts.

Following these seven tips can help make sure that your spa pool is running safely and efficiently during the busy season, so you and your guests can relax and enjoy crystal-clear water.

Keep reading for more detailed tips.

What are some common problems that occur with spa pools during the busy season?

Common problems that occur with spa pools during the busy season include cloudy water, foam, low pH levels, and clogged filters. These issues can cause eye and skin irritations and other health problems as well as damage to spa components if not addressed.

How to get rid of cloudy spa water?

Cloudy water in spa pools is caused by the presence of beauty products, body oils, detergents and other organic matter even in small quantities. Inadequate sanitising or over-sanitising can also cause your spa water to appear cloudy.

Cloudiness may also be caused by a total alkalinity level that is too high, resulting in high calcium levels - this makes it harder for your sanitiser to work correctly.

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What does a low pH level in my spa mean?

Low pH levels (below 7.2) mean your spa pool water is too acidic. Incorrect pH levels can cause possible corrosion to components such as heater elements and metal fittings in your spa.

Use a pH increaser (also known as an alkalinity increaser) such as sodium carbonate (soda ash) to bring the pH back up into the recommended range (7.2-7.6).

What does a high pH level in my spa or hot tub mean?

High pH levels (above 7.6) mean your spa pool water is too alkaline. This can cause cloudy water, scaling and build-up on surfaces as well as create an uncomfortable feeling when swimming in the spa.

Use a pH decreaser such as muriatic acid to bring the pH back down into the ideal range (7.2-7.6).

What does a high total alkalinity in my spa pool mean?

High total alkalinity levels (above 120) mean that your spa pool is at risk of calcium deposits as well as scale build-up, which can cause cloudy water and reduced performance.

Use a pH decreaser such as muriatic acid to bring the total alkalinity back into the total alkalinity recommended range (80-120). Use small quantities to avoid making your spa water too acidic. Wait 4 hours or until the following day, then re-test and add more if still needed.

Is it necessary to hire a professional to help me manage my spa pool during the busy season?

It is not always necessary to hire a professional to manage your spa pool during the busy season. However, it can be helpful to have an experienced technician check out your spa pool and make sure that all components are working properly, especially if you have a new spa and are unsure about how to maintain it correctly.

If your spa pool begins to develop problems and you are unable to fix them yourself, it may be necessary to hire a professional who can help with repairs and maintenance.

How often should I test my spa pool's water quality during the busy season?

Water testing should be done at least once a week, but more frequently during periods of high usage.

How can I keep algae from growing in my spa pool during the busy season?

Algae growth in a spa pool can be prevented by regularly testing and adjusting the pH levels, cleaning filters, and using algaecides if necessary.

Additionally, it is important to make sure your spa pool has proper circulation so that algae won't be able to thrive in stagnant water.

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What should be done if someone gets sick after swimming in my spa pool during the busy season?

If someone gets sick after swimming in your spa pool during the busy season, it is important to take immediate action. This includes testing the water, cleaning filters, and doing an inspection of mechanical components.

Additionally, you should contact a professional who can help identify and rectify any issues that could have caused the illness.

Are there any other tips or advice for spa maintenance during the busy season?

Yes! Here are some additional tips for managing a spa pool, swim spa or hot tub during the busy season:

Check your spa cover

Make sure your spa pool cover is in good condition. Using an approved product that is safe for vinyl spa covers, give your cover a thorough cleaning. When it is clean use a protectant on the cover - this will help maintain the waterproofing properties of the vinyl and protect it from the UV rays of the sun.

Remove the cover completely

Before cleaning to avoid the cleaning products affecting your spa water chemistry, you'll need to remove your spa cover. Allow the cover to dry and air out in the sun for one hour or more - this will help prevent mould or mildew from forming on the underside.

Replace your spa filters

Pleated spa filters should be replaced every 12 months on average. If you are approaching the 12-month mark and you are planning to have lots of guests in your spa over the summer, you should consider installing a new set of filters to help ensure your spa pool water is kept sparkling and crystal clear.

If using Vortex^® Purezone™ or Jacuzzi^® micron filters, they should be replaced every 3-5 months regardless of the size of your spa, hot tub or swim spa.

Use a water clarifier.

A water clarifier product bonds with tiny particles that are too small for your filter to capture and binds the particles together. This then enables your filter to collect them and prevent them from impacting the quality of your water.

Encourage guests to shower or rinse off

Rinsing off before jumping into your spa or hot tub helps keep lotions, sunblock, tanning products, makeup, deodorants and the dirt and sweat of the day out of your spa water.

Monitor water levels and adjust

Kids splashing around in the spa can cause a surprising amount of water to escape so you may need to top up your water! Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the optimal water line position then use a garden hose to add water to bring it up to the correct level.

Drain and refill your spa with fresh water

Now is a perfect time to drain your spa and refill so you're starting with beautifully clean water for your family and guests to enjoy in the peak season. Run a pipe cleaner through your spa water before emptying to help remove biofilm buildup in your spa pipes and components.

Click the button below to learn how to properly drain and refill your spa.

Check your water temperature

In the warmer time of year, you may wish to drop the temperature down a couple of degrees, or even turn the heating off altogether. Very hot water can quickly cause dehydration and is not safe for younger kids.

If kids are playing in the spa you should ensure the temperature is no warmer than 32 degrees Celcius. Want to cool your spa water down? Read the detailed guide linked below.

Check your spa shell

Inspect your spa pool shell for any signs of damage or leaks. These can occur around jets and water features. If you notice a leak you can try using a spa leak sealer product for minor leaks.

Remove dirt and debris

Outdoor spas can collect leaves, dirt, dust and other debris from the backyard. This debris can introduce bacteria into your water. Use a skimmer or spa vacuum to remove the dirt

Check mechanical components

Another important part of spa maintenance is to check mechanical components such as pumps and motors for signs of wear and tear. If necessary, these should be serviced or replaced to ensure your spa pool is running properly.

How much chlorine should I use during the busy season?

The recommended dosage in Australia at the time of writing (December 2022) for chlorine sanitiser is between 6g and 10g per 1000L of water. If your spa is experiencing particularly high usage or you begin to notice water clarity issues, you should consider adding chemicals in the higher end of this range (10g per 1000L).

Please note, this information is a guide only, you should always follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage on the chemical label.

We don't recommend the use of pool chemicals in your spa, hot tub or swim spa. Chemicals for pools are designed for much lower water temperatures and larger bodies of water found in swimming pools. Using them for water treatment in your spa can result in damage to components and the growth of harmful micro organisms and bacteria.

Pool walls are often made from tile, concrete or fibreglass, in comparison to spa pools and hot tubs which are generally made from acrylic. This is another reason why the spa and hot tub chemicals are different from those used in swimming pools.

You should also watch out for poor chlorine products which are inferior and contain a higher concentration of filler products such as calcium and other chemicals which can impact your water chemistry.

How often should I shock my spa during the busy season?

It is important to shock your spa pool regularly during the busy season to keep your spa water clean and safe for use.

Your spa pool water should be shock dosed at least once a week, but more frequently if your spa has a lot of use (for example kids playing in it for long periods every day, or a large party.)

Spa shock generally requires a dosage of 25g per 1,000L of water, but you should always check the manufacturer's recommendation on the product label. Learn more about spa shock in the article linked below.

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What should I do if my spa filter is clogged?

If you notice your filters are becoming clogged, it’s important to remove them and soak them in an approved filter cleaner according to the product instructions.

Once they have been soaked, rinse off any debris with fresh water and re-install. You should also backwash the filter system after each cleaning to flush out any residual dirt or debris. If your filters are beyond cleaning, they may need replacing.

Should I use chlorine or bromine sanitiser?

We recommend using chlorine sanitiser over bromine for several reasons. Bromine is less powerful than chlorine, meaning more is required - it also tends to hang around longer in spa water and can cause corrosion to components when used incorrectly.

Learn more about the differences between chlorine and bromine.

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In Summary

Spa and hot tub maintenance is important all year round, particularly in the peak season when your spa is getting the most use. Following the guidelines in this article will help ensure your spa, swim spa or hot tub water is clean and sparkling.

Happy Soaking!

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