With the weather starting to get warmer and robins bobbing around on the lawn looking for worms, spring fever is in the air. Most people are getting outside, getting ready to clean their yard after the long winter and get things ready for backyard barbecues, campfires and all that the sunny weather has to offer. Spring is the perfect time to give your hot tub a once over from top to bottom and ensure everything is working well, do some spring cleaning and get your backyard oasis ready for friends, family and fun.
Here are some easy steps to get your spa ready for spring:
Doing a thorough clean inside and out is a great place to start. This allows you to purge, drain and refill your spa with fresh clean water, starting off the new season with a clean slate.
- Use a pipe cleaner and allow it to run through jets and plumbing for the manufacturer's recommended time; this will clean the goo and dirt build up out of your plumbing.
- After cleaning the internal water system, drain your spa. This will allow you to inspect the shell for damage or deterioration and let you clean all the surfaces inside and out.
- This is also a fabulous time to give your spa cover a once over and do a deep clean to make sure its free of dirt, mold or unsightly mildew. You can also use a cover conditioner to help shine and protect your cover.
- Remove and clean your filter. Doing a filter soak will help to dissolve oil and grease build up and get rid of clogs. If you find that your filter is frayed and worn out, it may be time to replace it. Most filters last one year with proper care and usage of spa, though some spa owners opt to have a spare filter to swap out, allowing filter dry time between cleanings. This can also help to prolong the life of your filters.
Once you have given your entire spa a deep clean and inspection, it’s time to refill.
- If you you live in an area that has a high mineral count in the water, you may want to use a pre-filter to minimize metals and sediment and make balancing your water chemistry easier.
- Once you have your hot tub refilled, it's time to add your chemicals, check chemical range with a test kit and adjust appropriately.
- Spring is also and excellent time to look at your chemical inventory. Ensuring you have adequate stores of chemicals guarantees an effective water maintenance routine and keeps your water clean and safe for beautiful, ocean blue water. The chemicals that are needed for any spa water care routine are a bromine or chlorine sanitizer, ph adjuster, alkalinity adjuster, shock product and filter soak. There are complimentary products that you may also wish to have on hand: calcium adjuster, borate water conditioner, water clarifier and enzyme additive. Having the proper water balance right from the start makes weekly water maintenance easier.
Now it’s time to make sure all your components are working properly.
- Turn on your jets, pump and heater and let the hot tub run for a bit. This will let you see if there are any problems that need to be addressed.
- If there are any parts that have deteriorated over the winter, spring is great time to replace anything that is not in great shape as the weather is convenient for some hands-on jobs.
The sunny days and cool evening make spring a wonderful time to do yearly upkeep and maintenance, stock up on your core chemicals and just rest and unwind after a busy day in your beautiful spa. Grab friends and family, some great food and drink and enjoy your backyard oasis.