Creating a Spa Water Maintenance Routine
You've thoroughly cleaned your spa inside and out, your filters are well taken care of, so what's the next step towards beautiful crystal clear water? The water itself, of course!
Why Water Maintenance Matters
Water care is one of the most important aspects of spa maintenance, and although everyone’s maintenance experience is different, there are some general concepts that apply to everyone. Water quality affects every aspect of your spa, from the internal components to bather enjoyment, and though maintaining good water is not difficult, it does require regular attention. Being proactive before a problem begins is much easier than correcting issues later.
The Essentials of Water Care
Establishing a regular water care routine is key to clean and clear water, and helps you avoid chemical imbalance, and damage from neglect. Excellent water quality is a matter of four main principles:
- Sanitation
- Filtration
- Chemical balance
- Regular maintenance
Sanitation - Keeping Your Spa Water Safe
Sanitation is the use of sanitizer in the water. Bromine and chlorine are the two recognized sanitizers for spa use in Canada. These sanitizers are designed to kill viruses, bacteria, and other organic material by breaking them down to safe levels.
Filtration - The Key to Clean Water
Cleaning your filters regularly is a simple and effective way to keep your water clean and your plumbing system working properly. While the sanitizer is busy making sure all that debris and residue can't harm you, your filter is busy getting those dead particles out of your beautiful water. If your filter becomes dirty or clogged from all those particles, it causes your pump and heater to work harder, shortening the lifespan of the parts and possibly even causing them to fail. It also has an effect on how effective your sanitizer is and the amount of sanitizer used.
Chemical Balance - Testing and Adjusting Levels
Testing your water regularly for chemical imbalances and making the appropriate adjustments is also very important to ensure your water remains at safe and comfortable chemical levels. Adding chemical testing to your regular maintenance routine is essential for clear, clean water.
Regular Maintenance - The Importance of a Routine
With your sanitation, filtration, and ensuring all chemicals remain balanced, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Creating a maintenance routine not only makes your job simpler, it also ensures you won't miss anything—just remember the steps of your routine!
You Ideal Spa Maintenance Schedule
With average spa use (usually two people using the spa 2-3 times a week), your maintenance schedule should look something like this. If you use your spa more or less often, or with more or fewer people, make sure you adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly—water chemical levels can be quite different if you're using your spa every day as opposed to twice a week.
Before Soaking - Checking Water Levels
Do a quick test of your spa water using test strips or a water test kit to ensure chemical levels are comfortable for bathing.
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
- Test the water chemical levels and adjust chemical levels as necessary.
- Shock your spa water.
- Rinse your filter (including in between the pleats) with a garden hose or a filter cleaning tool.
Monthly Deep Cleaning and Filter Care
Do a chemical soak of your filters to ensure all oils, scale, and debris are fully removed. A weekly rinse isn’t enough to remove stubborn particles. If possible, let the filters dry before putting them back in the spa, or rotate between two sets of filters so one set is always clean while the other is drying.
Draining and Refilling Every 2-4 Months
Fully drain your spa and give it a good clean (see our previous blog for tips), then refill it with fresh water. This is also a good time to inspect your spa and ensure all equipment and plumbing appear in good working order.
Yearly Filter Inspections - Filters and Equipment
Even with excellent maintenance, filters should be replaced about once a year. Signs of wear include frayed pleats and a bloated appearance at the edges.
What's Next for Your Spa?
Now that you've developed your own maintenance routine, our next blog will take a closer look at each chemical in your water, why they're important, and how to ensure everything stays in harmony for beautiful, crystal-clear water.
