Maintaining a spa is a lot like maintaining a pool, only easier because you can drain and refill it whenever needed. Looking after your spa just takes a little time every week and keeps it clean and hygienic for the whole family to enjoy.

Here are some common questions and answers to help simplify the way you think about spa maintenance.

How do you keep a spa’s water clean?

To keep a spa’s water clean and hygienic, there are 2 main things that make this possible: spa chemicals and filtration. Spa chemicals are used to keep the way algae free and balanced, whereas the filtration does most of the heavy lifting. Most spas will be equipped with a micro filter which traps all the smaller debris like dirt and oils, which eventually you will need to remove the filter from your spa to clean out with a hose.

When do I top up the water level?

Due to the nature of warm water, you will lose small amounts of water overtime – mainly due to evaporation. To have your filtration working at the optimum level, it is always best practice to maintain the water line 2/3 of the way up the skimmer. If the water level drops below where it needs to be, it will cause your pump to run dry which can be detrimental to your whole filtration system. Depending on how often you use the spa and if the spa has a cover, the water level may need to be topped up once a week.

Do I need to change the water?

Even if you add the right chemicals and are on top of your water testing, eventually the spa needs to be emptied and refilled. You should change your spa water when the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) gets to a level of 2,000ppm or above. When the TDS in the pool is too high you will find the water becomes easily cloudy and have a hard feel to your skin. For most Spas, this means you will have to change the water every 3-4 months, this includes washing and scrubbing down the spas surface.

Do I need to cover my Spa?

Generally, it’s best practice to have a Spa cover, here are some reasons why:

  • Insulates the water, significantly increasing the efficiency of the spa by keeping in the heat and decreasing evaporation.
  • Keeps dirt and debris out, which keeps the water cleaner.
  • Use less chemicals