Spas require more frequent maintenance than your main pool because the smaller water volume means chemistry changes quickly. Here's how to keep it clean and safe.
Test twice a week
With less water volume, pH and chlorine can shift dramatically after just one use. Test at minimum twice a week and after every heavy use session.
Target ranges for spas
pH: 7.4 – 7.6. Chlorine: 3 – 5 ppm (higher than a pool because of heat). Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm. Calcium Hardness: 150 – 250 ppm.
Shock weekly
Heat and heavy use burn through chlorine fast. Shock your spa once a week with a non-chlorine shock or a full chlorine shock depending on use.
Clean the filter monthly
Spa filters clog faster than pool filters. Remove and rinse your cartridge monthly. Deep soak it in filter cleaner every 3 months and replace it annually.
Drain and refill every 3 months
No matter how well you maintain it, total dissolved solids build up over time in a small body of water. Drain completely, wipe down the shell, and refill with fresh water every 3 months.
Clean the waterline
Body oils, lotions, and cosmetics build up at the waterline. Use a spa-safe surface cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe it down weekly.
Flush the jets
Every time you drain the spa, add a jet flush product to the water and run the jets for 15 minutes before draining. This cleans out biofilm that builds up inside the plumbing.
Cover care
Keep your spa cover clean and conditioned. Wipe it down monthly with a vinyl protectant. A well-maintained cover saves energy and keeps debris out.