Servicing Your Spa for Spring

03 September, 2021

Spring is here which means it’s time to wave goodbye to winter! At Sapphire Spas we believe this is a great time to service your spa for the new season. You may have used your spa a lot over the winter season or not at all. Either way servicing will be required to ensure your spa continues to run optimally this spring. Here’s what you can do to service your spa to ensure it’s in the best shape heading into the new season.

The following information speaks about spas in general. Remember, spas come in many shapes and sizes, with varying features and functions. Some of these tips may not be applicable or appropriate to your specific spa. Any cleaning or maintenance should be done in accordance with the instructions in your owner’s manual.

General maintenance

As another season comes to an end, it’s important to give your spa a check-up and do some general maintenance. You should service your spa every three to four months to ensure it’s running efficiently. For general maintenance, you’ll need to disconnect the power source, drain all the water from the spa, and remove any dirt, sand, or other foreign objects that may be in the spa.

You’ll also want to remove and clean the cover, headrests, and all the jets. If you’re really keen you may also choose to treat and stain the cabinet.

Consult your owner’s manual before attempting to service your spa. If you’ve lost any parts, or notice anything damaged, get in touch with us to request spare spa parts.

Check water

Depending on how much you’re using your spa and the type of sanitising system used, it’ll need to be drained every two to four months. You’ll need to drain off around a third of your water to refresh the system and get clean water again. If your spa pool is being used very highly you may need to drain it more often. Otherwise the recommended time period to drain your spa pool is every 6 to 12 months. Again, consult your specific spa manufacturer owner’s manual for specific information.

Spa shock

If your spa pool has been used a lot over the winter, the cleanliness of the water may have been tainted by perspiration, body oil, swimwear, or food. It’s important to use a spa shock when servicing your spa, especially after high usage. This will break down the organic contaminants and clean them up via filtration.

You’ll also need to check if you’re using a chlorine-free sanitising system. If you are then you’ll need a chlorine-free shock. Always remember to check your spa manual before shocking your spa.

Spa Filter

It’s important to check and clean your spa filters when servicing your spa for spring. The spa filter system is important when it comes to the quality of the water in your spa. If the filters are dirty or overused they will not be successful in keeping contaminants out which puts strain on your spa motor pump. This can shorten the life of your equipment.

In this case, remove the spa filters and rinse with a hose on low pressure or use a filter cartridge cleaner. It’s important to use a filter cartridge cleaner to clean the filters as it will help give it a deep clean. Make sure to not use laundry detergents or household cleaners to soak your filters as they may cause a major foaming problem. If your spa water is not staying clear, you’re having to clear your cartridge often, or if there’s restricted water flow, you may need a new filter.

It’s recommended that you replace your filter at least once a year if you use the spa multiple times a week. Otherwise, check every 18 months to make sure it’s performing efficiently. It’s important your filter cartridge is maintained to maximise the life and usefulness. It should be cleaned at least every two months, and more often than this if your spa has been used often.

Alkalinity or pH

It’s important to check the alkalinity and pH scale when servicing your spa. To ensure it’s the right balance, check using your spa test strips. Consult your owner’s manual for your specific spa’s requirements or read and learn about spa chemistry.

If the results show up outside the measurements specified you can adjust the balance with an approved pH reducer or increase alkalinity solution. High pH, alkalinity, or total hardness being out of balance can be a reason for cloudy spa water, and low alkalinity or low sanitiser can cause brown water.

Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning the spa surface, acrylic is very easy to clean. Generally, stains and dirt won’t adhere to the surface. You can wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner when servicing your spa at the beginning of spring.

You can usually remove spa headrests in order to clean behind them when you drain the spa. Wipe them down using a damp cloth or sponge. At Sapphire Spas, the headrests are covered by a warranty of two years. When servicing your spa you can also wash your cover with mild detergent and rinse with clean water.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t use laundry detergent, abrasives, or alcohol-based products when cleaning your spa as these can be damaging.

Jets

To keep your jets performing at the optimum level, it is recommended that you remove them to inspect and clean them when servicing your spa. A build-up of dirt and sand at the back of the jets will have a detrimental effect on their performance and life.

You can do this by turning your jets to the left and removing the jet. Gently tap the jets on a hard surface to loosen any debris and soak them in a bucket of warm water to clean them. Once cleaned, refit jets to the body.

Servicing your spa every season can help you make the most out of your spa. It helps in getting it to run efficiently, which means you get to use it for longer and save money down the line.

Of course if you still have more questions about servicing your spa, please contact your local Sapphire Spas retail store