Complete Spa Care Routine — Water, Cleaning & Seasons
1. First Fill & Startup
Rinse the shell thoroughly before the first fill to remove manufacturing residue.
Fill through the filter compartment so water passes through the filter immediately.
Run the jets for 10 minutes to purge air from the plumbing, then add your initial chemical dose.
Allow the spa to reach temperature before the first soak (typically 8-12 hours).
2. Water Care — The Foundation of a Great Soak
Test 2-3 times per week: keep pH at 7.2-7.8, alkalinity at 80-120 ppm, and sanitizer at 3-5 ppm chlorine or 2-4 ppm bromine.
Shock weekly or after heavy use to burn off contaminants and prevent odors.
Check calcium hardness monthly — aim for 150-250 ppm to protect your shell and equipment.
Drain and refill every 3-4 months, or when total dissolved solids (TDS) exceed 1500 ppm.
Add chemicals slowly to the center of the spa with jets running — never directly into the filter area.
3. Cleaning Your Spa
Weekly: wipe the waterline with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to prevent scum buildup.
Monthly: clean the shell with a gentle, non-sudsing spa cleaner; use baking soda for small stains; clean pillows per the Owner's Manual.
Cover: rinse monthly with a mild soap solution (1 tsp dish soap per 2 gallons water), wipe dry, and never use cover protectants on polyester covers.
4. Filter Care
Every 1-2 weeks: rinse filters with a garden hose to remove debris.
Monthly: deep-clean with a filter-cleaning solution.
Every 12-18 months: replace filters, or sooner if they no longer rinse clean.
5. Salt System Care (PureWater Models)
Monthly: check salt level and add salt as needed per the Owner's Manual.
Every 3 months: inspect and clean the salt cell to maintain efficiency.
Monitor the control panel display for cell status indicators.
6. Seasonal Maintenance
Spring/Fall: deep-clean the shell, inspect cover seams and pillows, and check all plumbing connections.
Summer: check water more frequently in hot weather; keep the cover on when not in use to reduce evaporation and chemical loss.
Winter: keep the spa running at temperature to prevent freezing; if winterizing, drain completely, blow out lines, add antifreeze per manual, and secure the cover.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cloudy water: shock the spa, check and adjust pH, and clean or replace the filter.
Foaming: usually caused by soaps and lotions — shower before soaking and rinse swimsuits without detergent.
Strong smell: shock more frequently and verify sanitizer levels.
Slow heating or error codes: check the filter for debris, then contact a certified technician.
8. Energy-Saving Tips
Always keep the insulated cover on when not in use.
Lower the temperature by 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit during long absences.
Position the spa away from strong winds and direct afternoon sun.
9. Quick Maintenance Checklist
| Frequency | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Test water, rinse filters, check water level |
| Monthly | Clean shell and pillows, deep-clean filters, check salt level (PureWater), inspect cover |
| Every 3-4 months | Drain and refill, clean salt cell |
| Annually | Professional service check — pumps, heater, electrical connections |
Contact a certified technician for any unusual noise, error codes, or leaks. Always follow your Owner's Manual for model-specific instructions.