A spa is the perfect way to relax, unwind, and soak away the stresses of the day-until the water turns cloudy, the jets start smelling funky, or you realise it’s been a little too long since your last clean. Don’t worry, spa maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore! With a little regular care, you can keep your spa in top condition and enjoy stress-free soaking all year round.
The Basics of Spa Care
To keep your spa water crystal clear and your equipment running smoothly, focus on three key areas: water balance, filtration, and cleaning. Think of it as a spa trifecta-nail these and your golden.
- Keep your water balanced
Nothing kills the spa vibe like murky water and irritated skin. Regularly test and adjust your water chemistry to maintain the right balance:
- pH levels (7.4-7.6)-keeps water comfortable and prevents damage to your spa components. To increase your pH you will need Comfort Up and to reduce you will need Aquality.
- Sanitiser (Bromine, Chlorine or Chlorine Free)-The key to clean, safe water. Our bromine comes in tablet or granular form. If you choose to use tablets you will need a built in spa dispenser or you can pop them in a floater. The benefits of tablets is that they give a steady sanitisation without you having to add as regular doses of granular. Our chlorine spa sanitiser comes only in granular form and is recommended for use in lower temperature spas. If you choose to go chlorine free keeping your other levels balanced is more important.
- Alkalinity (125-150ppm)-Helps stabilise pH and keeps things from going wonky.
- Calcium Hardness (100-250ppm)-All water wants calcium in it-if it doesn’t have enough, it will begin to draw it out from your equipment (or your nails!). If the calcium is too high, it will plate out and stain your surfaces.
- Filtration
Your spa’s filter is like the unsung hero of the operation. It traps oils, dirt, and debris keeping your water looking (and smelling) fresh. Clean your filter regularly by rinsing it weekly and giving it a deep clean every month. If it’s looking worse for wear-replace it. We stock many of the most common filters.
- Clean
Even with perfect water balance, your spa needs regular TLC:
- Wiping down surfaces: Prevents build up and keeps things looking pristine. Spraying on some Squeaky Clean will help dissolve that grimy scum line.
- Shock the water: A weekly shock treatment eliminates contaminants and keeps water sparkling. This can be done with your granular sanitiser, a chlorine free shock like Oxysheen, or a sachet of Purity.
- Drain and refill: Every 3-4 months, give your spa a fresh start with new water. Be sure to use Swirl Away from time to time to ensure all that pipework that runs your spa is having a good clean too.
Optional Extras
If you’re looking to take your spa experience up a notch, there are a few optional extras to explore. Spa-safe fragrances can turn a regular soak into a relaxing aromatherapy session, while magnesium-rich salts can help soothe sore muscles and leave your skin feeling soft. These are a simple way to turn that backyard tub into your own little day spa retreat.
Maintain the Moments that Matter
A well-maintained spa isn’t just about clear water-it’s about creating a place for relaxation, laughter and making memories. Whether it’s a quiet soak under the stars or a bubbly gathering with friends, keeping your spa in shape ensures every soak is a great one.
If you’d like to discuss your spa care needs, we have everything to keep your spa in top shape. Visit us at Poolside Orange – we’re always happy to help.