Welcome to your go-to guide for keeping your spa pool sparkling and balanced by the Hot Spring Spas Hawkes Bay team! Whether you’re new to spa ownership or looking to perfect your maintenance routine, our simple steps will ensure your spa is always ready for a relaxing soak. 

Plus, we'll dive into the importance of using chlorine and answer some of your most pressing spa maintenance questions. Ready to discover the secrets to a perfectly maintained spa? Let’s dive in!

3 Steps to Balancing Your Spa Pool Water

Keeping your spa water sparkling and balanced is easier than you think. With just a few straightforward steps, you can ensure your spa is always ready for a relaxing soak. Here are our three simple steps to help maintain the perfect balance in your spa pool water.

Step 1: Test the Water

Regular testing of your spa water is crucial for maintaining a healthy spa environment. Unbalanced water can lead to skin irritation, cloudy water, and even damage to your spa equipment.

Simply use a test strip for a quick dip into the water. Within seconds, you can check the levels of pH, alkalinity and sanitiser. The ideal pH range for spa water is between 7.4 and 7.6, which ensures optimal comfort and effectiveness of sanitisers.

Pro Tip: Test your water at least once a week and after every heavy use.

Step 2: Adjust the Chemistry

‘When it comes to spa maintenance, "Adjust the Chemistry" might sound a bit like a high school science experiment. But don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds!

‘Upper' refers to chemicals that raise the pH level, while 'downer' refers to those that lower it. 

Keeping your pH within the 7.4 to 7.6 range is essential and considered the sweet spot for preventing equipment corrosion and ensuring sanitiser efficiency.

Here’s what to do if your pH is off:

Add the appropriate chemical to adjust it. If the alkalinity needs tweaking, specific products are available that can increase or decrease this level without drastically affecting the pH.

These small chemical adjustments can significantly impact the health and clarity of your spa water.

Step 3: Get Things Moving, Circulate!

Think of circulation as the spa’s way of doing a little internal housekeeping. Just like you wouldn’t mop only one corner of a room, you don’t want to leave parts of your spa untreated by those helpful chemicals. 

Proper circulation ensures that the sanitisers and balancers you've just added are spread evenly throughout the water, which keeps everything running smoothly and looking crystal clear.

Just hit the jets! Turning on your spa’s jets for about 15 to 20 minutes gives those chemicals a chance to move around and mix thoroughly. This prevents any ‘hot spots’ where the chemical concentration is too high, making your spa safer and more comfortable.

Once you’ve given the water a good stir, take a little break. Let the spa settle for a bit—this is a good time to grab a towel or fix yourself a nice drink. After a short wait, you’ll be all set to dip into that blissfully even and inviting water.

Ready, Set, Soak!

Now that everything’s perfectly mixed and settled, your spa is primed for the ultimate relaxation session. Go ahead, step in. You’ve earned this moment of serene, sparkling spa water!

Why Do We Even Use Chlorine in Spas?

Why Chlorine? You know that clean, clear water in your spa that just invites you to dive in? You can thank chlorine for that. It’s like the superhero of spa sanitation, zapping away bacteria and algae before they can crash your spa party.

Chlorine is pretty powerful, but it’s also a bit picky. 

It needs just the right environment to work its magic and effectiveness. The pH level of your spa water plays a huge role here. If the water's too acidic or too alkaline, chlorine gets a bit lazy and doesn’t do its job well. This means your spa could become a playground for germs and murkiness - no thanks!

Our best practice is always ensure your water is balanced to get the most out of the chlorine you add, making your spa safe and enjoyable for everyone.

We Answer Your Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How often should I change my spa water and why is it important?

It is generally recommended to change the water in your spa every 3 to 4 months, depending on factors such as usage frequency and the number of spa soakers. This regular change helps maintain the chemical balance and ensures the water remains healthy and clear. Heavily used spas or those with high bather loads may require more frequent changes. Systems like the FreshWater® Salt System can extend the duration between changes up to a year by continuously sanitising the water​. 

Q. Why use spa-specific chemicals rather than those intended for pools?

It's crucial to use spa-specific chemicals rather than pool chemicals. Spa chemicals are formulated to work effectively in the higher temperatures and smaller water volumes typical of spas. Using pool chemicals can lead to improper chemical balances and might damage the spa equipment or harm users due to the different chemical concentrations designed for larger pool volumes. 

Q. What are the signs to look out for to know when your spa water is unbalanced and needs attention?

Here are the signs that your spa water needs attention include:

• Foamy water, often caused by the build-up of body oils, beauty products, or low calcium levels.
• Smelly water, which typically indicates bacterial growth or organic decay.
• Cloudy or murky water, suggesting a high level of total dissolved solids or inadequate filtration.
• Discoloured water, which can result from algae growth or metal corrosion.
• Regular testing and maintenance are essential to prevent these issues and keep your spa water inviting and safe for use. 

Q. Is it safe to use my spa every day?

Yes! Using your spa daily is perfectly safe as long as the water chemistry is regularly monitored and maintained. Daily users should be diligent about testing water balance, sanitising and periodically refreshing the water to manage the build-up of total dissolved solids and prevent chemical saturation. Such maintenance ensures that the spa environment remains hygienic and the spa components are not subjected to premature wear and tear. By keeping your spa water in optimal condition, you can enjoy a relaxing soak every day without compromising on safety or the longevity of your spa.

For more spa pool maintenance tips or if you need pool or spa supplies, visit our friendly team at our two Hawkes Bay locations in Napier or Hastings.

We’re here to help make your spa experience the absolute best. Locate your nearest Hawkes Bay store nearest to you.