Want a swim spa for every season? You’re going to need our seasonal maintenance checklist for swim spas. Follow this guide every season to keep your spa hygienic, safe, and ready for enjoyment all year. Whether you’re a homeowner or in commercial trade, these comprehensive tips will allow you to get the best out of your swim spa rain, hail, snow or shine.
Why Seasonal Spa Maintenance Is Essential In Australia
General maintenance for your swim spa is essential. We have a checklist for it. But seasonal maintenance is something else. Seasonal care helps you accommodate Australia’s intense and sometimes unpredictable environmental changes that can impact the performance and safety of your spa. You can prevent contamination, broken equipment and extend the lifespan of your spa.
Spring Swim Spa Maintenance Tips
Fully Drain and Clean the Spa Shell and Cover Before Refilling
Spring is the perfect time to start fresh. Begin by fully draining your swim spa and thoroughly cleaning both the shell and cover. This removes winter contaminants like mould. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft brush to avoid scratching surfaces. Don’t forget the underside of your cover, which can harbour mould and bacteria after less use in winter.
Inspect Filters, Clean or Replace as Necessary
Filters are crucial for trapping dirt and debris. Remove and inspect your filters for wear or clogging. Clean them thoroughly with a filter cleaner or replace them if damaged. This step maintains water quality and prevents strain on your pump and heater.
Balance Water Chemistry
New season means new water. After refilling, test and adjust your water’s pH and alkalinity. We recommend aiming for a pH of 7.4 to 7.6 and total alkalinity of 80 to 120 ppm. Properly balanced water is gentler on your skin and equipment and helps sanitisers work more effectively. Use a reliable test kit or test strips for accurate results.
Check the Heater and Pump for Leaks or Unusual Sounds
Hasn’t been fired up in a while? Inspect your heater and pump for leaks or unusual noises. Regular checks help you avoid costly repairs and downtime before the summer swim season starts.
Shock the Water After Refilling to Eliminate Contaminants
After refilling and balancing your water, shock the spa to eliminate lingering bacteria or organic contaminants. This ensures your water is safe and clear for the season ahead.
Summer Swim Spa Maintenance Tips
Weekly Chemical Checks: pH, Chlorine or Bromine, and Alkalinity
Summer brings increased use and higher temperatures, which can quickly affect water chemistry. Test your water at least once a week, adjusting pH, chlorine or bromine, and alkalinity as needed. Consistent monitoring prevents cloudy water, irritation, and equipment damage.
Clean or Rinse Filters Twice Weekly
With more swimmers and more usage, filters work harder. Clean or rinse them twice a week to maintain water clarity and reduce strain on your pump.
Monitor Water Level—Top Up as Needed After Evaporation or Splash-Out
Hot weather and frequent use can cause water levels to drop from evaporation or splashing. Monitor water level and top up as needed to prevent your pump from running dry.
Watch for Algae, Sainitise and Scrub
Algae thrive in warm, sunny conditions, resulting in algae blooms in your water. Unless you want to be swimming in green slime, keep your sanitiser levels consistent and scrub any visible algae with a soft brush. Regular brushing and proper chemical balance will keep algae away.
Cover the Spa When Not in Use to Conserve Energy and Deter Debris
A cover helps retain heat, reduce evaporation and keep debris, like dust and leaves, out of your swim spa. Use it whenever the spa isn’t in use to save energy and make maintenance easier.
Autumn Swim Spa Maintenance Tips
Continue Weekly Chemical Testing
As temperatures cool, environmental changes in your water can become evident. Continue weekly chemical testing to keep your water balanced. Fluctuating weather can affect your water chemistry, so stay vigilant to avoid problems.
Vacuum the Shell to Remove Falling Leaves or Debris
Autumn leaves can quickly accumulate in your swim spa. Regularly vacuum the shell to remove leaves and other debris. This prevents clogging and keeps your water clear.
Drain and Clean Filters, Then Soak in Filter Cleaner Solution
Give your filters extra attention as the season changes. Drain, clean and soak them in a filter cleaner solution to remove any built-up oils and contaminants.
Perform Full Water Change Every 3–4 Months
A full water change every 3–4 months helps maintain water quality and reduces the load on your filters and chemicals. Autumn is a great time for this task before winter sets in.
Check the Cover for Signs of Wear or Damage Before Winter Sets In
Inspect your cover for any signs of wear or damage. A well-maintained cover is essential for protecting your spa during the colder months.
Winter Swim Spa Maintenance
Maintain Minimum Water Temperature (Usually 4–5 °C)
In chilly weather, keep your water temperature above freezing to protect your pipes and heater, and to prevent freezing. This is not an ice bath.
Run Pumps Longer—At Least 2–4 Hours Daily
Running your pumps for longer periods helps prevent freezing and keeps your water from becoming stagnant. Aim for at least 2–4 hours of circulation each day.
Shock the Spa Monthly to Prevent Bacterial Build-Up in Cooler Water
Cooler water can encourage bacterial growth. Shock your spa monthly to keep the water safe and clear.
Inspect Freeze-Detection Systems If Your Model Includes Them
If your swim spa has a freeze-detection system, check that it’s working properly. This added layer of protection can prevent costly damage.
Secure the Cover and Clean Snow/Debris Regularly to Avoid Damage
It might be time to put your spa into hibernation for a while. A secure cover is essential in winter. Regularly remove snow, excess rain and other debris to prevent damage and minimise contamination, particularly during periods of less use.
Seasonal Swim Spa Maintenance Checklist
General Year-Round Swim Spa Maintenance Tips
Use the Right Chemicals, Choose Quality Balancers and Sanitiser Compatible with Your Spa
Always use chemicals designed for swim spas. Quality products help maintain water clarity, protect your equipment, and ensure a safe swimming environment.
Test Water at Least Weekly, More Often in Busy or Hot Periods
Regular water testing is the foundation of good maintenance. Test your water at least once a week, and more often during periods of heavy use or hot weather.
Clean Filters Monthly, Rinse More Often
Clean your filters monthly with a filter cleaner, and rinse them more frequently if your spa sees heavy use.
Keep the Shell Clean with Non-Abrasive Cleaners
Regularly clean the spa shell with a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent build-up.
Verify Heater, Pump, and Jets Monthly
These things are working hard regularly. Check your heater, pump, and jets regularly to check they’re not compromised. Look for leaks, unusual noises, or reduced water flow.
Schedule Annual Professional Servicing to Inspect
Like servicing a car, you should service your spa annually. A technician can inspect internal plumbing, electronics and safety equipment that you can’t easily check yourself.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Your Swim Spa in Peak Condition
Spas are an investment. They’re important for your livelihood and well-being. So you should take pride in maintaining your swim spa. Combine this seasonal swim spa checklist with our other general swim spa maintenance checklist, which will teach you the essential skills on how to maintain a swim spa. And now, simply enjoy your swim.
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