Steam, Soak, Smile: Your Winter Spa Survival Guide

Yes, it’s cold—really cold, at the moment (well, for certain parts of Australia). Even our Bundall office and store had staff arriving with scarves wrapped around their necks this week (well, that might have been me, but it was cold!).

Along with the cold come changes to your lifestyle, and with that, changes to how you maintain your pool. If you plan on heating your pool throughout the winter, more credit to you (and look into solar water heating and solar panels for your pool and house). But as most of us are getting ready to winterise our pools, it’s time to move on to… the spa. The one warm thing that gets us through winter, aside from exceptionally long, hot showers.

As you may not have used your spa in a while, it’s important to service it through a reputable pool and spa company — or, if you’re doing it yourself, follow this simple checklist:

Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Spa Shell

• Remove the spa cover and check the shell for debris, dirt, or biofilm buildup.
• Put in a spa pipe cleaner and once completed drain the water
• Recommended Product:

Step 2: Check the Spa Equipment

• Inspect pump, heater, and filter housing for leaks, cracks, or signs of rodents/insects.
• Ensure jets spin freely and nothing is clogged.

Step 3: Clean or Replace Filters

• Remove the cartridge filter.
• Soak it overnight in a filter cleaning solution to remove oils and minerals.
• Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.
• If you ever get stuck we have a range of spa cartridge replacements filters both in-store and online, feel free to contact us with a picture and we can help you find a replacement.
• Recommended Product: 

Step 4: Refill with Fresh Water

• Refill your spa with fresh water up to the recommended level.
• Ideally, use a hose filter attachment to reduce metals and impurities.

Step 5: Balance Your Water

• Test pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
• Adjust levels:
• pH: 7.2–7.6
• Total alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 150–250 ppm
• Recommended Product:

Step 6: Sanitise and Shock

• Add sanitiser (chlorine or bromine) to keep water free of bacteria.
• Use a shock treatment to oxidise contaminants—especially important if the spa has sat stagnant.
• Recommended Products:

or

Step 7: Prime the Heater & Jets

• Turn on the pump with air valves closed to prime the system.
• Let water circulate for 10–15 minutes.
• Check that the heater is operating; it should start warming the water within an hour. 

Step 8: Set the Thermostat & Keep It Covered

• For winter use, set spa water temperature to ~37–39°C.
• Always use your spa cover when not in use to retain heat and keep debris out. 

Step 9: Add a Clarifier & Anti-Scale Treatment

• Once balanced and sanitised, add a clarifier to keep the water crystal clear.
• If you have hard water, add a scale inhibitor to protect heaters and jets.
• Recommended Products:

Clarifier

and brush for cleaning calcium

 Step 10: Enjoy Yourself (Like a Boss)

• Slip into your swimsuit… or just your birthday suit if you’re feeling brave (but maybe check who’s around first!).
• Raid the fridge for your favourite drink — bubbles, beer, or herbal tea, we don’t judge.
• Toss your towel in the dryer so it’s warm and snuggly when you’re done.
• Slide into the spa like royalty, lean back, and soak away every care. Cheers to you!

Now go, order the products you need, and get ready to soak — your perfect winter spa experience awaits!