Steam, Soak, Smile: Your Winter Spa Survival Guide
Key Takeaways
Winter is the one time of year your spa earns its keep. If yours has been sitting idle, it needs a proper service before you climb in. Work through this checklist and you will be soaking in clean, balanced water by the end of the day.
Inspect and clean the spa shell
Remove the cover and check the shell for debris, dirt or biofilm buildup. Add a spa pipe cleaner to flush the plumbing, then drain the water completely before refilling.
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Check the spa equipment
Inspect the pump, heater and filter housing for leaks, cracks or signs of rodent or insect damage over winter. Check that all jets spin freely and nothing is clogged.
Clean or replace the filter cartridge
Remove the cartridge filter and soak it overnight in a filter cleaning solution to break down accumulated oils and minerals. Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. If you need a replacement, contact us with a photo of your current cartridge and we will help you find the right match.
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Refill with fresh water
Refill to the recommended water level. Ideally, use a hose filter attachment to reduce metals and impurities from entering the spa on the fill.
Balance your water
Test pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness and adjust to the following target ranges before adding any sanitiser:
pH
7.2 - 7.6
Total Alkalinity
80 - 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness
150 - 250 ppm
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Sanitise and shock
Add a sanitiser (chlorine or bromine) to keep bacteria under control. Follow up with a shock treatment to oxidise contaminants — this step is especially important if the spa has been sitting stagnant.
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Prime the heater and jets
Turn on the pump with the air valves closed to prime the system. Let water circulate for 10-15 minutes, then confirm the heater is operating. It should begin warming the water within an hour.
Set the thermostat and keep it covered
Set your spa to 37-39°C for winter use. Always replace the cover when the spa is not in use — a covered spa retains heat far more efficiently and costs significantly less to run.
Add a clarifier and treat for scale
Once the water is balanced and sanitised, add a clarifier to keep it crystal clear. If you have hard water, add a scale inhibitor to protect the heater elements and jets from calcium buildup.
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Clarifier
Calcium scale remover
Enjoy yourself
Grab your favourite drink. Toss your towel in the dryer so it is warm when you are done. Slide in, lean back, and soak away every care. You have earned it.
