Pool and Spa Servicing questions, answered by experts
How often you change the water in your swim spa depends on how often you use it. Most manufacturers recommend changing the water every three to six months. If you use your swim spa throughout the seasons, it’s a good idea to set up a quarterly deep cleaning schedule. The ideal instructions should be in the owner’s manual.
Similar to a hot tub, swim spas last anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on quality and your attention to maintenance. The best way to increase the lifespan of your swim spa is to carefully maintain it—including draining it around every six months to deep clean the parts.
A hot tub cover's lifespan is typically between three and seven years, with an average of five to seven years for a well-maintained one. The quality of the cover is a major factor; lower-quality polyester or vinyl soft covers can tear easily with regular use.
To extend the life of your cover, proper maintenance is key. This includes:
Keeping the cover clean, dry, and out of the sun. Use a soft cloth and mild dish soap for cleaning.
Applying a vinyl protectant spray.
Cleaning the underside with a chlorine spray.
Using a cover lift to prevent damage from rough handling.
Protecting it from harsh weather.
Keeping children and pets off the cover.
Investing in a high-quality cover and checking for a warranty at the time of purchase can also contribute to its longevity.
Keep your exterior electrical receptacles covered and dry, especially around your hot tub and pool during periods of use.
Make sure you have a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) properly installed to ensure no one gets accidentally shocked or injured by electrocution.
Don’t use the hot tub or your pool during a thunderstorm.
Before using the hot tub, have a certified electrician thoroughly inspect your hot tub and its wiring to make sure you’re in full compliance with all applicable local building codes.
Shocking your hot tub means adding extra chemicals to the water. Most spa experts recommend doing this once a week for proper hot tub maintenance, but you can do it more if needed. Shocking has multiple benefits, including preventing the water from becoming murky and it’s essential in removing harmful bacteria from the water.
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