Spa maintenance this summer
Spring is here and it’s time to move back outdoors. Now is a great time to take care of the grime and wear that winter has left on your spa. When it comes to spa maintenance you can get very in-depth or you can do just the basics. Here are some tips to keep your spa running well and looking beautiful for the summer season.
The exterior of you spa takes the full force of the elements year round. If it’s well cared for, it will look beautiful for years to come. If your exterior is cedar, it’s a good idea to stain it. You’ll need to sand off the old stain first and use a stain meant for cedar so that it can breathe. If your exterior is synthetic, it will just need a good cleaning. Use a mild non-abrasive detergent like dish soap and rinse it off thoroughly.
The cover of your spa also takes a lot of abuse. It’s subjected to the elements and can be under pressure from built-up snow and ice. To really take care of your cover, you’ll need to take it off the tub. Use a mild detergent and cloth to clean the outside making sure to rinse it off thoroughly. To clean the inside, only use water and a clean cloth. Inspect the cover for any tears and sagging. The interior foam can be taken out of the vinyl to be dried out but if it’s water-logged it will need to be replaced. Once it’s clean and dry, you can replace it on the tub and use a vinyl protector to keep it looking new.
Spring is a great time to drain your tub and start over with fresh new water. Before the water is drained, use a cleaner like Swirl-away which will help to remove any bacteria in the pipes. After the water has drained use a mild non-sudsing cleaner to remove dirt on the spa surface. If you don’t want to drain your tub the surface can also be cleaned when the tub is full, it just requires a special product. Any pillows should also be cleaned with a mild detergent and given a thorough rinse.
Another important part to take care of is your filter. Paper filters have a life span of about two years so if yours is older than that; it’s time for a replacement. If it’s not time to replace them, a good cleaning will suffice. You’ll need to rinse them out with a garden hose and soak them in filter cleaner overnight. It’s beneficial to have two sets of filters on hand so that you always have a clean set.
Next, you’ll need to check the interior of your spa cabinet. Make sure that no leaks have developed over the winter and also check for corrosion on your pump. If there are any leaks, they will need to be repaired. Corrosion on your pump could mean that your water is too hard and that you need to use a product to control hardness in the water.
Completing these tasks will help ensure that your spa runs well through the summer. If it seems like too much there are also professionals who can be hired to manage your spring maintenance as well as weekly maintenance.
Natasha Kreiger is co-owner of the Red Deer-based Soak Luxury Bath Products. She can be reached at 403-755-8822.
