10 Spa Maintenance and Repair Mistakes to Avoid

Spa maintenance and repair is a crucial aspect of owning a spa. A well-maintained spa can provide you with relaxation, comfort, and health benefits for years to come. However, many spa owners make some common mistakes that can damage their spa, reduce its efficiency, and increase their costs. Here are 10 spa maintenance and repair mistakes to avoid and how to fix them.

1. Not checking the water chemistry regularly. The water chemistry of your spa affects its cleanliness, safety, and performance. You should check the pH, alkalinity, hardness, and sanitizer levels of your spa water at least once a week, and adjust them as needed. If the water chemistry is out of balance, it can cause corrosion, scaling, staining, algae growth, and skin irritation.

2. Not cleaning the filter regularly. The filter of your spa is responsible for trapping dirt, debris, and contaminants from the water. A dirty filter can reduce the water flow, increase the pressure, and impair the heating and jet functions of your spa. You should rinse the filter with a hose every two weeks, and soak it in a filter cleaner every two months.

3. Not draining and refilling the water periodically. The water in your spa can become contaminated with organic matter, bacteria, and chemicals over time. This can affect the water quality, clarity, and odor of your spa. You should drain and refill your spa water every three to four months, depending on how often you use it and how well you maintain it.

4. Not shocking the water after heavy use. Shocking the water means adding a high dose of sanitizer to kill any bacteria and break down any organic waste in the water. You should shock your spa water after heavy use, such as after a party or a long soak. This will help to restore the sanitizer level and prevent cloudy or smelly water.

5. Not covering the spa when not in use. The cover of your spa helps to keep the heat, moisture, and chemicals in the water. It also protects your spa from dirt, debris, rain, snow, and UV rays. You should always cover your spa when not in use, and make sure the cover fits snugly and securely. A damaged or ill-fitting cover can cause heat loss, evaporation, and contamination of your spa water.

6. Not winterizing the spa properly. If you live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing in winter, you need to winterize your spa properly to prevent freezing damage. This means draining the water completely from the spa and the pipes, blowing out any remaining water with a shop vac or an air compressor, adding antifreeze to the pipes if necessary, and covering the spa with a heavy-duty winter cover.

7. Not repairing leaks promptly. Leaks are one of the most common spa maintenance and repair issues. Leaks can occur due to cracks, loose fittings, worn seals, or faulty components. Leaks can cause water loss, pressure loss, electrical hazards, and structural damage to your spa. You should inspect your spa regularly for any signs of leaks, such as wet spots, drips, or puddles around the spa. If you find a leak, you should repair it as soon as possible or call a professional for help.

8. Not replacing worn or broken parts timely. The parts of your spa are subject to wear and tear over time. Some of the parts that may need replacement include jets, pumps, heaters, valves, switches, sensors, lights, and controls. If you notice any signs of malfunctioning or deterioration of these parts, such as noise, vibration, leakage, or error codes on the display panel, you should replace them timely or call a professional for help.

9. Not following the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair. Your spa comes with a manual that contains detailed instructions for maintenance and repair of your spa. You should follow these instructions carefully to ensure optimal performance and safety of your spa. The manual also contains information on troubleshooting common problems and contacting customer service if needed.

10. Not hiring a professional for complex maintenance and repair tasks. While some spa maintenance and repair tasks are simple and can be done by yourself, others are complex and require specialized skills and tools. For example, repairing electrical or plumbing issues or replacing major components may be beyond your expertise or ability. In such cases, you should hire a professional who has experience and training in spa maintenance and repair.

By avoiding these 10 common mistakes in spa maintenance and repair (which we mentioned 10 times), you can enjoy your spa for longer without any hassle or headache.