Do you want to protect your investment into your brand new spa? A couple simple steps on a set schedule can keep your investment lasting long, looking good, and keep you feeling relaxed with every use. The Basics (Routine Maintenance) There are a couple simple things to keep an eye on in order to keep your spa optimal for regular use. First off, the most important thing is to use your basic senses. Does your water look clear? Does it smell funny? Does the water feel clean? If you notice anything out of the ordinary about your water, you may need to stay on top of your routine maintenance for your spa. If you notice any leaves or large debris in your water, use a skimmer to scoop up anything you can see. If you notice any smells or scale floating in the water, continue in the article to find out how to remedy these issues. A good thing to regularly check is water chemistry. This is one of the most important things to keep track of when maintaining your spa. A couple test strips or pH test kit are a must have to make sure that your spa water is healthy. The ideal pH balance of your spa should be hovering around the 7.2-7.8 range. Any lower and your water is too acidic. Any higher and your water is too alkaline/basic. It is important to regularly check pH because any imbalance can hinder the sanitizing agents and promote bacterial growth or cause cloudy or scale buildup in the water. The chemicals needed are pretty straightforward. If your water is too acidic, add an alkalinity increasing agent to lower the pH, and if your water is too alkaline/basic add proper acid agents to raise the pH. Quickspaparts.com offers all the chemical test equipment you need! Chlorine Test Strips Bromine Test Strips Filter Cleaning (Once every two weeks) Once your pH balances are in check, but you are still noticing issues with your water flow and filter efficiency, it may be time to take a look at your filter. A good rule of thumb is to remove and clean your filter bi-weekly to ensure minimal blockages and maximize the life of your filter. A simple cleaning can be done with a soft brush and hose to dig out any large particles and clear the filter for better flow. Filter Deep Clean (~3 Months) A deep filter clean is great to pair with a routine water replacement for your spa. Quarterly, you should drain and refill the water in your hot tub. While you do this it is a good idea to do a thorough cleaning of your filter. Instead of just rinsing the filter out with water, we recommend soaking the filter overnight in cleaning agents to maximize filter health. Always be sure to do a final water rinse and dry of the filter before re-installation. Replacement (Annually) With regular spa use, it is recommended to do a full filter replacement annually. After regular cleaning, the filter media beings to break down over time. Annually a full replacement is recommended to ensure a long life for all other parts of the spa. Nothing can substitute a brand new filter, and it will feel as if your spa has been completely revived. The water will be cleaner and will flow better overall. Buy a new filter at quickspaparts.com today!