Christmas in New Zealand means sunshine, BBQs, and long afternoons relaxing by the water. Whether you have a spa pool, a swimming pool, or both, now is the best time to get everything prepared before guests arrive and the holiday rush begins. A little planning now will save you stress later — and keep your water sparkling all summer long.

1. Start With a Full Water Check

Before the Christmas break, make sure your water chemistry is balanced.
Check:

• Sanitiser level

• pH and alkalinity

• Calcium hardness (important for pool surfaces and heater protection)

Balanced water helps sanitiser work effectively, prevents cloudy water, and protects your equipment from scale or corrosion. If you’re unsure, pop into The Spa Shop for a free water test.

2. Stock Up on Essential Sanitisers

Holiday gatherings mean more people using the spa and pool — and that means more contaminants entering the water. Because shops close on public holidays and suppliers take a break, it’s important to have enough on hand.

Must-haves include:

• Chlorine or bromine

• Spa shock / oxidiser

• Pool shock

Running out of sanitiser mid-holiday is the quickest way to get a green pool, cloudy spa water, or unhappy guests. Keeping extra stock at home gives you peace of mind.

3. Deep Clean Filters Before the Rush

Clean filters mean:

• Better water clarity

• More efficient sanitiser use

• A healthier spa or pool system

Use a filter cleaner or soaking solution to remove oils, sunscreen, and fine debris. For older filters, consider replacing them — especially if they’re over 12 months old.

4. Freshen Up With Clarifiers & Specialty Products

With heavy use, Christmas is the perfect time to grab:

• Clarifiers to keep water clear

• Foam inhibitor to eliminate spa foam

• Stain & scale control

• Waterline cleaners

These products help your water stay clean and inviting, even with extra holiday swimmers.

5. Check Your Spa Cover and Inspect Your Accessories

A good spa cover helps maintain temperature and reduce running costs over summer.
Make sure yours:

• Closes properly

• Has no tears

• Isn’t waterlogged

• Locks securely for child safety

It’s also a great time to check your steps, lifter, skimmer nets, test strips, and vacuum heads.

6. Prepare the Area for Guests

If you’re hosting Christmas lunch or New Year’s Eve by the water:

• Clear the space around the spa and pool

• Check outdoor lighting

• Top up your spa with aromatherapy fragrances

• Consider fun accessories like drink holders or floating trays

A tidy, well-set-up space makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

7. Plan for Holiday Closures

Suppliers and couriers slow down from late December.
To avoid last-minute stress:

• Buy your chemicals early

• Keep a backup of your essential products

• Make sure you have test strips and shock on hand at all times

At The Spa Shop, we recommend shopping at least a week before Christmas to avoid delays.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas holidays should be about relaxing — not fixing cloudy water the day your guests arrive. Preparing your spa or pool early, stocking up on sanitisers, and giving everything a quick refresh will keep your water crystal-clear right through summer.

Pop into The Spa Shop or shop online to pick up all the essentials before the Christmas rush. Let’s keep your water looking its best and your holidays stress-free!