Spa Pool Maintenance & Care | Water Care & Servicing NZ

Spa Pool Maintenance & Care

Complete Guide to Keeping Your Spa Clean, Balanced & Reliable

Proper spa maintenance ensures clear water, safe sanitation, and long equipment life. This complete guide from The Spa Shop helps spa owners across New Zealand, Rotorua, and Waikato maintain healthy water, prevent common problems, and keep their spa running efficiently.

A well-maintained spa is easier to manage, cheaper to run, and lasts significantly longer.

The 3 Fundamentals of Spa Maintenance

1. Water Balance

Maintaining correct water chemistry is essential for sanitation, comfort, and protecting spa equipment.

Key levels to monitor:

  • Sanitiser (chlorine, bromine, or salt system)

  • pH (ideal: 7.2 – 7.6)

  • Total Alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm)

  • Calcium Hardness (150 – 250 ppm)

Common problems caused by poor balance:

  • Cloudy water

  • Scale buildup

  • Corrosion of heaters & components

  • Strong chemical smell

  • Skin and eye irritation

2. Filtration & Cleaning

Your filter removes contaminants and keeps water clear.

Best practices:

  • Rinse filter weekly

  • Clean with proper filter cleaner monthly

  • Rotate with a second filter (recommended)

  • Replace worn filters when required

A clean filter improves circulation, heating efficiency, and water quality.

3. Preventative Maintenance

Routine checks prevent unexpected failures and extend spa life.

  • Monitor water level & flow

  • Check heating & circulation

  • Inspect jets and diverters

  • Maintain spa cover condition

  • Shock water when needed

Preventative care is cheaper than repairs.

Recommended Spa Maintenance Schedule

Weekly

  • Test water and adjust sanitiser

  • Check pH and alkalinity

  • Rinse filter

  • Inspect water level

Monthly

  • Deep clean filter

  • Inspect equipment and circulation

  • Check water balance

Every 3–4 Months

  • Drain and refill spa

  • Clean shell and jets

  • Inspect cover and seals

Annually

  • Full professional service and inspection

Chlorine vs Salt vs Bromine Systems

Chlorine Spas

  • Most common system

  • Strong sanitation

  • Requires regular monitoring

Salt Water (FreshWater / Salt Systems)

  • Softer water feel

  • Lower chemical handling

  • Requires periodic cell maintenance

Bromine Systems

  • Stable in warm water

  • Good for indoor spas

  • Slightly slower acting

Choosing the right system depends on spa type and usage.

Spa Filter Care Guide

Your filter is critical for water quality and system performance.

Steps:

  1. Rinse weekly with hose

  2. Use proper filter cleaner monthly

  3. Rotate with spare filter

  4. Replace when pleats weaken or clog

Dirty filters are the most common cause of:

  • Low flow errors

  • Poor heating

  • Cloudy water

Common Spa Water Problems & Fixes

Cloudy Water

Cause: Poor filtration, low sanitiser, or imbalance
Fix: Clean filter, balance water, shock spa

Foaming

Cause: Body oils, detergents, low calcium
Fix: Shock, adjust hardness, clean filter

Strong Chlorine Smell

Cause: Poor sanitation balance (chloramines)
Fix: Shock spa, rebalance water

Scale Buildup

Cause: High calcium or pH
Fix: Adjust balance, use scale control

Low Flow / Heating Errors

Cause: Dirty filter or circulation issue
Fix: Clean filter, check pump and flow

HotSpring FreshWater & Salt System Care

If your spa uses a FreshWater Salt System:

  • Monitor salt levels regularly

  • Inspect and clean salt cell

  • Maintain correct water balance

  • Replace cell when required

Proper care ensures clean water and efficient sanitation.

Professional Spa Servicing Available

For hassle-free ownership, The Spa Shop provides professional spa servicing across Rotorua & Waikato.

Our servicing includes:

  • Water testing and balancing

  • Filter cleaning and inspection

  • Equipment & circulation check

  • Preventative maintenance

  • Fault detection before failures

Regular servicing extends spa life and prevents costly repairs.

Recommended Spa Maintenance Products

(You can link products in Shopify here)

  • Spa sanitiser (chlorine / bromine)

  • pH increaser / reducer

  • Alkalinity increaser

  • Calcium hardness increaser

  • Filter cleaner

  • Shock treatment

  • Scale control

  • Test strips

Using proper products protects your spa and ensures water stays safe.

Spa Troubleshooting Quick Guide

Spa not heating? Check filter, flow, and water level
Cloudy water? Clean filter, rebalance, shock
Foam present? Shock and clean filter
Flow error? Dirty filter or blocked circulation
Strong smell? Shock spa and rebalance

If problems persist, professional servicing may be required.

Need Help With Spa Maintenance?

Whether you need advice, chemicals, parts, or a full service — our team is here to help.

The Spa Shop – Spa Maintenance & Water Care Specialists
Rotorua, New Zealand
📞 07 920 0772
✉️ sales@thespashop.co.nz

We help keep your spa clean, balanced, and running reliably.

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