A Checklist for Spa Maintenance at the End of Summer

As the warm days of summer give way to cooler evenings, it’s the perfect time to give your spa the care it needs. Seasonal changes can affect water quality, equipment, and overall performance, making preventive maintenance essential. We created this spa maintenance checklist for the end of summer specifically. Following these tips can help you transition your spa from heavy summer usage to lighter fall and winter operation.

Drain and Refill the Water

After a busy summer, your spa water has likely accumulated oils, lotions, and debris. These contaminants can throw off the chemical balance and strain the system. Draining the water completely is the best way to give your spa a fresh start. Once drained, refill the tub using a hose filter to minimize the minerals and impurities entering the system. Fresh water keeps the spa inviting and helps prevent long-term damage to the equipment.

Clean the Spa Shell

Once you’ve emptied the spa, give the shell a thorough cleaning. Dirt and residue tend to accumulate on the surface, especially around waterlines and jets. Use a nonabrasive cleaner formulated for spas to avoid scratching or damaging the finish. Pay special attention to corners and tight spots where grime can collect unnoticed.

Test and Balance Your Water Chemistry

After you refill the spa, test the water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8, with total alkalinity ranging from 80 to 120 particles per million (ppm). Maintain your sanitizer at the level recommended by the manufacturer, whether you’re using chlorine, bromine, or a mineral system.

Keeping these levels within range helps protect the spa’s surfaces, prevent scaling, and ensure the sanitizer works effectively. If levels are off, adjust gradually rather than making big changes all at once, since small corrections are easier to stabilize.

Clean and Replace Your Filters

Your filters worked overtime during summer’s peak usage. Remove and rinse them with a garden hose to knock off loose debris. For deeper cleaning, soak filters in a specialized filter cleaner overnight, then rinse thoroughly.

Once they’re clean, inspect each filter for damage or excess wear. Pleats should be intact, and the fabric should feel firm, not mushy. Replace filters that show signs of deterioration, as worn filters reduce water circulation and strain your spa system.

Inspect Your Spa Cover

Your cover protects your spa from debris and helps maintain temperature efficiency. Check for tears, worn spots, or waterlogged foam cores. A heavy, sagging cover loses insulation value and puts stress on your spa’s structure.

Clean your cover with mild soap and water, then apply a UV protectant designed for vinyl. Make sure to replace worn covers before winter arrives, as they become less effective and more expensive to heat around.

Prepare Your Spa for the Seasons

Following a spa maintenance checklist helps your hot tub remain a source of wellness and relaxation throughout the changing seasons. If simple tweaks aren’t enough and you need expert spa maintenance services, Atlantic Spas and Billiards offers comprehensive support. Visit one of our showrooms or browse the sauna collection in our digital sauna supply store. We can help you find what you need.