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Home > Already own a Spa > Regular Maintenance Issues 
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Regular Maintenance Issues

Cleaning Your Filter
It is recommended that you clean the filter every one to three weeks, depending on how often your spa is used. Never wait longer than a month to clean your filters. And remember that just because a filter is dirty, it does not mean that the filter needs to be replaced. Filters that are cleaned on a regular basis can last up to 12 months. Since there are a variety of filters available today, always follow the manufacturer's owner's manual and/or operating instructions for cleaning your filter.

In order to determine whether your filter cartridge needs replacing, look within the pleats of the filter for any build up of grime and dirt particles after cleaning it. If any dirt particles remain, the filter should be replaced. Keep in mind that filters are not designed to last more than 12 months.

We recommend always keeping an extra set of filters nearby. There are two reasons for this: First, it is a good idea to rotate filters every time you would normally clean them. By installing the clean set of filters, you are allowing more time for your filters to soak, providing for a deeper, more thorough cleaning. In addition, you will then have more time for the filter to dry completely...all of this prolonging the life of the filter. By regularly rotating filters, it is possible to extend their life from 12 months to up to two years.

Another reason that we recommend rotating your filters is so that there is no down time while you are cleaning the filter. If you have a spare set of filters on hand, you can install the clean ones right away and continue to enjoy your spa, instead of waiting the usual one to two days while the filter is being cleaned. With filter rotation, you are also prolonging the life of the spa because you will be installing a thoroughly clean and dry filter each time. This will help to keep your spa running smoothly.

Cleaning the Shell Surface. Regular cleaning of the shell surface is recommended to help prevent a scum line from forming above the water line. In order to clean the shell surface above the water line (when the spa is filled), make sure to use a natural enzyme product that is recommended by your manufacturer. A natural enzyme product is important because it will not affect the water's chemistry, is safe to use, will not scratch the shell surface, and helps to eliminate mold or mildew odors without bleaching the surface.

Beware of using products such as Windex as they will alter the water's chemistry or using other abrasive cleaners that can scratch the shell surface.

When the spa is drained and dry, we recommend cleaning the entire shell surface with a polishing product that is recommended by your manufacturer. The product helps to create a hard, durable, protective coating on the shell that seals the surface and hides scratches. After using the polishing product, we recommend then cleaning the surface with the natural enzyme product described above in order to rid the shell surface of any dry residue.

Protecting Your Cover.
Conditioning the spa cover on a monthly basis will prolong its life. Conditioning the cover will help to keep the vinyl from hardening and cracking, and is especially effective for covers exposed to harsh outdoor elements like the sun's ultraviolet rays, snow, and sleet. Conditioning products usually should only be used on the topside of the cover. In order to clean the underside, simply use a garden hose and allow to air dry. Always be sure to use a product that is recommended by your manufacturer, and avoid petroleum-based vinyl cleaning products because they may be harmful to the cover and may void your warranty.

Caring For Your Cabinet. Wood cabinets need regular care or they will dry out and deteriorate. Indoor spa cabinets should be stained twice a year, while outdoor cabinets should be stained a minimum of four times a year. It is always best to restain cabinets using the same product originally applied at the factory. Be sure to check with your manufacturer for the product you should use.

Always be sure to wash the spa cabinet thoroughly before restaining. Then allow to dry for at least one hour. It is also recommended to pre-sand the cabinet before staining in order to refresh your wood, as well as to rid the wood of mildew stains and ground-in dirt. Keep in mind that you should never stain your cabinet unless the temperature is at least 55º F.

WARNING - Wood in a water environment needs to breathe. Never seal it with varnish, shellac, or polyurethane. Once sealed, you will not be able to apply wood stains or water repellent products. Use a water borne preservative only.

Keep in mind that if you do not like the maintenance that wood cabinetry requires, many manufacturers are now offering synthetic materials for cabinetry. To learn more about synthetic cabinetry, click over to the " Cabinetry " section..

Cleaning The Lines. There are many plumbing lines in a spa. No matter how clean you keep the water, chemicals only clean the water, not the plumbing lines. Bacteria and mildew-attracting scum can accumulate in the vast number of spa plumbing lines and fittings.

 
You need to flush and clean them in order to prolong the life of your spa and keep it running smoothly. We strongly recommend flushing and cleaning the lines every six months to one year, or whenever you notice a skim film developing around the spa fittings. You should do this procedure right before you drain your spa. Be sure to use a cleaning product that is recommended by your manufacturer, and one that will dissolve body oils, dirt, hair, soap, scum, rust, and mineral deposits.
 
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