Get Your Spa Summer Ready with These Spa Essentials

Did you know that up to 70% of spa problems and servicing issues are preventable, caused by nothing more than human error? As New Zealand’s oldest and most trusted spa pool dealer, at Hot Spring we’ve seen it all.

We’re passionate about helping our customers enjoy the endless benefits of spa pool ownership, so to help overcome – or ideally avoid – potential issues, we suggest some simple upkeep. This is particularly important as we go into summer, especially in Auckland where water shortages have seen restrictions brought in.

That being the case, let’s take a closer look at three common issues faced by spa pool owners, and how to ensure that you preserve the valuable natural resource that is water, while never compromising the enjoyment of your spa.

Spa foam: what is it, and how do I treat and prevent it?

If you wanted a bubble bath you would’ve added soap. But turning on your spa pool, you’re nevertheless faced with a build-up of bubbles. And once spa foam starts, it can be difficult to stop.

Spa foam causes

Spa foam is arguably the most persistent problem for spa owners. Its causes are many and varied, taking the form of one or a mix of the following:

• pH imbalance.
• A build-up of products and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. Cheap spa products are often to blame, as they can impact spa chemistry with surfactants, emulsifiers and other foaming agents.
• The residue of personal care products like sunscreen, moisturiser or soap.
• Spilt beverages.
• Bodily fluids, such as natural skin oil.

How to fix spa foam

Because the causes of spa foam are so diverse, at Hot Spring we recommend taking a complete approach to fixing the problem. The following four step process should keep the build up of bubbles to a minimum:

1. Test your water: Check the pH levels and adjust where needed.
2. Clean your filters: High quality filters will remove the build-up of contaminants and impurities, but only if they are cleaned regularly. Inspect them once a week, rinsing them with a hose.
3. Go in clean: Rinse off with a quick shower before you soak.
4. Get some liquid help: While you can minimise the build-up of residue that causes spa foam, there’s no way to completely avoid impurities. FreshWater® Defoamer can deal with them however, and is suitable for use with all spa pool models and spa chemicals.

Make the most of your spa pool cover

Spa covers play an important role not just in the day-to-day upkeep of your spa pool, but its energy efficiency, longevity and year-round usability too. A spa cover will:

• Prevent evaporation-related water loss.
• Prevent outdoor debris and other impurities contaminating spa water
• Reduce maintenance and increase longevity of your spa water.
• Cut down on energy costs related to heating.
• Retain heat better, allowing your spa to be used all year round.
• Keep the tub in good condition.
• Offer safety, particularly for families with young children.

The investment in a quality spa pool cover should therefore be a priority. The right spa pool cover will create a perfect seal with the tub, while being easy to remove when it’s time to soak.

While it’s the cover’s job to protect the spa and water, it’s your job to protect the cover, and the FreshWater® Cover Shield helps to do just that. Three products in one, it helps to clean, shine and protect your spa cover from whatever you or Mother Nature might throw at it, whether drinks, rain, or the harsh New Zealand sun. It forms a protective layer that repels water, dust and dirt, prolonging the life of your cover while adding a beautiful lustre.

By protecting your spa’s protector, you’re also safeguarding all the benefits that your spa delivers, whether health, social, family or financial!

When dirt and debris makes its way into your spa pool, what then?

Even with the most careful spa pool coverage and maintenance, dirt and debris are bound to find their way in. This can detract from the spa experience, causing discomfort and annoyance.

So how do you get rid of the grit and dirt in your spa?

The Hot Spring Spa Vacuum has been designed to do exactly that; no power, hose or special attachments needed. This tool is incredibly effective, and oh so easy to use:

1. Use your finger to cover the hole on the end of the handle. Place the suction tip into your spa and over the offending dirt and debris.
2. Release your finger from the handle’s hole. The clear canister will fill with water and the dirt and debris.
3. Pull the vacuum up. The water will drain out into your spa, while the dirt and debris will stay in the vacuum!
4. Repeat as necessary. Unscrew the canister to empty the dirt and grit out when necessary.

The Hot Spring Spa Vacuum is made from the highest quality materials, and its simplicity and effectiveness ensures it will be used over and over again. In fact it’s one of our most popular items!

So there you have it: three problems with three surprisingly easy solutions. If you’re ready to up your spa maintenance game, why not sign up to our mailing list? You’ll be the first to receive upcoming news and exclusive discounts, and get all the help you need to keep your spa pool water fresh and clean all year round.

Want to learn more about Hot Spring’s range of spas and swim spas? Request a call back from our spa pool expert.