Are Swim Spas a Lot of Work? Discover the Truth

Swim spas offer a wonderful blend of relaxation, exercise, and fun, making them an attractive addition to many homes. However, a common concern is whether they require a lot of work to maintain. 

We are asked this question frequently in our Hydropool retail outlets: “Are swim spas a lot of work?” The answer is that every swim spa requires some ongoing maintenance. Whether it’s a lot of work or not is something everyone has to decide for themselves though

What we hope to do in this post is give you enough information to decide for yourselves. In this post, we will explore the reality of swim spa maintenance, provide practical tips, and show you how the benefits far outweigh the effort involved.

By the end of this article, we hope that you will have a clear understanding of what swim spa maintenance entails and how to streamline the process for maximum enjoyment with minimal hassle.

Are Swim Spas Hard to Maintain?

The idea of maintaining a swim spa can be intimidating for several reasons

• Time Commitment: busy lives make it hard to find extra time for maintenance tasks.
• Complexity: fears about not having the technical know-how to handle the spa.
• Cost: concerns about the ongoing expenses for upkeep and repairs.

Swim spa owners often balance family responsibilities, work, and social activities, leaving them wondering if they have the capacity to handle another task. Additionally, many people are not familiar with the specifics of swim spa maintenance, leading to a fear of making costly mistakes. Finally, there is a perception that maintaining a swim spa could be expensive, with ongoing costs for chemicals, equipment, and potential repairs.

What Are the Daily and Weekly Swim Spa Maintenance Tasks?

Daily Checks

These are as simple as having a glance over at the swim spa to ensure everything is ok.

• Water Levels: ensure the water level remains consistent to avoid pump damage.
• Cover Condition: inspect the cover for any wear and tear or debris buildup.

Daily maintenance involves quick and simple checks that can be incorporated into your routine. Ensuring the water level is correct prevents the pump from running dry, which can cause damage. Additionally, inspecting the cover helps keep debris out of the water and maintains temperature efficiency. 

Weekly Tasks

• Water Testing: use test strips to check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
• Filter Cleaning: rinse the filters to remove debris and improve efficiency.

Weekly tasks are slightly more involved but do not take much time: about half an hour a week. Testing the water’s chemical balance is crucial for maintaining clear and safe water. Using test strips, you can easily check for pH levels, alkalinity, and sanitizer presence. 

Cleaning the filters weekly ensures they operate efficiently, capturing debris and maintaining water flow. At Hydropool, that involves rinsing them with a hose and then re-installing them (almost all of our swim spas come with self-cleaning, which minimizes maintenance). 

What Are the Regular Maintenance Tasks When Owning a Swim Spa? 

Monthly Maintenance

• Deep Clean Filters: use a filter cleaner to thoroughly clean the filters, at least quarterly. 
• Inspect Equipment: check for any signs of wear and tear or potential issues.

Regular maintenance requires a bit more attention but is essential for long-term performance. Deep cleaning the filters with a specialized cleaner helps remove any buildup that regular rinsing might miss and removes more stubborn bacteria. 

Inspecting the equipment for wear and tear allows you to catch and address issues before they become larger problems.
 
Seasonal Tasks

• Drain and Refill: every four months, drain the water and refill to maintain water quality.
• Inspect Jets and Plumbing: ensure all jets and plumbing connections are functioning correctly.

Seasonal maintenance involves a more comprehensive review of your swim spa. Draining and refilling the water every four months keeps the water fresh and clear. This process also provides an opportunity to inspect the jets and plumbing, ensuring everything is in good working order and preventing potential malfunctions.

What Tools and Supplies Make the Job Easier?

Having the right tools and supplies can make swim spa maintenance straightforward

• Water Test Strips: essential for monitoring water chemistry. 
• A Garden Hose: regular rinsing keeps filters in top condition.
• Spa Vacuum: helps remove debris from the water (Hydropool self-cleaning models have a vacuum on the floor of the spa, so you do not require one). 
• Chemical Supplies: pH balancers, alkalinity, sanitizers, scale removers and clarifiers to maintain water quality.

How Can You Simplify Swim Spa Maintenance?

• Automated Systems: Consider investing in automatic chlorinators or ozonators that reduce manual chemical dosing. These are often options when you buy (Hydropool’s models feature both elements. An automatic chlorinator consistently adds chlorine to your water, an ozonator uses ozone to treat it to remove bacteria before it grows) 
• Professional Services: Hire a professional maintenance service for monthly or seasonal deep cleaning.
• Regular Routine: Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule can prevent issues from escalating and becoming more time-consuming.

Establishing a regular routine can help you stay on top of maintenance, making it a less daunting task.

What Are the Benefits of Proper Swim Spa Maintenance?

Taking good care of your swim spa offers numerous benefits

• Longevity: well-maintained swim spas last longer, giving you more value for your investment.
• Health and Safety: clean water reduces the risk of skin irritation and other health issues.
• Enhanced Experience: crystal clear water and functional equipment enhance your relaxation and enjoyment.

Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your swim spa but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. 

Quick Swim Spa Tips to Remember!

• Check water levels daily.
• Test and adjust water chemistry weekly.
• Clean filters weekly.
• Drain and refill every four months.
• Use automated systems to reduce manual work.

Incorporating these quick tips into your routine helps keep your swim spa in top condition with minimal effort. 

Additional Tips for Simplifying Swim Spa Maintenance

When it comes to swim spa maintenance, efficiency is key. Here are some additional tips to help you streamline the process

• Schedule Reminders: set up reminders on your phone or calendar for weekly, monthly, and seasonal maintenance tasks. This ensures you do not forget any critical steps.
• Keep a Maintenance Log: maintaining a log of all your maintenance activities helps you track what has been done and when. It also makes it easier to identify patterns or recurring issues.
• DIY vs. Professional Help: know your limits. While you can handle daily and weekly tasks yourself, do not hesitate to call a professional for more complex tasks. It helps if you have bought from a local retailer here – they will be able to give you guidance, whereas a big box store or website won’t have anyone to help you. 

How Hard is a Swim Spa to Maintain?

While maintaining a swim spa does require some effort, the tasks are manageable and can be streamlined with the right tools and good routines. It’s no harder to maintain a swim spa than it is a hot tub and millions of people around the world own them. It’s a doable thing! 

A combination of regular maintenance and occasional professional help ensures your swim spa remains a source of relaxation, fun, and exercise for years to come.

By addressing maintenance proactively, you are not just taking care of a piece of equipment; you are investing in countless moments of joy and connection with family and friends. So, embrace the maintenance routine and enjoy all the incredible benefits your swim spa has to offer!

And if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our local Hydropool retailers! Find yours here.