Swim spas are amazing. You get the benefits of a swimming pool and a hot tub all in one, right in your backyard.
But a lot of people wonder, “Are swim spas high maintenance?” It’s a great question. After all, no one wants to spend hours taking care of their swim spa instead of enjoying it!
The good news is that swim spas are easier to maintain than you might think, especially with modern technology on your side.
Let’s dive into the details to see just how manageable swim spa maintenance really is!
How Does Swim Spa Maintenance Compare to Pools and Hot Tubs?
Think of a swim spa as the best of both worlds. It’s smaller than a pool, which means less water to clean and fewer chemicals to balance. At the same time, it offers the luxury of a hot tub, giving you both relaxation and fitness in one unit.
Compared to pools, swim spas are much easier to take care of. They don’t need as many chemicals, and you won’t be spending all weekend skimming leaves out of a giant pool of water.
In comparison to hot tubs, there’s a bit more to do because of the larger water volume and the fact that you can swim in it—but it’s still far from overwhelming!
Common Swim Spa Maintenance Tasks
Even though swim spas are easy to take care of, there are a few tasks you’ll need to do regularly to keep it in top shape:
Water Chemistry
Just like with a pool or hot tub, you need to keep an eye on the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to make sure the water stays clean and safe. Luckily, it’s simple and quick with today’s test strips.
When it comes to selecting water treatment products, keep in mind that not all spa chemicals are created equal. Investing in high-quality water care products will not only keep your swim spa water clean but also reduce the amount of time and effort you spend maintaining it.
Premium chemicals dissolve more efficiently and do a better job of balancing your water chemistry, meaning you won’t need to constantly adjust pH or sanitizer levels. Over time, this can save you both money and headaches.
Filter Cleaning
Filters keep the water sparkling clean. They are the unsung heroes of any swim spa. They capture dirt, oils, and other particles, keeping your water crystal clear.
Make sure to rinse your filters regularly—ideally every week or so—to remove any debris that could clog the system.
Every month, give them a deeper clean and don’t forget to replace them when they start to wear out.
A clean filter keeps your swim spa running efficiently and reduces the strain on the system, which means fewer problems down the line.
Draining and Refilling
Over time, even with regular chemical balancing, the water in your swim spa can become saturated with minerals and contaminants. That’s why it’s important to drain and refill your swim spa every few months.
How often you need to do this really depends on how much you use it. If you’re using your swim spa every day for both exercise and relaxation, you might need to drain and refill it every three months.
If it’s used less frequently, you can stretch it to around six months. Fresh water not only makes your swim spa more enjoyable but also helps extend the lifespan of your equipment by preventing buildup in the system.
Remember, after draining your spa, give the shell a nice clean with a quality shell cleaner to wash off any gunk that’s built up before rinsing and refilling it.
Cover Care
A good-quality swim spa cover is one of your best defenses against dirt and debris. Using a cover when your swim spa isn’t in use helps keep out leaves, insects, and other unwanted messes, cutting down on how often you’ll need to clean and treat the water.
But that’s not all! Your cover also plays a big role in energy efficiency. By trapping heat, it helps your swim spa maintain its temperature, reducing the energy required to heat the water. This means you’ll save on your electricity bill while also reducing wear and tear on the spa’s heating system.
Every month, give the outside of your cover a wipe to keep it clean and consider using a UV protectant spray suitable for the material of your cover to keep it from cracking and fading over time.
Advanced Technology Makes Swim Spa Maintenance Effortless
Now, here’s where things get really cool. Swim spas today come with advanced technology that takes the hassle out of maintenance. These systems help keep your water clean and safe automatically, so you spend less time worrying and more time relaxing.
Let’s take a look at some of the best systems available in the swim spa models we carry:
- ClearRay®️ Active Oxygen System (Jacuzzi®️ Swim Spas): This system combines ozone and UV-C technology to keep bacteria from running rampant in your water. It’s like having a personal water treatment plant right in your spa. It reduces the need for chemicals and keeps the water sparkling, saving you time and money.
- CleanZone® (Vita Spa Swim Spas): This system oxidizes your water to keep it clean and clear with fewer chemicals. To enhance this system, look for models with the CleanZone® Ultra system, which combines this UV-C light to kill 99.9% of bacteria!
- 4-Step Cleaning System (American Whirlpool®️ Swim Spas): This is a multi-layered system that filters, circulates, and purifies the water. It’s a thorough cleaning process that requires almost no work from you!
With these systems, maintaining your swim spa becomes incredibly easy. Most of the hard work is done automatically, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
When to Call in the Pros
While swim spas are designed to be low maintenance, sometimes issues do occur. If you notice something off with your spa—maybe the water isn’t as clear as it should be, or the jets aren’t working right—don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.
Our team at Legacy Hot Tubs in Sarasota is trained to handle any issue, big or small, so you can get back to enjoying your swim spa as soon as possible.
To make maintenance even easier, consider looking into a spa care service that handles everything for you, from water treatment to troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts on Swim Spa Maintenence
So, are swim spas high maintenance? Not at all! With regular care and today’s advanced technologies, owning a swim spa is easier than ever. It’s all about simple upkeep, and the rest is automated for you. With a little effort, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water all year long.
Ready to Dive In? Shop Swim Spas in Sarasota at Legacy Hot Tubs Today!
If you’re thinking about adding a swim spa to your home, or you need help with your current one, Legacy Hot Tubs in Sarasota has you covered.
We offer a range of industry-leading swim spas from Jacuzzi®️, Vita Spas, and American Whirlpool®️, all featuring the latest cleaning technologies, making maintenance a breeze.
Contact us today to learn more or stop by our showroom to see our swim spas in action!
