Test Kits

• Each type of spa has its own set of test strips or drops. A kit should have been provided to you when you purchased your spa, but if not, you can purchase them at any pool and spa store. Spas will use either bromine, chlorine or a natural purifier, and each one is tested for slightly different levels of chemicals. Bromine test kits test for bromine, PH, chlorine and alkalinity, while the test kit for chlorine tests for PH and alkalinity. Natural purifiers test for PH, monopersulfates and alkalinity. Each has a level that is best for your water, and that level will be indicated on the test strip or tube. Chemicals should be added to the water if the test indicates a level that is too low or too high. This testing should be at least once a week, and sooner if the spa is getting a lot of use.
  
  In addition, the hot tub should be shocked once a week. You can also purchase spa shock treatment at the local spa store. If the spa is being used more than four times per week, you should shock it twice a week. Add just a little shock after each use for natural purifiers as well as shocking it once a week.
  
  

Filtering

• To keep the hot tub free of bacteria and fungus, the water should not sit still for very long. Keep the filter running constantly, or put a timer on your pump to turn it on and off at certain intervals. This can prevent skin problems for you and your family members who use the spa. Keep a cover on your spa when not in use, if it is outside. This will prevent leaves and other debris from blowing or falling into the water and causing algae problems and/or clogging up the pump.
  
  

Water and Filter Changes

• The water and filter should be changed every 60 to 90 days. Keeping an extra filter on hand will allow you to change the filter right away. Thoroughly clean the one you took out. After you've drained the spa, wipe down all the walls with a special spa cleaner, and use a spa flush system to flush out the plumbing. This will keep anything nasty from growing inside the plumbing where you can't see it. After you fill the spa back up with water, you will need to start over with adding the chemicals. Within a short period of time, you will have a maintenance routine and it will take only a few minutes a couple days per week to maintain your hot tub or spa.