Simple moments that keep everything just right

I’ve learned that caring for a HotSpring spa isn’t about following rules, it’s about small, thoughtful habits that quietly prepare the spa for the moments that matter most. This is the checklist I keep in mind. Nothing complicated. Just enough to ensure the water is always ready when life calls for a soak.

Daily

Two minutes that make everything else effortless

☐ Test the water using a fresh, in date test strip
☐ Check pH is between 7.0 and 7.6 (closer to 7.0 feels best)
☐ Check sanitiser levels

• Bromine: 2 to 4 ppm
• Chlorine: 3 to 5 ppm

☐ Adjust pH if needed using increaser or reducer
☐ Top up sanitiser if required
☐ If you have one glance at the tablet dispenser to ensure tablets haven’t fully dissolved

This is the habit that stops everything else from ever becoming a problem.

Weekly

A little extra care, once a week

☐ Run all pumps with air controls and waterfalls fully open
☐ If foam appears, add a small amount of foam suppressant
☐ Turn air controls and waterfalls back off

☐ Visually check water clarity
☐ Add clarifier if water looks dull
☐ Add Anti Scale if you live in a hard water area

☐ Test Total Alkalinity

• Ideal: 125 to 150 ppm
• Minimum: 80 ppm

This is where the spa reminds you how well it responds to gentle attention.

Housekeeping

Keeping everything looking as good as it feels

☐ Remove any leaves or grit from the footwell
☐ Wipe the waterline and controls with a spa safe cleaner
☐ Secure the cover properly once finished

The spa always looks grateful for this part.

Monthly

Quiet resets that keep life flowing smoothly

☐ Remove filters from the spa
☐ Clean the spa shell with a HotSpring approved cleaner
☐ Replace filters with a clean, dry set
☐ Clean the removed filters and allow to dry naturally

☐ Recheck pH and sanitiser levels
☐ Confirm temperature is set exactly where you like it

Having two sets of filters makes this feel effortless rather than intrusive.

Water Changes

Fresh starts feel good for everyone

☐ Drain and refill every 3 – 4 months, depending on usage and a longer if you have Fresh Water Salt.
☐ Use a spa system flush before draining to clean pipework

After draining
☐ Flush pipework with a garden hose
☐ Clean shell using spa approved products only
☐ Remove and clean jets where possible
☐ Vacuum pipework, jets and components using a wet and dry vacuum

Before refilling
☐ Replace drain plugs and check all fittings
☐ Fill through the filter or skimmer area
☐ Add chlorine as the spa fills
☐ Supervise filling at all times

There is something deeply satisfying about fresh water steaming for the first time.

Annual

Peace of mind for the year ahead

☐ Book an annual professional service
☐ Check pumps, heaters and controls
☐ Inspect ozone or UV sanitation systems
☐ Replace filters

This is about confidence, safety and long term enjoyment.

The Best Part

One day, you will realise you no longer think about this checklist at all. You’ll just lift the cover, step into perfectly balanced water, and let the day drift away.

At that point, you won’t feel like you’re maintaining a spa.

You’ll feel like you’re living with one.

And that, to me, is exactly how a HotSpring spa should be.