Quick Tips

This section will help you find out some little known hints, tips and secrets about your spa, as well as how to fix some common problems.

Did you know...

• That most spas have a re-set button just for the heater, and it’s this button that usually keeps a spa from heating? Find where it’s located in the Troubleshooting Your Spa section.
• That by taking the size of the spa in gallons divided by three, then, dividing the number of users per day, this will = the number of days before draining after a fresh fill? For example: if a spa holds 600 gallons and it typically has 2 bathers per day, you would divide 600 by 3 to get 200. Then divide 200 by 2 (number of users per day) and you get 100. That means the spa should be drained about every three months. (Top)
• That one person in a spa produces one liter of sweat per hour?
• That it is best to run a spa on a 24 hour cycle versus a timed cycle?
• That if you have an inground spa with a gas heater, and the filter, spa surface, and jets are orange, then the heater headers are rusted and should be replaced? To find out how to avoid this, refer to the Understanding Water Chemistry section.
• That the recommended temperature for a spa is 104 degrees?
• That the filter should be cleaned at least every two months, preferably every month? Portable spa filters should be replaced yearly - In-ground spa filters, every two years. (Top)
• That the GFCI (switch that has a test and reset button) trips mostly due to heating element problems (e.g., corrosion)? Again, refer to the Understanding Water Chemistry section to avoid this.
• That most spas won’t get over 98 degrees due to an old or dirty filter?
• That most spa leaks are found due to a faulty shaft seal on the pump/motor assembly?
• That the worst thing for a spa is leaving it empty?
• That ozonators along with a non-chlorine shock make one of the best sanitizer combinations?
• That if you have problems with mice around the spa equipment, moth balls make a great detourant?
• That the spa water will not heat properly without a cover?
• That in-ground spas left empty, have an excellent chance of floating out of the ground? (Top)
• That the filter should be replaced if the spa was previously owned?
• That a spa will not heat in the high speed mode (jets), if it is a 110 volt system? Only 220 volt systems are capable of doing this.
• That just draining a spa does not prepare it for the winter season? There are drain plugs, as well as other things to consider.
• That a simple way to drain a spa, is by connecting a garden hose to the faucet, putting the other end in the spa, then turn on the faucet for approximately 30 seconds. Next, turn off the faucet, unscrew the hose, and let it fall to the ground. Water should be flowing from the hose at this point created by a natural siphon.
• That baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can be used to raise the total alkalinity?
• That not testing your water for the main three (1) Total alkalinity, (2) pH level, (3) Calcium hardness, can leave your water unbalanced causing any, or all of the following parts to be affected? (1) Heating elements, (2) Pump seals, (3) Pressure switches, (4) Stainless steel and copper parts, as well as the internal parts on gas fired heaters. Refer to Understanding Water Chemistry to avoid this. The average cost of related repair is $150.00. (Top)