Swim Spa Maintenance: The Complete UK Owner's Guide
Weekly Routine (15–20 Minutes)
- Test water: chlorine 3–5 ppm, pH 7.2–7.6, alkalinity 80–120 ppm
- Clean waterline with soft cloth — remove oil and product build-up
- Rinse filters with garden hose (never a pressure washer)
- Check water level and top up if needed
- Wipe and check thermal cover — remove debris and standing water
Monthly Maintenance
Deep soak filters overnight in cleaning solution. Check cabinet air vents for blockages. Inspect thermal cover for waterlogging or damage — a degraded cover significantly increases running costs.
Seasonal Maintenance (Every 3–6 Months)
Drain completely and refill with fresh water — dissolved solids accumulate and can’t be filtered out. While empty, clean the shell with a non-abrasive cleaner. Flush plumbing with pipe cleaner before draining. Check frost protection before winter.
Water Chemistry Basics
| Parameter | Target Range | If Too Low | If Too High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | 3–5 ppm | Bacteria risk | Skin/eye irritation |
| pH | 7.2–7.6 | Corrodes metal, irritates skin | Cloudy water, reduced sanitiser |
| Alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | pH swings wildly | Difficult to adjust pH |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cloudy water: Check sanitiser, clean filters, adjust pH. Run circulation 24 hours.
Foam: Body products (sun cream, deodorant) are usually the cause. Shower before use. Wash swimwear without fabric softener.
Chlorine smell: Paradoxically means NOT ENOUGH chlorine — the smell comes from chloramines. Shock treat.
Green water: Sanitiser has dropped too low. Shock, brush shell, clean filters.
