Spas and swim spas are a fantastic source of relaxation, entertainment and fun! Plus, they offer a great many health benefits, including reducing muscle and joint pain, supporting recovery from sports injuries and helping improve performance through hydrotherapy. The key to getting all these wonderful benefits is giving your spa the proper maintenance and care it deserves.

But, with so much conflicting information out there, we understand that it can be confusing and overwhelming to figure out what exactly needs to be done. We got you.

For close to two decades, mySpa, has been supplying Sydney with premium Australian-made and owned spas, so we know more than a thing or two about upkeep and maintenance. This detailed guide has greatly simplified the spa maintenance process covering all the below important points:

The Essentials of Spa Maintenance

Balance pH, alkalinity, & calcium hardness levels

The first and most important step is to balance the water in your spa, which boils down to maintaining stable levels of:

• pH: Levels should typically sit between 7.2 and 7.8. If it drifts too low or too high, the water can feel uncomfortable and your sanitiser may not work as well.
• Total alkalinity: This helps stabilise pH (it acts like a buffer). If alkalinity is too low, pH can swing rapidly; if it’s too high, pH can become stubborn and harder to adjust.
• Calcium hardness: Affects how “soft” or “hard” the water is. If it’s too low, the water can become corrosive to spa surfaces and components. If it’s too high, it can lead to scale buildup, cloudy water, and reduced heater efficiency.

When these three things are maintained at just the right levels, the spa water becomes a soothing environment and will have a gentle impact on the skin and eyes of the users.

Sanitise regularly with the right chemicals

Sanitising is essential for keeping spa water safe. Sanitisers (typically chlorine or bromine) kill bacteria and other microorganisms, while oxidation helps break down contaminants introduced by bathers (like body oils, sweat, and lotions). Just as importantly, maintaining a consistent sanitiser residual helps prevent contaminants from returning between uses.

If sanitiser levels and water balance aren’t maintained, spa water can become irritating (causing issues like itchy eyes, dry hair, or rashes) and may increase the risk of infections.

To stay on top of this, use spa test strips or a test kit to check your levels regularly and adjust as needed.

Find a spa test strip or kit here

Always check your owner’s manual for the ideal ranges for your specific spa, then test regularly and adjust in small increments.

Chlorine vs bromine for spas

Chlorine and bromine are two common chemicals used to sanitise spas today, but there is some debate about which is actually better, as they behave differently in the exact conditions spas create.

While both chemicals sanitise well when maintained correctly, bromine is often preferred for spas because it stays more stable in hot water and often has less noticeable odour. However, bromine breaks down faster in sunlight and can’t be stabilised with cyanuric acid (CYA), so it’s usually best for covered, indoor, or shaded spas.

For outdoor spas in full sun, chlorine is often the more practical and reliable option because it can be stabilised and works faster. However, it has a stronger scent and may be harsher if levels or pH aren’t well controlled.

Ultimately, either system can be safe and effective. The key is consistent testing and keeping sanitiser and pH within the recommended range.

Where to buy spa chemicals

We recommend using high-quality spa chemicals made specifically for Australian-made spa pools. You can buy these from spa specialists like mySpa Sydney and licensed dealers such as Sapphire Spas.

Cheaper options from supermarkets and hardware stores are often not formulated for spa conditions and may not perform as reliably.

Visit the mySpa Sydney store in Castle Hill

Spa Pool Maintenance Schedule at a Glance

Daily spa maintenance / as needed

• Check that the spa cover is on securely and there is no damage.
• Make sure the water looks and smells normal (clear, no strong odour or foam)

Weekly spa maintenance

• Test and adjust the PH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels
• Add a dose of sanitiser (chlorine or a non-chlorine shock) to help break down contaminants. Leave the cover off for a few hours so any chemical fumes can dissipate.
• Remove the filter and rinse it with tap water - check this guide on how to clean or replace spa filters.
• Clean your spa cover if needed - wipe the top and bottom using a wet cloth and cover-safe cleaner. Avoid harsh cleaners and never let any kids or pets climb on it.

Monthly spa maintenance

• Deep clean the filters with a dedicated filter-cleaning solution, then rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.
• Clean the spa’s surfaces with a spa-safe cleaner to remove buildup and keep the finish looking new.

Spa maintenance every 3-4 months (or as needed)

If you’re using your spa heavily, or if you notice cloudy water, odors, or foaming, you’ll usually need to drain it completely for a deeper clean.

Here’s how to do it:

• Drain & Refill: Empty and refill the spa, especially with heavy use.
• Deep Clean: Clean shell, jets, and cabinet thoroughly during refill
• Disconnect the power source.
• Drain all the water from the spa.
• Remove any dirt, sand and foliage that may be in the spa. Inspect the acrylic surface.
• Treat and stain the cabinet (if required).
• Clean your hardcover and treat it with the recommended product (consult your dealer).
• Remove and clean your headrests and all jets.

6-12 month spa maintenance plan (or annually)

• Do a thorough deep clean and check of the whole unit, including the filters, jets, cover, seals, and waterline for buildup or wear.
• Consider an annual professional service to inspect key components and catch issues before they become costly repairs.

Book a professional spa maintenance service.

For seasonal maintenance tips, check out these guides:

• 4 Expert Tips On Spa Maintenance In Winter
• Cleaning and Conditioning Your Spa Cover During Summer
• What Temperature Should My Spa Pool Be At and Why?

Maintenance Costs and When to Replace Your Spa

Spa maintenance costs vary depending on your setup, how often you use it, local electricity rates, and whether your spa needs extra work beyond routine water care.

However, if you’re paying for repeated repairs, such as replacing a heater, fixing pumps, or dealing with persistent jet issues, it can be a sign that the spa is becoming too costly to maintain. In that case, upgrading to a newer, higher-quality model is often more cost-effective than continuing to patch ongoing problems. Likewise, if you think there’s a high chance that other problems will soon arise, it is probably time for a replacement.

What You Need to Keep Your Spa in Good Condition

A spa chemical kit

A spa water testing or chemical kit tells you when it’s time to drain the water based on the total number of dissolved solids in the water.

Find a spa chemical kit.

A spa vacuum

 Cleaning a spa pool of debris and sediment is easy with a handheld spa vacuum. Requiring no electricity, it uses the power of physics to lift out and filter debris that your spa filters may not be able to reach.

More details about spa vacuums.

Spa umbrella

A spa umbrella not only adds an element of style to your spa pool but it also provides added protection, helping it withstand various weather conditions.

More details about spa umbrellas.

Spa covers and cover lifters

Cover lifters are a must-have spa accessory. Spa pool covers can be heavy, so we recommend installing a cover lifter to assist in removing and holding the cover while it's not in use.

More details about covers and lifters.

Get Your Spa Care Kit Sorted

Tired of maintaining your old, worn out spa? Explore our spa pool range for an upgrade. And you’re looking for a larger spa, don’t miss our swim spas.

Remember to bookmark this guide so you can keep coming back to it whenever you’re ever in doubt about how to properly maintain your spa.

You’ll find all the maintenance products you’ll need in our spa care collection, including sanitisers, pH increasers, spa chemical kits and more.