Spa & Hot Tub Service

Purpose

Define the recurring spa / hot tub service protocol. Spas concentrate more bathers + chemistry into less water than pools, requiring different management. Higher temperature accelerates chemistry consumption + bacterial growth. The right service frequency + chemistry balance keeps spas safe + clear; the wrong approach generates "spa is foamy and smells funny" complaints + can become a serious health concern (Legionnaires' disease risk in poorly-maintained spas).

Scope

Applies to:

• Residential portable spas (most common)
• Residential in-ground / built-in spas
• Pool-attached spas (combo systems)
• Swim spas

Excludes commercial spa service (different regulatory framework + chemistry requirements), and biohazard cleanup of severely-neglected spas (typically requires specialty work + insurance considerations).

Responsibilities

• Dispatcher schedules monthly visits + confirms access at booking
• Lead technician runs the chemistry + equipment protocol
• Customer is briefed on weekly between-visit maintenance

Procedure

Monthly visit (60 - 75 minutes)

1. Customer briefing. "I'll test chemistry, clean filters, check equipment, and verify the spa is safe for use."
2. Visual inspection. Surface foam, scaling on jets, water clarity, equipment area condition.
3. Test chemistry:

• Free chlorine OR bromine (target 3 - 5 ppm spa-standard, higher than pool)
• pH (target 7.4 - 7.6)
• Total alkalinity (80 - 120 ppm)
• Calcium hardness (150 - 250 ppm - lower than pool spec; high calcium scales heaters)
• Cyanuric acid (limit 30 - 50 ppm for outdoor chlorine spas)
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) - monitor, drain when above 1,500 ppm

1. Dose chemistry to bring within target. Acid before chlorine; allow circulation between additions.
2. Filter inspection. Spa filters (cartridge typical) clog faster than pool filters. Hose-rinse if light buildup; soak in cartridge cleaner if heavier.
3. Equipment check:

• Pump: bearing noise normal?
• Heater: cycling on per thermostat?
• Air blower (if equipped): full air flow when activated?
• Lights: operating?
• Control panel: all functions responsive?

1. Inspect the cover. Saturation (heavy when lifted) = water inside the foam panels; replace cover when this happens - cover is dead weight + insulation is gone.
2. Photograph + document. Chemistry readings, equipment status, any flagged issues.

Quarterly visit additional items (drain + clean)

1. Drain the spa fully (every 3 - 4 months for residential).
2. Clean the shell with a spa-safe acidic cleaner. NOT bleach; NOT abrasive.
3. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Refill + balance chemistry from scratch.
5. Run circulation + heater 24 hours to reach temperature + bacteria-control levels.

Acceptance Criteria

• Chemistry within target ranges for each parameter
• Filter cleaned + reinstalled
• Equipment running without error
• Cover in serviceable condition (or replacement quoted)
• Customer signs the field report with chemistry readings documented

Customer between-visit tasks

Educate at every visit:

• Test chlorine + pH weekly with a test strip + dose if needed
• Shock weekly after heavy use (boost chlorine to 10 ppm temporarily)
• Cover when not in use (chemical loss + heat loss + debris ingress)
• Don't shower with conditioners + then enter spa (foam-up)
• Drain every 3 - 4 months even if "looks OK" - TDS accumulates invisibly

References

• CDC Spa + Hot Tub Disinfection guidelines
• NSPF / PHTA Certified Pool/Spa Operator Manual
• Manufacturer literature for the specific spa
• Manuall internal: Weekly Recurring Pool Service, Pool Chemistry Quick Reference