Caring For Your Pool Spa Combo
Some days you want a cool dip in the pool, but other days you want a warm soak in the spa. If you have a pool-spa combo, you never have to pick. But does having two relaxation options mean you’ll have twice the work? Not with these maintenance and inspection tips! After reading this, you’ll have all the information you need to keep your pool spa combo how it should be: relaxing.
How Does a Pool Spa Combo Work?
A pool spa combo refers partly to the literal combination structure, but the most significant combining factor is their hydraulic systems. If you had a standalone spa, it would have its own heater, pump, and filtration. A spa and pool combination will have one system that controls both units, meaning that problems in one can cause problems in the other.
Most of the unique problems that a spa and pool combo will face, as opposed to stand-alone models, involve the joint pipes and the devices that regulate the two systems.
Common Pool Spa Combo Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Pool and spa maintenance covers various activities, from checking filters and chemical levels to skimming leaves and bugs out of the water. When both are connected, though, there are some other things you need to be mindful of. For example, in a stand-alone spa, if the heater isn’t working, you only need to inspect the spa’s heater. In a combination unit, the problem might be poolside.
- Spa Not Heating Properly
Chances are if you have a spa, stand-alone or in-pool, you don’t want it to be cool or lukewarm. When your spa isn’t heating, that is a big problem. However, in the case of an in-pool spa, the solution might be easy. If your return valve is incorrectly set, the hot water could be drawn from your spa and returned to the pool instead of back to the spa. Making sure the heat pump valve isolates the spa should solve this problem.
- Valve Actuator Issues
In the above example, the valve wasn’t correctly set. Sometimes this happens due to human error (everyone can forget to switch a valve at some time), but in other cases, the problem is actually with the actuator. A valve actuator is a mechanism that opens and closes a valve. Many pool and spa systems have electronic actuators controlled with a button, a timer, or even a mobile app. A typical pool valve will last about ten years, but some accompanying parts will only last five to seven. If you try to adjust the valve and it doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace your actuator.
- Spa Drains on its Own
Do you ever notice that the water level in your spa drops when you haven’t drained it? Look at your spa return line check valves. Like the pool it is attached to, your hot tub uses chlorinated water. Over time, this will even break down metal parts. Due to corrosion, water will begin to leak out, causing your spa to drain. Once these parts have been replaced, though, you should be back in business. Another common issue is an air leak. When air leaks from hoses and tubes, pressure drops and water that was supposed to be pulled into your hot tub will be returned to your pool, lowering the water level over time; replacement of the piping or tubing will be required, so if you suspect this is the problem, contact us right away.
- Cloudy Water
If you’re looking to sit in the spa and the water looks less than ideal, the chances are your chemical levels aren’t balanced. Sometimes you’ll see cloudy water caused by your filters not working or even too much sunscreen or other similar products washing off you and your guests. If you can’t rule out unacceptable levels, turn to a professional to help diagnose and fix your water chemistry issues. Cloudy water could mean you need to change your spa’s water.
How to Drain Spa Attached to A Pool
It’s important to drain the water whenever you clean your spa because you won’t be able to scrub properly if the spa is full of water. Knowing how to drain your spa to maintain proper water levels is also beneficial, even if you aren’t cleaning. Draining an attached spa can come in two forms: draining into your yard or draining into the pool.
For either of these, you’ll need to make sure that any valves are set only to drain the spa to make sure the pool water levels aren’t affected. Make sure you thoroughly drain the spa, too, as any left-behind water will impact the new water’s chemistry levels (even incrementally). Much like draining a pool, it is best avoid draining the water into a storm sewer or drain as this may violate local codes. If you must drain your pool or spa, consult with your local sewer or water authority first.
How to Clean a Pool Spa Combo
Cleaning a spa attached to a pool is straightforward. However, it will take time, as it’s best to let the cleaner sit overnight. Start by removing any large debris, such as leaves. There are a variety of cleaners that you can pour directly into your filter. Once you’ve poured it in, let the jets run for 30 minutes to get the cleaner properly spread throughout the spa. Let the water with cleaner sit overnight before draining it and scrubbing it with a brush. Then you can refill your spa.
Take Swim Spa Maintenance Off Your To-Do List; Call Us!
It might be easy to diagnose the problem with your built-in spa, but the fix is often more complicated! When you choose America’s Swimming Pool Co. for pool maintenance and repair, we’ll make your fix easy. From our inspection and pump replacement services to water chemistry assistance, rely on our local teams. Request service online for your pool, built-in spa (or both), or call (866) 253-0455 today.