Spas and pools : Slowly stepping out of winter

Spas and pools : Slowly stepping out of winter

01 March 2024

Spring is slowly setting in. The days are getting longer and the plants are starting to bloom. This means that the swimming season will start soon!

Whether it's for your pool or spa, getting back on track to gently get out of winter must be well prepared. In this way, you will be sure to fully enjoy the entire season with peace of mind. How to restart your spa or pool after the cold season? We provide you with a complete guide whether it's for the decoration or the maintenance of your pool or spa .

 

Tips for decorating and maintaining your spa

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, it's time to prepare your hot tub for its summer season restart. If you're the proud owner of a hot tub, whether indoors or outdoors, a smooth transition is essential to ensure a relaxing experience. 

1- Spa decoration, a must

For a cocooning atmosphere at home, here are some decoration tips to prepare your spa for the summer season.

Indoors, the spa is a significant source of humidity. You will therefore need to take this into account when setting up your space. Good ventilation is essential to avoid problems related to humidity. You can also install an air dehumidifier. 

Whether indoors or outdoors, choose rot-proof materials for flooring and walls. Natural materials such as wood, rattan or bamboo are timeless. For a Nordic style with a refined design, you can, for example, opt for light wood and cream colours. 

For a touch of originality, you can opt for patterns inspired by Mediterranean earthenware. The Azujelos mosaics from Spain and Portugal or the Zellig mosaic from Morocco will brighten up your spa with their bright colors.

For a more tropical atmosphere, especially for outdoor spas, you can integrate lush exotic plants into your decoration. For example, opt for palm trees or plants with large leaves. They will also bring freshness to this space. Be careful, however, not to install them too close to the hot tub! Dead leaves or petals should not fall on it. Also consider storing ceramic pots around the spa. And for a light finishing touch, you can install sails or drapes that float in the wind to create an airy atmosphere.

For the ultimate relaxing experience, you can integrate spotlights into your spa. This will create a lighting ambiance that is conducive to relaxation. You can add a musical touch for complete sound immersion. Among other things, you can equip yourself with Bluetooth devices with speakers integrated into the walls. All you have to do is start your “zen” playlist for a guaranteed disconnection.

2- Spa maintenance

For the maintenance of your spa (indoor or outdoor), here are some tips for a smooth end to wintering. 

  • Remove the winter cover

Start by removing the cover from your spa (if you have one installed). Before storing it, clean it thoroughly to prevent accumulated impurities from contaminating the water during the next use.

  • Empty and Clean the Spa

If your hot tub has been drained over the winter, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning. Use a cordless hot tub vacuum like the Pool Blaster Aqua Broom XL Ultra to remove any dirt, debris or buildup. With the largest vacuum head in its class, this vacuum model has triple the debris holding capacity, with twice the power of standard hot tub vacuums. To finish cleaning your hot tub , rinse thoroughly and make sure it is free of any residue.

  • Check the Structural Elements

Carefully inspect the spa structure, including the walls, liner and joints. Look for any signs of wear, cracks or possible failures and make any necessary repairs.

  • Clean the Filters and Jets

Spa filters and jets play a crucial role in the quality of the spa experience. Clean or replace the filters as needed. You will need to ensure that the jets are not clogged to ensure even water distribution and an optimal relaxation experience.

  • Check and Rebalance Water Quality

Test the water to assess pH, disinfectant (such as chlorine or bromine), and alkalinity levels. Adjust these levels as needed to maintain healthy, crystal-clear water for the upcoming swimming season.

  • Eliminate Bacteria and Algae

It is possible that bacteria or algae have accumulated during the winter. To eliminate them, use specific products. The surfaces of the spa can be scrubbed with a suitable brush for a deep clean.

  • Check the Technical Equipment

Also, you will need to make sure that all technical equipment such as pumps, water heaters and electronic controls are working properly. Repair or replace faulty components to avoid any problems during peak season.

Here is your spa ready, whether indoors or outdoors, to offer you moments of relaxation for a new summer season. Enjoy the soothing warmth of the water and let yourself be carried away for a well-deserved relaxing break after winter!

Tips for getting your pool back up and running

The end of winter marks the time to restart the pool and prepare for summer days. Follow these key steps to ensure an efficient restart and enjoy crystal clear water all summer long.

1- Restarting after Passive Wintering

During a total (passive) winterization, all equipment has been shut down and the pool is covered. Here are the steps to follow for a safe exit from winterization of your pool.

  • Remove the winter cover if you have installed one, clean it, leave it to dry and store it in your equipment room.
  • Remove winterizing devices such as skimmer gizmos, winterizing plugs and float line.
  • Cleaning the pool: use a wall brush and treat the filter with a special disinfectant tablet. With a cordless Pool Blaster Max Li pool vacuum cleaner , you can remove all impurities and stubborn stains. This pool cleaner with its cordless and hose-free design is even easier to maneuver. You can thus get rid of debris, leaves or even any algae that can accumulate at the bottom of the pool in no time. 
  • Check water quality and adjust if necessary. This step includes checking water balance (alkalinity, pH, hardness). 
  • Disinfect the water by shock treatment if there has been a proliferation of bacteria or micro-organisms during the cold season.
  • Restart the filtration pump.

2- Restarting After Active Wintering

It is obviously easier to take your pool out of winter storage if you have opted for partial winter storage. 

To do this, you just need to: 

  • Remove any installed protections, such as a tarp. Then you can clean it and then store it.
  • Restart the filtration, after having previously checked that the system is working properly. You will need to pay particular attention to the maintenance of the filters with leaves or flower petals. They can fly away and clog the system during the spring.
  • Set filtration periods. To determine the daily filtration time required for your pool, divide the water temperature by two.
  • Maintaining the pool : Thorough cleaning of the walls and waterline is essential. If there is debris at the bottom, you can skim it effectively with the Pool Blaster Leaf Vac cordless pool vacuum
  • Check the water balance, whether it is the pH level, alkalinity or hardness. If necessary, these parameters will need to be adjusted.
  • Disinfect the pool regularly with the appropriate treatments. A shock disinfection may be necessary to eliminate all types of microorganisms and other bacteria that may have developed in the pool during the winter.

Good to know :

  • Regular maintenance: After restarting the pool, regular maintenance is essential to ensure water quality throughout the swimming season.
  • Frequent Testing: Frequent monitoring of water balance (pH, alkalinity, chlorine, stabilizer) is essential.
  • Partial water renewal: You have the possibility of renewing up to 30% of the water in your pool to maintain optimal quality.

In general, the recommended period for restarting the outdoor pool is between March and April, when the water temperature reaches a minimum of 12°C. Acting in time prevents the proliferation of algae and bacteria, thus reducing additional maintenance costs. However, you will have to adapt to the weather conditions in your area.

With the arrival of sunny days, it is time to say goodbye to winter and prepare to welcome the summer season with enthusiasm. Whether for a swimming pool or a spa, indoor or outdoor, the transition from winter to spring requires special attention, especially in terms of cleaning and maintenance of the pool , to ensure a successful swimming experience. Now, get out your swimsuits and hats and dive into the summer season with peace of mind!



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