water care tips

Watercare, Streamlined

Take the work out of watercare with new Spa Sense™, a built-in chemistry sensor and reporting system fully integrated with our SmartTub® system.

Watercare, Streamlined

Take the work out of watercare with new Spa Sense™, a built-in chemistry sensor and reporting system fully integrated with our SmartTub® system.

We’ve perfected our water care programs with you in mind. While your usage, water quality and even the weather can affect your routine, overall, our systems simplify the process, so you can truly let your cares and worries melt away in the warm waters of a Sundance® spa.

2 Watercare Options, Endless Relaxation

spa sense

Spa Sense™

Spa Sense™ is a built-in chemistry sensor and reporting system that fully integrates with our SmartTub® system, making watercare easier than ever before. Spa Sense™ uses your specific spa model and provides precise personalized recommendations and measurements of what and how much product to add. Trade in those outdated test strips for our easy-to-use app that never leaves you second guessing. Optional on 980™, 880™, and 780™ series.

 

clearray

The CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™ System

The CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™ System injects a low dose of oxygen into the water before it passes by the UV-C light, energizing active oxygen molecules to work harder to clean the water longer.

This advanced oxidation process naturally activates active oxygen molecules, breaking up contaminants and eliminating up to 99.99% of waterborne pathogens. The CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™ Clean Water System is standard on all acrylic spas.

Recommended Hot Tub Water Care Schedule

After Each Use

  • Add 1 capful of shock and 1 teaspoon chlorine sanitizer.
  • Leave the spa cover open and run the jets for 20 minutes.
  • Add the recommended amount of shock after heavy use.

Weekly

  • Check the water using test strips or through the SmartTub® app if using Spa Sense™ and follow the simple instructions on the package or app to adjust pH levels as necessary.
  • Keep water soft and fresh by adding products like SunPurity™ PLUS. It’s best to do this on the same day each week.

Monthly

  • Check your filters for buildup and rinse or clean as necessary. Our easy-to-use filter flosser can simplify the process.
  • If you live in an area with hard water, add scale remover.

Quarterly

  • Replace your MicroClean® filter.
  • Replace your SunPurity™ cartridge.
  • Every 3-6 months, depending on usage, drain and replace your water.
  • Clean your hot tub cover. This is an often-overlooked part of spa maintenance, but it is essential in order to extend the cover’s life and keep it looking good as new.

Annually

  • See your local dealer to purchase and replace your CLEARRAY® UV-C bulb if applicable.
  • Replace your filters. You may need to do this more or less frequently based on the condition of your filters.

Every Five Years

  • See your local dealer to replace your CLEARRAY® PRO3TECT™ System if applicable.

Water Care FAQ's

There’s nothing more inviting than clear, sparkling water, but sometimes you might find that your hot tub water has become cloudy. That’s an indication it’s time for hot tub maintenance, as cloudy water signals a high level of bacteria that can cause skin issues or even respiratory difficulties.


The cure is easy: Just make sure that your filter and sanitizers are doing their job. If tree pods, grass clippings, or other matter are blowing into your spa, the chorine may not be able to kill bacteria because it’s busy fighting the particles in the hot tub. Another common issue is too many bathers—and the sunscreen, lotion, hair products, and other residue they leave behind.

 

To prevent cloudy water, follow these three steps for hot tub maintenance:

 

  1. Keep your filter clean and replace it as recommended.
  2. Make sure you are using the proper amount of chemicals.
  3. Ask bathers to take a quick rinse before they enter the hot tub.

Draining and refilling your spa is a crucial step for proper hot tub water care. You’ll typically want to replace the water every three to four months, although you may need to do so more often if you enjoy your hot tub daily or entertain groups regularly. Of course, you should drain it any time you notice the water becoming cloudy, foamy, smelly, or too hard to balance.

 

To start, be sure to turn off the power. Then, unscrew the drain valve cap and attach a garden hose. Aim it toward a safe area—you don’t want to flood your lawn or plant beds—and the water will flow out.

 

After thoroughly cleaning the spa with a soft cloth and non-abrasive, non-foaming cleaner, like 303 Multi-Surface Clearer, you’re ready to refill it. Remove the filter lid and cartridge from the filter bucket, and direct the garden hose into the empty filter bucket. Turn on the water and fill it just until the water covers the jets, but doesn’t touch the bottom of the lowest headrest. The water level will rise as your guests join you for a soak.

 

There’s nothing like crystal-clear hot tub water to make you want to invite friends and family over to enjoy a dip. The good news is that regular hot tub maintenance will ensure that you’re always ready for a relaxing spa party.

 

Have more hot tub questions? Talk to your Sundance® Spas dealer today.

With your sense of smell you can quickly tell when an off-putting scent is indicating an issue with your water, even when your water looks good to go.. An abnormal odor from your spa water can indicate that there is bacteria present in your water. Start by testing the water using test strips and look for levels that are out of balance. You may need to add a sanitizer, like Sundance® Spas Chlorinating Granules or Brominating tablets. A quick retest of your water should confirm what your nose knows; odor-free water usually means your water is in winning condition.

A long soak in a hot tub can feel like a luxury. Whether you’re celebrating the end of another long workday or simply enjoying time with friends, the warm water and massaging jets can be just what you need to relax and rejuvenate.

Over time, however, bad habits can take a toll on a hot tub. Clogged filters, unbalanced water, and more can put a damper on your relaxation session. To make sure your hot tub is ready when you need it, here are three things you should always do before entering your hot tub.

  1. Rinse off. Your body has oils, lotions, and dead skin cells that aren’t good for your hot tub. Even the deodorant you put on every morning can be bad for the filter you rely on to keep your water fresh and clean. Stopping to take a quick shower before hopping in your hot tub can keep you soaking instead of draining and cleaning.
  2. Eat. While sipping your favorite beverage or morning cup of coffee may be seem harmless for your hot tub, crumbly foods and excessive spilled beverages can be a huge risk. Stick to crumb-free finger foods like mini meatballs, pretzel bites, and cream puffs.
  3. Dress the right part. You may not put much thought into what you wear in the hot tub, but it’s important. Mostly, you should make sure the swimsuit you wear is clean and free of detergents that can wreak havoc on your hot tub water. And, avoid going straight from the lake or beach to your hot tub, which can transfer minerals attached to your suit into the water and can be bad for your spa. Having your hair pinned up can also minimize hair gathering in the filter, reducing the cleaning necessary.

Ongoing water care is a necessity, but taking steps to keep the water clean and free of additives makes water care a breeze. Doing these three things you should always do before entering your hot tub will help minimize the amount of time you’ll spend draining, cleaning, and refilling your hot tub, which equals more hours to relax and enjoy your spa.