Hot tub and jacuzzi care for winter in a Costa del Sol villa
Enjoying a hot tub through a mild Costa del Sol winter, or closing it up while you're away? How to keep water, filters, cover and surrounds clean and safe.
· 3 min read
Why winter is a good moment to look after the spa
On the Costa del Sol many owners use a hot tub or jacuzzi well into the cooler months, because an evening outside at 15 degrees is far more pleasant when the water is warm. Others leave the spa idle from November until spring.
Either way, autumn and winter are when a spa quietly goes wrong: leaves and rain blow in, usage drops and water that is not treated or circulated turns cloudy and greasy. A little regular attention is much easier than a full restart in March.
If you use it regularly: keep the water routine simple
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model and the test kit or strips recommended for it. Check the water before each use, and again if it has rained or the spa has had many bathers. Hot water uses up sanitiser faster than a cold pool, and guests, sun cream and body oils all add to the load.
Rinse or wipe the waterline weekly, where a greasy film collects first. Replace the water on the schedule the manufacturer gives, rather than topping up indefinitely: old water is the most common reason for smells and foam.
Filters, jets and the cover
The filter cartridge does most of the work. Take it out, rinse it with a hose, and soak it in a cartridge cleaner made for spas every few weeks if you use the spa often. Let it dry fully before refitting, and keep a spare so one can always be drying.
Wipe the underside of the cover with a mild, spa-safe cleaner, since steam and moisture gather there, and keep it closed when not in use. Check the seal and the straps, because a cover that has warped in the sun will let in rain and debris.
If you are closing it up while you are away
A spa left full and untreated for months is a problem by the time you come back. Ask your installer or the manufacturer whether to drain it for the season or keep it running on a low circulation setting, because the right answer depends on the model and the equipment.
If it is drained, clean the shell and pipework with a product made for spas, dry it, leave the cover slightly open for ventilation if the manual allows, and keep the surrounding area free of leaves and standing water.
The surrounds: decking, stone and furniture
Wet feet and splashes mean the area around a hot tub grows green algae and slippery film faster than the rest of the terrace. Sweep often and wash non-slip surfaces with a gentle detergent; avoid harsh acids on natural stone, which can etch it.
Dry towels, cushions and robes away from the spa between uses, as in a humid winter they can turn musty within days. If you would like help with the terrace, stone and outdoor furniture around the spa, Lavanda's team can include it in a regular villa visit.
