Understanding your swim spa equipment makes maintenance and troubleshooting much easier. While features vary by model, most swim spas include four key components: a filter, pump, heater and jets.
Filter
The filter helps keep water clean by trapping dirt, oil, hair and other debris as water circulates through the system. Swim spas may use a skimmer, a filter or a combination skimmer/filter system.
- Filters should be cleaned regularly and replaced as recommended by the manufacturer
- Keep a spare filter on hand so you’re prepared if a filter becomes damaged or can no longer be cleaned
Pump
The pump circulates the water in the swim spa. Check with your manufacturer about the details of your swim spa’s pump. Keep in mind the more jets your swim spa has, the more horsepower is needed. Some swim spas contain more than one pump.
Heater
The heater warms the water as it passes through the heating system. Good insulation helps maintain water temperature, improves energy efficiency and protects plumbing and equipment from freezing damage during cold weather. When evaluating or maintaining a heater, consider:
- Your local climate
- Swim spa size
- Heater voltage
- Insulation quality
Jets
Jet styles and performance vary by brand and model, so choose a system that matches how you plan to use your swim spa. Jets return water to the swim spa and provide:
- Massage and hydrotherapy
- Exercise resistance
- Swim currents for training or recreation
Optional Features
Most swim spas offer a host of different equipment features from blowers to audio, lights and exercise options. Swim spa dealers will have a list of what comes standard and what’s optional. A few options that can make a big difference in on-going water care and the life of your swim spa. Some essentials include:
- Covers: Made to fit the top of the swim spa, a good fitting cover is key to keeping your swim spa free of debris, retaining water heat and acting as a safety device to keep children and/or animals out
- Control Systems: Control systems range from basic to advanced and may include automatic shut-off, panel lockout, diagnostic fault displays, remote operation and programmable settings
