Man filling a hot tub with water using a hose in a backyard setting.

Operating & care guide

Practical advice on filling, running, cleaning and caring for your Just Spas spa — a quick guide for new owners and a handy refresher for everyone else.

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Quick reference for owners

This page covers the main things every spa owner needs to know — starting up after delivery, looking after the water, keeping the filter clean, and getting in touch with us if something’s not right. Your model-specific manual goes into more detail; this is the high-level guide.

Hot tub being filled with water from a hose

First fill & startup

Once your spa is in position and a licensed electrician has completed the final connection, fill it through a clean garden hose to the recommended water line shown on the inside of your shell.

Switch on and let the system circulate. The heater will gradually bring water up to your chosen temperature — first heat-up takes longer than ongoing reheats. Add starter chemicals (sanitiser, pH balancer) as outlined in your model-specific manual. Don’t use the spa until the water is properly balanced.

Your ongoing routine

Each use

Shower briefly before getting in. Replace the cover properly when you finish.

Weekly

Test the water (sanitiser, pH), top up chemicals as needed, wipe the waterline.

Fortnightly

Rinse the filter under a hose. Deep-clean with filter cleaner every month or two.

Every 3–4 months

Drain, wipe out the shell, and refill with fresh water. Replace filters every 12–18 months.

Water chemistry basics

Two things to keep on top of: sanitiser (chlorine or bromine, depending on your setup) and pH balance. Sanitiser keeps the water safe; pH keeps it comfortable on skin and easy on the equipment.

Use a basic test strip or test kit weekly. Top up sanitiser to maintain the recommended level for your model. Adjust pH up or down using a balancer as needed. If you’re new to all this, it’s simpler than it sounds and we’re happy to walk you through it.

Hand holding a pool test strip with water in the background
Person replacing a filter in a hot tub with a close-up of the filter and hands.

Looking after your filter

The filter does a lot of the heavy lifting. Keep it clean and the pump runs efficiently, the water stays clear, and your sanitiser lasts longer between top-ups.

Fortnightly: Remove and rinse with a strong hose to flush out trapped debris. Monthly or two: Soak in a dedicated filter cleaner overnight to remove oils and built-up gunk that rinsing won’t shift. Every 12–18 months: Replace. We sell replacements at our Hallam HQ and can ship Australia-wide.

Cover care extends its life

Wipe the cover’s outer vinyl every month or two with a mild soap solution to remove dirt and prevent mould. Treat with a UV-protectant spray a couple of times a year to slow the inevitable sun damage. Always lift with the handles — never drag.

If your cover starts feeling heavy (waterlogged inner foam), it’s time for a replacement. A new cover dramatically improves heat retention and can pay for itself in lower running costs within a year or two.

Person cleaning a metal surface with a cloth outdoors

When to call us

Some things are best handled by us. Get in touch if you notice any of these.

Error codes

Any code on the control panel you don’t recognise — send us a photo and we’ll diagnose.

Won’t heat

If water is staying cold despite the heater being on, check filter first — then call us.

Cloudy water

If chemistry adjustments aren’t clearing it up, we can walk you through next steps.

Spare parts

Filters, covers, jet inserts, control panels — spare parts come from the same Hallam factory.

Need a hand?

Our team is here for water chemistry advice, spare parts orders, warranty questions, or anything else spa-related — even years after you bought it.

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