How to Take Care of a Catalina Spa

Routine maintenance of a Catalina spa ensures that the water is clean while recirculating and promotes long-term use of the pump and all electric equipment. Water that remains in spas for long periods of time without adequate testing, adjusting and draining will lead to pump failure. Cleaning the inside and outside of a spa promotes longevity of the product shell on the interior and exterior.

Things You'll Need

• Multipurpose spa cleaner
• Silicone sealant
• Scum buster
• Stain and scale treatments
• Spa test strips
• Alkalinity increaser
• pH decreaser
• Filter cartridges
• Garden hose
• Superdeck Duckback Oil
• Cloth

Instructions

Water Maintenance

1. Drain the water out of the spa every 2 to 5 months. Locate the drain hose by the motor inside of the spa surround through the access door. Remove the cap by turning counterclockwise and set aside. Turn the black valve counterclockwise one quarter turn to open. The water will flow out of the valve.

2. Clean the spa with spa multipurpose cleaner by spraying the entire inside and wiping with a cloth. Use a silicone sealant polish to shine the inside of the spa. Spray the polish on the inside and wipe with a cloth.

3. Refill the spa with clean water. Add scum buster and stain and scale treatments when the spa is half full. Use a spa test strip to check the pH and total alkalinity levels in the spa water after the water level is full. Dip a test strip into the water, shake off excess water and compare to the label on the test strip package. Adjust with alkalinity increaser or pH decreaser according to package instructions to obtain a pH level of 7.2 to 8.2 and the total alkalinity of 100 to 120.

Cleaning

1. Clean the spa of any debris in the water once a week. Remove any leaves or debris that either blows into the spa and floats or sinks inside. Lift the skimmer door up and remove the skimmer basket on the side of the spa by turning it clockwise and pulling out. Clean any items out of it and rinse with a garden hose.

2. Turn each filter cartridge counterclockwise and lift each up and out. The filter cartridges are underneath the skimmer basket. Clean the filter cartridges by rinsing with a garden hose on medium pressure.

3. Replace the filter cartridges by inserting and turning clockwise to lock into position. Replace the skimmer basket by sliding it back in its compartment on the side of the spa and turning it counterclockwise to lock in place. Close the skimmer door.

4. Clean the mahogany cabinet of a Catalina spa with Superdeck Duckback Oil to preserve the finish from deterioration. Spray the oil onto the cabinet and rub it in with a cloth. This oil treatment will repel stains and prevent water from soaking into the wood. Clean the mahogany every 6 months with this method.

Tips & Warnings

• Use spa test strips to test and adjust the pool water once a week for optimal water conditions.

References

• Catalina Spas: Owners Manual
• Pool and Spa: Weekly Maintenance: Daily Operation