Owing a home spa is a dream of many wellness followers and moreover, it is very convenient. In order to last longer, it should be cleaned regularly. Keeping the spa or hot tub well-maintained, guarantees fresh and clean water for a maximum pleasure and relaxation. For this purpose you should follow certain guidelines.
Cleaning your spa, it is advisable to start from the impurities like dirt and fungus, which are usually hidden. Remember to check on time every part of the spa support system, including pump, filter and heater, as well as air blower. The filters have a very important role in the purity of your spa, so it is very useful to clean them every time you change the water. Using a filter-rotation method for cleaning will prolong the life of the filters for at least 6 months. It is important to avoid using any kind of household detergents or car wax, but instead utilize the garden hose to remove the dirt by a high water pressure. In case there is too much oil in your spa, you should prevent obstructing the filters by using enzyme based oil removers or oil removing balls.
If you have not used the spa for a long period, you are recommended to drain the entire spa and flush it. With the help of the whirlpool rinsing method you will remove bath and body oils and after that you should pump it with the submersible to remove the water. Simultaneously with these procedures, remove the filter and clean it. After that, test the pH and alkalinity of the water. In case it is too high, adjust the pH and add Bromine tablets to your spa Bromine floater (the quantity of tablets depends on the size of the spa).
You should be aware that the chemistry of the spa changes very quickly due to the high temperature and aeration of the water, as well as the body chemistry of the people using the spa. These factors are sufficient to provide conducive environment for bacteria and algae to grow. That is why water should be checked daily and especially its chlorine/bromine disinfectant level, pH level, total alkalinity and calcium hardness. For this purpose you can take a water quality test kit, which is very easy to use and in addition will give you the necessary information to keep the water in a good condition and balance. The sanitizers for disinfecting the spa should include oxidizers, chlorine (in liquid, tablets or granules), granular bromine and biguanide. Thus, you will fight against the forming of algae and harmful bacteria in water.
For the special types of spa, special care is needed. Both gelcoat and acrylic spas should be drained and wiped with a sponge, after which a non-soap and nonabrasive cleaner should be used to remove the deposits. Chemicals would help to maintain the chemical balance of the water and keep the spa’s shine. Avoid extra strong products such as car cleaners, wax, glass cleaners, or similar products that are very bad for the water chemistry. Instead, a spa vacuum cleaner will be useful since it does not require pumping to remove the dirt and debris in water. Since the shell of your soft-built spa shell may be scratched easily, do not clean it with abrasive products or hard scrubs, but use a soft cloth/nylon scrubber with mild soap detergent or baking soda. Your concrete or plaster spa can be cleaned with a diluted muriatic acid solution. If you have a fiberglass spa, you should se a special wax about twice a year to restore its luster.
Last but not least important, cleaning process is good for checking your spa thoroughly for any kind of leaks, cracks and faults. In case you come across any pieces of equipment that are broken, have them replaced.
Here are the main steps to maintain your spa.
- Perform a daily check of the water for its pH, chlorine and bromine level, as well as for total alkalinity;
- Clean your filter and check for the calcium level once a month;
- It is recommended to have a spa cover in order to prevent heat loss;
- Check the leaf strainer basket every week to remove debris;
- Every 3 months drain, clean your spa and refill it with fresh water;
- Periodically check the support equipment (pipe joints, seals, heaters, etc) for leaks, mineral deposits or corrosion.