5 Tips for Maintaining Your Spa
You bought your spa so you could unwind and relax. Few things are more enjoyable than time spent soaking in your spa or jacuzzi after a long day. Since Delaware weather is often chilly, residents may get more use out of warm-water spa.
After weeks spent enjoying your spa, you may be dismayed to discover that it’s not looking too hot. The water may appear discolored, stagnant, or full of bacteria. No more relaxing soaks to help you de-stress and unwind!
Without maintaining your spa, you can expect your spa to end up dirty, full of bacteria, and rarely used. Proper spa maintenance will ensure that your spa is healthy, fully functional, and will last for years.
The professionals at Family Pool Maintenance want you to enjoy that feeling of relaxation for as long as you can. Here are 5 tips for maintaining your spa so you can enjoy your spa for years to come.
Tip #1: Know the Water Chemistry
Whether you have an inflatable pool or a deck jacuzzi, we recommend frequent pH monitoring. Certain bacteria thrive at specific pH levels, and we want to keep your spa clean and healthy for your enjoyment. There are several monitors and test strips available that measure your pool’s pH and ensure chlorine levels are balanced.
Similarly, your spa has a required pH for use, but it requires a bit more chemistry since the water is heated. Simple biology proves that bacteria grows more in warm water than cool water, so checking your spa’s pH should be a regular part of your maintenance schedule.
Depending on frequency of use, you should test your water weekly, sanitize or shock the water routinely, and clean filters every week. We recommend an additional deep cleaning every few months.
Keeping your spa free of bacteria, algae, and even unpleasant smells requires a cleaning and maintenance routine that coincides with your use. By maintaining your spa’s pH, you can get the most out of your spa without worrying about bacteria or chemicals.
Tip #2: Keep Water Circulating
Most people cringe at the sight of a stagnant, scummy pond. The same thing might happen to your spa without proper circulation. We want your spa to be like the ocean: frequently circulating and cleaning itself.
Once the water chemistry is stable and ready for use, you’ll want a constant circulation of water through your filter to keep it free of debris and other contaminants.
While you enjoy your spa, water circulates and filters pick up dirt and leaves. If you aren’t regularly using your spa, it’s recommended that you turn it on once a day and let the water circulate for 15-20 minutes.
By the time you’re done enjoying your spa, the water may contain some body oils, lotions, and soaps. To keep these from building up in your spa, add a filter sock or tennis ball. The cloth or felt collects these oils and allows for easy removal.
Tip #3: Check Your Filter Regularly
Regularly cleaning your filter improves the health of your spa, so you can get right in and not have to worry about contaminants.
Spa filters generally last a year, but you can prolong the life and quality of your filter by regularly pulling the filter out and spraying it down with a hose. This should free debris and remove captured impurities.
We recommend that every few months you remove the filter and soak it separately in a cleaning solution. Your local pool professional can suggest the right chemical combination for a filter rinse, allowing your filters to do a better job and last even longer.
Tip #4: Replace the Water
Unlike for a pool, replacing the water in the spa is recommended a few times a year. While pools can get damaged from the water removal process, a spa benefits from regular water replacement. Depending on the hardness of your water, some experts suggest a quarterly drain of the water while others may recommend a bi-monthly schedule.
In addition to complete water removal, we recommend replacing chemical additives, which are depleted faster in a spa’s hot water. This keeps your spa running at the highest quality possible as you continue to enjoy it.
Tip #5: Bromine vs Chlorine
Chlorine is the choice chemical solution for pool sanitation. However, bromine is the superior water treatment for maintaining your spa. Unlike chlorine, this chemical thrives at higher temperatures and won’t irritate your skin or discolor your hair.
Bromine-treated water may appear more cloudy than chlorine water, but rest assured that this is normal. As an added bonus, bromine is odor-free, making it the ideal option for maintaining your spa.
The Easy Way to Maintain Your Spa
If you have questions about the best way to sanitize and maintain your spa this season, give the professionals at Family Pool Maintenance of Delaware a call.
Our expertise in all things pool and spa will take the guesswork out of your maintenance schedule and allow you to soak up all the benefits a well maintained spa has to offer. Call today at 302-270-3700.
