Swim spas come with their own set of maintenance and water care requirements to ensure its longevity and health. But, with a few simple steps, you can care for your swim spa and spend more time enjoying it than worrying about it. Let’s look at Water Care 101 for your Swim Spa and how easy it can be to keep your swim spa clean and safe for everyone who enjoys it.
1. Cleaning Cycle
To ensure it stays safe and clean, your swim spa should have its maintenance running cycle on a monthly basis. This cycle is designed to prevent chemical imbalances, algae growth, and any other contaminants that may lead to health problems.
A. Understanding the Filtering System
Your swim spa includes a filtration system which works to keep particles and debris out of your water. The filter should be changed or cleaned every two to four weeks depending on usage. It is important that you understand how the filtering system works so that you can check for any clogs and make sure that it is run properly.
B. Clean the Walls and Floor
You should also clean the walls and floor of the spa regularly to make sure that dirt, debris, and bacterial growth is not present. If your spa is located outdoors, it is especially important to clean the walls and floor of any dirt or leaves that may have been blown in. This can be done with a sponge or soft brush.
2. Monitoring Chemical Levels
There are a few chemicals that need to be monitored in your swim spa to make sure that the water stays healthy and safe. The primary four chemicals that you should be monitoring are chlorine, bromine, pH and alkalinity.
A. Testing Your Chemical Levels
You should test these chemical levels at least once a week to make sure that the levels are balanced. Balancing the chemical levels ensures that your spa is clean and safe for all to enjoy. Testing kits can be purchased from swim spa retailers and most discount stores to make this job easy. If you prefer to go the professional route, you can hire a spa service to come and ensure that everything is balanced.
B. Keeping Chemicals Balanced
In order to keep your chemical levels balanced, you need to add new chemicals as needed. This can be done by either manually adding the chemical to the water or using a Flo-Chem unit. If you choose the Flo-Chem unit, you will need to set the timer so that the correct levels are maintained. When adding any chemical to your swim spa, be sure to read and follow the safety instructions.
3. Draining and Refilling Your Swim Spa
It is important to drain and refill your swim spa periodically. This should be done at least twice a year, but more often depending on the size of your pool and usage. The process of draining and refilling the pool can be done in a few easy steps.
A. What You Need
You will need a submersible pump or a power washer to assist in draining the old water from the spa. You will also need to check and balance your chemicals before refilling the spa with new water. This ensures that the chemical levels are balanced before the new water is added.
B. How to Do It
To begin draining your spa, you will need to disconnect the power to the spa and cover the filter. You will then need to attach the submersible pump or power washer to the drain valve of the spa. Once the spa is drained, you can refill it with new water and turn the power back on. Once the water is refilled, you will need to check and rebalance the chemical levels before allowing anyone to enter the spa.
4. Troubleshooting Issues
If you are having any problems with your swim spa, such as strange noises, low pressure, water leak, etc., the best advice is to call a service technician who is knowledgeable in swim spa maintenance and repairs. They will be able to diagnose and repair any issues that may be present.
People Also Ask
How often should I replace my swim spa filter?
Your swim spa filter should be replaces or cleaned every two to four weeks, depending on the usage.
How do I balance the chemicals in my spa?
Balancing chemicals in a spa can be done by manually adding the recommended chemical to the water or by using a Flo-Chem unit. Then the timer should be set to maintain the correct levels.
How often should I drain my spa?
Your swim spa should be drained and refilled at least twice a year, or more often depending on the size of your pool and usage.
What is the best way to clean the walls and floor of my swim spa?
For a thorough cleaning, you should use a sponge or soft brush and a mild cleanser. It is especially important to clean the walls and floor if the spa is located outdoors.
Should I hire a professional to take care of my spa?
Hiring a professional spa service can save time and some of the anxiety associated with caring for a swim spa. They can ensure the chemical levels are balanced and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs.
Final Words
Water care for a swim spa is essential for the safety and longevity of the spa. It is important to have a regular cleaning cycle, properly balance the chemicals, and routinely drain and refill the spa. With a few simple steps and regular maintenance, your swim spa should provide you with many years of enjoyable and safe use.