Did you know that some hot tubs and swim spas come equipped with self-cleaning technology? But what exactly does this mean, and how can you benefit? Below, we’ll provide a quick guide on how this technology works and how it keeps the water in your spa clean and safe for use. Here’s what you should know!
Does Self-Cleaning Mean Zero Maintenance?
What does the term ‘self-cleaning’ actually mean? Well, it doesn’t mean that you can forget about maintenance altogether. Here are some of the tasks that you still need to be on top of:
- Test the water chemistry and adjust as needed
- Rinse and replace the filters
- Drain and refill the water
The good news is that a self-cleaning hot tub or swim spa can make these tasks easier, and you don’t need to do them as often. This means you can enjoy your spa more and worry less about keeping it clean. In addition, the filtration system allows a self-cleaning spa to clean itself. While all hot tubs and swim spas have filters, some models have more advanced filtration systems than others. If you want to learn more about the latest spa filter capabilities, you can also contact your local spa dealer.
An Overview of the Self-Cleaning System
To make it easier to understand how self-cleaning technology works, let’s take a look at the general steps and the major components involved in the process:
1. Initial Filtration
When you use your hot tub or swim spa, particles and debris can end up on the water’s surface. The self-cleaning system is designed to detect all floating debris. Then, the filtration jets push them toward the high-flow skimmer and pre-filter, leaving the water’s surface debris-free.
2. Total Surface Cleaning
The high-flow skimmer and the pre-filter are the main components for this step. They work together to eliminate floating debris and oils while preventing larger debris from clogging the pump and the heater.
3. Deep Floor Cleaning
Heavier debris that the pre-filter can’t remove sinks to the bottom of the hot tub or swim spa. Once there, a floor vacuum sucks it up and sends it to the pressurized filter. The vacuum also helps circulate sanitizers, effectively preventing dirt or grit build-up.
4. Pressurized Micro-Filtration
At this point, the water that carries dirt and debris flows through the filtration system. The pressurized filter then captures all the dirt and debris, allowing crystal-clear water to re-enter through the jets.
As mentioned, not all self-cleaning spas are created equal. For example, the filter cycle for Hydropool spas cleans 100% of the water every 15 minutes for hot tubs and every 40 minutes for swim spas. The Hydropool self-cleaning process also doesn’t stop when clean water re-enters the filters. After that, an advanced purification process uses Ozone and UV light to eliminate 99% of contaminants. They also have a Self-Clean indicator which can give you peace of mind that the self-cleaning system is working as it should.
Are Self-Cleaning Spas Worth It?
There are so many ways to benefit from owning a self-cleaning hot tub and swim spa. They’re an ideal choice for busy homeowners who don’t have much time to dedicate to maintenance tasks. You can also rack up long-term savings because you won’t need to spend as much on cleaning supplies and chemical treatments. Deciding if a self-cleaning spa is worth it for you will depend on your needs and lifestyle, but in most cases, the answer is yes! So, if you’re in the market for a new hot tub or swim spa, consider getting one with self-cleaning technology – it’ll be worth every penny.
You can also download our free buyer’s guide for more helpful advice on choosing the perfect swim spa for you and your family.