As with most everything fun and entertaining, there’s often some sort of responsibility or careful consideration that’s required to allow the amusement to occur. Swim spas are no different. While they provide an amazingly convenient space to swim, soak, exercise and enjoy the water, there are a handful of other important tasks that need to be carried out regularly to ensure that they remain clean, safe and pleasant. If you’re asking yourself, “How to clean my swim spa,” we’ve put together this list of tasks and tips to make your life easier.
Protect the Water from The Elements
The more that you protect the water from the surrounding environment, the less time you’ll need to spend keeping it clean. Airborne debris is responsible for much of the contamination of your swim spa water. Things like dust, pollen, leaves, insects, rain, and bird droppings can all throw off your water chemistry balance. They can also help create the perfect environment for the growth of mold, algae and other undesirable things that leave your water dirty, cloudy and smelly. You can prevent this from happening by skimming the water with a fine net and replacing the swim spa cover at the end of each day of use.
Protect the Water from Yourself
The other biggest contaminator or swim spa water is yourself. Dirt, sweat, body oils, personal care products and soap residues can all promote the proliferation of organic matter in the water. The best way to prevent these things from getting into your swim spa is to take a shower beforehand. It’s also smart to give freshly laundered bathing suits a rinse in fresh water to remove any remaining traces of soap. Being very careful if you eat or drink in the swim spa will also reduce your chances of contaminating the water.
Test the Water Frequently
Frequent water testing ensures the water chemistry remains balanced and reduces the risk of a smelly, cloudy and irritating swim spa experience. The signifier “frequently” depends on the number of people using the swim spa, whether they’ve showered or not, how strict you are with cover replacement and the effort you put into preventing the water from being tainted. This could mean doing water tests anywhere from weekly to daily. Your water tests will let you know when it’s time to add chemicals and sanitizers to the swim spa.
Keep the Filter Cartridges Clean
Filter cartridges are the last mode of protection your water pump, heater and plumbing have against the buildup of materials that can cause clogging and plugs. Filter cartridges should be removed and sprayed with clean water once a month. They also need to be deep cleaned every three to four months. This generally involves soaking them in a cleaning solution overnight. Having an extra set of water filters will ensure you don’t miss out on using your swim spa while they soak. Replace the filters annually or if there are any holes or other damage apparent.
Draining, Cleaning and Refilling
Swim spas should be drained, cleaned and refilled with fresh water every year. Not only will this give you a chance to remove any build ups of dirt and other substances, but it will also provide you with the ability to give the various components a good inspection. This job can usually be done in a day and will allow you to start with a fresh new tank of water.
Hopefully, we’ve answered your query of “How to clean my swim spa?” Download a free buyer’s guide for access to more information.