If you’re planning on enjoying your swim spa for years to come, correctly maintaining it is crucial to ensuring your swim spa’s longevity, performance, and protecting the health and safety of swimmers.
Swim spas require specific care due to their unique features, such as powerful jets and heating systems. We’ve put together some helpful tips for swim spa owners to maintain a swim spa effectively, and efficiently.
Regular General Cleaning of Your Swim Spa
Outdoor debris such as leaves, insects, and tree pollen can accumulate in your swim spa. Use a hand skimmer to remove surface debris daily and spend time vacuuming the swim spa floor weekly to remove any dirt and sediment. This prevents the filters from becoming overloaded and maintains water clarity.
Clean the Swim Spa Filters
The filters play a huge role in keeping your spa water clean by trapping dirt and other particles. Clean your filters every 2-4 weeks, depending on how much you use your swim spa, and replace them annually or as recommended by the product manufacturer. A clean filter system is more efficient and extends the life of your swim spa.
Scrubbing the Spa Shell
Algae and bacteria can form on the walls and floor of the spa, leading to slippery surfaces and potentially harmful conditions for swimmers. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the shell of your swim spa. Focus on areas around the jets and other nooks where grime and sliminess can accumulate, too.
Maintenance & Balance Spa Water
Keeping the spa water’s pH level balanced is important to general swim spa maintenance. The ideal pH level for a swim spa is between 7.4 and 7.6. Incorrect pH levels can lead to skin irritation, damage to the swim spa components, and ineffective sanitizers. Test your water weekly and adjust the pH as needed. Read our recent post with our tips for swim spa water testing to learn more.
Check Sanitizer Levels
Sanitizers, such as chlorine or bromine, keep the water clean and free from harmful microorganisms. Maintain the recommended sanitizer level for your swim spa to ensure a safe and healthy swimming environment. Regular testing will help you determine when to add more sanitizer. We have a wide range of sanitizer products available for swim spas and if you need assistance determining which is best for you to maintain a swim spa, reach out to our team. We’d be happy to help.
Change the Water
Even with proper chemical maintenance, it’s important to regularly change the actual water in your swim spa. Over time, the water can absorb minerals, chemicals, and other materials that affect its balance and cleanliness. Most swim spa manufacturers recommend changing the water every 3 to 4 months, depending on usage.
Outer Cover Care to Maintain A Swim Spa
A quality outer cover not only keeps your swim spa clean but it also retains heat, saving you $$$ on energy costs. Clean the cover monthly with a gentle soap solution and treat it with a cover protectant to prevent further UV damage. Inspect your cover regularly for signs of wear and tear or sagging and consider replacing it if it’s damaged or no longer provides an effective seal.
General System Checks
Swim spa owners should regularly inspect spa hardware including jets, pumps, heaters, and electrical components. When you maintain a swim spa, look out for signs of wear or damage so you can resolve it right away without even bigger issues. If you notice anything unusual, such as strange noises or reduced performance, contact a professional for inspection and repair, such as the team at Classic Pool Spa and Hearth. Preventative maintenance can save you from costly repairs down the line! If you have an American Whirlpool swim spa, this PDF is a helpful, quick guide to reference.
A little effort goes a long way in keeping your swim spa a refreshing retreat in your backyard. Ensure your swim spa remains a clean, safe, and enjoyable part of your backyard oasis with these handy tips.
The expert team at Classic Pool Spa and Hearth is ready to assist you with the highest quality products to maintain a swim spa and leading advice to keep it in pristine condition. Visit us today in-store or contact us online, anytime.