Swim spas provide an alternative for those who don’t have enough space for a full-sized swimming pool or lap pool. But just because you’re dealing with a smaller volume of water doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get out of regular maintenance duties. Keeping the water clean† and fresh is a necessary part of any aquatic appliance, no matter how big or small. So, how do you maintain a swim spa? In this article we’ll go over the main duties associated with running a clean† and healthy swim spa.
Routine Maintenance
The best way to ensure your swim spa remains clean† and safe is to create a routine. Swim spa maintenance is composed of a handful of recurring processes that need to be performed on a regular basis. By setting up a maintenance schedule you’ll soon realize there’s a rhythm and flow to the various procedures required to keep the swim spa clean† and functioning properly. If you divide these up into weekly, monthly and quarterly tasks you’ll fall into a groove that allows you to double up your efforts on the larger chores. A routine also makes it much less likely that you will forget to perform any given task.
Weekly
The number one thing you can do to keep your swim spa clean† is to require bathers to take a shower before getting in the water. This will greatly reduce the number of contaminants introduced into the swim spa. Keeping your water chemistry balanced is your main weekly task and by insisting on showers, this job will be much easier. You’ll need to test the water at least once a week (more if you’re using the swim spa a lot) with paper test strips or a liquid reagent testing kit. Carrying out these simple tests will tell you if you need to add any chemicals to the water to maintain the proper chemical balance. Once you’re familiar with the process it’ll only require a few minutes of your time.
Monthly
Swim spas use filters to remove any large particles from the water. These filters need to be inspected and cleaned about once a month. It’s a relatively simple job of removing the filters and spraying them down with a garden hose to remove any trapped dirt and oils. Again, this is a pretty simple process and shouldn’t take longer than 15 minutes.
Quarterly
Swim spas need a deep cleaning† every three or four months depending on how much use they get. This requires emptying the tank, giving the shell a good cleaning† and filling it back up with fresh water. While you’re at it, you should also give your filters a deep clean†. This is done by soaking the filters in a cleaning† solution while tending to your other duties. After everything is cleaned and rinsed you can replace the filters, refill the tank and rebalance the water chemistry. If you plan on using your swim spa during cold winter months, you need to time your deep cleanings† to avoid having to go through with it when the air temperatures are extremely low. Allowing water to freeze in your plumbing system can lead to major problems, so schedule accordingly.
The Importance of a Swim Spa Cover
Replacing the cover whenever the swim spa isn’t being used is important for several reasons. From a water chemistry point of view, the cover will prevent dirt from getting into the water and upsetting its balance. It will also prevent evaporation which has a concentrating effect on the chemicals in the water. From an economic standpoint, the cover will retain heat and reduce your dependence on the water heater. And from a safety perspective, a lockable cover will prevent unwanted access to the swim spa by children, animals and uninvited guests.
To learn more about swim spa maintenance, download a free buyer’s guide below today, or visit us at our London swim spa store.