With the warm weather upon us, it’s safe to say we could all benefit from some time spent by the water. Whether you have a swimming pool or swim spa of your own, you’re bound to receive the endless benefits that come with each. But if you’re deciding between adding a swim spa or pool to your home, you might wonder how the water maintenance and cleaning† procedures might differ. Below, we’ll provide you with what you need to know about keeping both clean†, so you can enjoy them to the fullest!
Staying on Top of the Water Balance
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to your pool or swim spa is that you need to maintain a good water balance. This means making sure the pH reading is where it should be, which is between 7.2 and 7.6. This number can fluctuate due to weather conditions, swimmers entering the pool, leaves or other similar debris, rainwater, etc. Cleaning† your pool or swim spa regularly and keeping a cover on when not in use can help maintain the ideal water chemistry despite these factors. However, shock treatments or other chemicals might be necessary to get the levels back in check from time to time. Whether it’s a smaller body of water like a swim spa, or a larger surface like a pool, the moment you notice a distinct smell, algae growth, or cloudiness means there is an imbalance in the water. Here are some tips on preventing unbalanced water in both a pool and swim spa.
Top Ways to Keep Your Pool or Spa Water Safe for Use
In addition to ensuring the pH levels are where they need to be, here are some important maintenance practices you should also keep in mind!
- Test the pH and chemical levels weekly using test strips or a kit and add chemicals as needed.
- Skim the surface of the water regularly to remove any leaves, bugs, or other debris.
- Clean† and backwash the filter regularly (at least once a month). This will help remove any dirt or oil build-up that can tire out the filter and prevent it from functioning as it should.
- A vacuum can also be used to remove any dirt or debris that has sunk to the bottom of your pool or spa.
- Water circulation is important for keeping the water clean†. It’s a good idea to run the pump for about 8 to 12 hours a day. When you do this, the chemicals will have a chance to circulate throughout the water, preventing algae and bacteria growth.
- Shock treatments can be used if you find that your water levels are too far off.
- Keep your cover on regularly whenever it is not in use to proactively keep water levels where they should be. This is especially important if you know there will be rain.
While all of these tips apply to swim spa water health too, there are also many swim spa’s that come equipped with self-cleaning† technology. Hydropool’s advanced cleaning† technology can filter 100 percent of your spa’s water every 15 minutes to ensure it remains cleaner for longer. Due to the unique features of these swim spas, there will actually be far less time spent maintaining the health of your spa’s water. This is one of the many reasons why people choose to add swim spas to their homes. If you have any questions about other unique and advanced features of these swim spas, you can reach out to your local Hydropool swim spa dealer for some expert advice.
How to Safely Add Chemicals to Your Pool or Swim Spa
Whenever you need to add chemicals, it’s important to ensure you’re doing so safely. Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure you’re wearing the proper clothing and safety gear. This can include gloves, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Make sure you’re adding the chemicals in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much of a chemical to add and how often.
- Never mix different chemicals together, as this can create dangerous fumes.
- Once you’re done adding the chemicals, make sure you rinse off any areas of your skin that may have come into contact with them.
- Store all chemicals in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
By following these tips and tricks, we hope you feel more confident keeping your spa or pool water clean† all season long! Discover your ideal swim spa by downloading our free buyer’s guide today!