If you think of your own spa as a relaxing haven, a therapeutic retreat, or the party tub of your neighborhood, proper maintenance will keep the hot tub running smoothly. Complete maintenance insures that your spa remains as a healthy place to unwind. A spa maintained in an improper manner can lead to poor water quality and harmful bacteria. Therefore, to experience the best of your spa, you need to maintain your spa tub.
Sterilization
You receive a pleasant experience when you soak in a spa because of the warm water. However, the warm water is the perfect environment for the bacteria to breed. You need to use a bactericidal to kill bacteria. Bactericidal also helps in breaking down organic substance such as oil and dirt from the skin and keeps the water clean.
Different Types of Disinfectant
Chlorine and bromine are the two most common bactericidal used in the spa tub.
Chlorine
This disinfectant is used for septic purposes. You can find out different types of chlorine for a spa to use. Sodium hypochlorite commonly known as liquid chlorine is inexpensive. It has instant effects. Though, it has high salt proportion, it breaks up quickly in the sunlight. Dichlor comes in the form of tablets. It has good protection from the sun, melts quickly and leaves no residual.
Elemental gas chlorine is the most inexpensive form of spa disinfectant and it has no additives. Going for the right type of chlorine depends on your specific requirements. Use a chlorine neutralizer to reduce the chlorine level in the spa water.
PH
There are different factors that can change pH levels of the water. However, you can find out different chemicals that can affect this compound directly. Sodium carbonate or soda ash is utilized to elevate the pH levels of the water while sodium bisulphate or dry acid is utilised to reduce the levels of pH.
Alkalinity
This chemical is utilised as a buffer for pH levels. Add granular sodium bicarbonate to increase alkalinity. On the contrary, to decrease the alkalinity add dry acid or muriatic acid.
Calcium hardness
Use calcium chloride to raise calcium hardness levels. To decrease the hardness level of calcium, drain the water and fill it up again.
Warnings
You need to be careful while using spa chemicals. This is because they can stain clothes and cause inflammation to your eyes. Always add chemicals to water.
Shock
By -products of the disinfectants can build up in the spa water. The disinfectants become less effective when they come in contact with these by-products. To dissipate these by-products, you can apply a higher than usual level of chlorine to the spa water once a week. This process is known as a “shock”. It is important to shock your spa water once a week.
Examine
It is crucial to test the water of your spa to be sure that you are maintaining the right amount of disinfectant. Do this at least once a week. You must also examine the pH level of your water. If pH levels get too high or too low, it can limit the effectiveness of the disinfectant. A low pH level can result in corrosion of the metal parts of your spa. On the contrary, a high pH level can make the water cloudy and irritate your eyes and skin. Therefore, maintain a pH level of 7.2 and 7.6. It is equally important to examine the dissolved solids and alkalinity of the spa water. Maintain alkalinity between 100 and 200.
Changing Filters
Your spa may have more than one filter to filtrate dirt, hair and particles of debris. The filter does not only keep the water of the spa cleaner, it keeps your pump intact from damage. It is crucial to clean the filter daily. If the filter becomes dirty or worn out, replace it. If you do this, you can be able to extend the life of your spa.
Changing Water
The water in your spa will gradually become dirty and cloudy, even if you use disinfectants or change filter. It is best to drain the tub, cleanse it and refill it with fresh water. It is recommended to refill your spa every eight to twelve weeks.
Using spa cover is an essential aspect to extend the life of your spa. It protects your tub from the elements.
Apply these guidelines and enjoy your spa to the fullest.
Emily Smith is a freelance blogger. She has been contributing useful articles on how to clean spa using hot tub chemicals for her set of readers. She takes inspirations from polar spas stores while shopping around for spas accessories and home fittings.