Maintaining a healthy and clean pool or spa water is essential for a safe swimming experience. Not only will it keep your body free from bacteria, but it also ensures that no nasty algae accumulation occurs that may ruin your pool’s look. To ensure this, proper cleaning methods must be implemented regularly, including mechanical and chemical treatments. Here are some tips & tricks you can implement today for proper hot tub maintenance and to maintain the quality of your pool or spa’s water.
Test Water In Your Hot Tub Regularly
Testing your pool hot tub water is crucial to maintaining a clean and safe environment for swimming. Chemical imbalances can cause skin and eye irritation, bacteria growth, and even damage to pool equipment. Most experts recommend testing the water at least once a week during peak usage season and adjusting chemicals as needed. Test strips or liquid kits can be purchased at your local pool supply store or through online retailers. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate testing, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Regular water testing is a crucial step for pool or hot tub maintenance.
Change the Water Every 3-4 Months
Even with proper maintenance, pool, and spa water can become cloudy or green over time. A full water change can help renew the pristine condition of your pool or spa. Changing the water every 3-4 months is recommended, depending on usage and maintenance. This can be done by draining and refilling the pool with fresh water. However, changing the water too often can lead to high water bills and possible damage to pool surfaces, so finding the right balance is important. Additionally, follow local regulations on water disposal and consider using the old water for outdoor irrigation for thorough pool and spa maintenance.
Use a Tennis Ball to Attract Dirt
Did you know a tennis ball can help keep your pools and hot tubs clean? The fuzzy surface of a tennis ball can attract dirt, oils, and other debris from the hot tub water. Simply throw a few tennis balls into the water and let them float around. After a few hours, remove the tennis balls and discard them. This simple trick can reduce the amount of debris that needs to be filtered from the water, making it easier to maintain regularly. Plus, it’s handy for old tennis balls that may have lost their bounce.
Use Vinegar to Ensure the Proper Flow of Water
One of the most common problems pool and hot tub owners face is the improper flow of water. This can be caused due to various reasons, including clogs, blockages, and debris in the filters and pipes. However, a simple and effective solution can help ensure the proper flow of hot tub water- vinegar. Mix some vinegar with water and pour it into the pool or spa. This acidic mixture helps dissolve debris or buildup in the pipes and filters, improving the overall water flow. Additionally, vinegar is a natural and eco-friendly solution that doesn’t harm the environment or the swimmers. You can also pressure wash the blocked area using a garden hose and make your hot tub clean.
Shower Before Soaking To Minimize Hot Tub Maintenance
Did you know that the human body contains natural oils, sweat, and bacteria that can contaminate the hot tub’s water? That’s why it’s essential to shower before soaking, as it helps remove these contaminants from the skin and hair and prevent damage in hot tubs. Not only does this help maintain the cleanliness of the water, but it also prevents skin and hair problems such as rashes, itchiness, and infections. Additionally, showering before soaking ensures that the water’s chemical balance stays intact, as detergents, shampoos, and other personal hygiene products can alter the pH levels of the water.
Use The Hot Tub Cover When Not in Use
Covering your pool and spa when not used is a simple yet effective measure to keep the water clean and clear. This prevents debris, leaves, and other pollutants from entering the water, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the spa cover also helps maintain the water temperature, reducing the energy consumption of heating systems. However, choosing the right cover for your pool or spa is essential, depending on the size, shape, and type. Some common types of covers include solid, mesh, automatic, and safety covers, each with unique benefits and features.
Test Your Water for pH and Alkalinity and Other Hot Tub Chemicals
Testing your pool and spa water for pH and alkalinity is important for maintaining clean and healthy water. pH measures acidity and alkalinity, with a range of 0-14. The ideal pH range for pool and spa water is between 7.2-7.6, which is the most comfortable range for swimmers and ensures that the sanitizing chemicals are effective. Alkalinity measures the ability of the water to resist changes in pH, with an ideal range of 80-120 ppm. Test your water regularly using a testing kit, or you can call professional pool and spa services to adjust the pH and alkalinity levels if needed by adding chemicals or adjusting the filtration system.
Clean and Change Your Water Filters Regularly
Regularly cleaning and changing your pool and hot tub filters is crucial for preventing the buildup of debris, bacteria, and algae. It is recommended to clean your hot tub filter at least once a week by hosing down the cartridges or grids to remove any buildup. For a deeper clean, soaking the filters in a cleaning solution can help to remove stubborn buildup. It is also important to change your filters every 1-2 years, depending on the type and usage of the filter. Neglecting to clean and change your hot tub filter can lead to cloudy and dirty water and costly repairs to your pool or spa system. For a professional clean, hire a Deltona pool service
Conclusion
With a regular hot tub maintenance schedule and these tips & tricks in mind, you can help keep your pool and spa water clean and crystal clear all summer. Don’t forget to add pool chlorine shock to the swimming water at least once weekly. Remember that it is also important to check mineral levels – as this directly affects the chlorine concentration in the swimming pool or hot tub. By following these steps, you can clean a hot tub and enjoy a safe swim with sparkling clean waters!