Maintaining a spa is simple and it is important to keep the water clean and ensure the spa is functioning properly. A good spa treatment involves cleaning the spa cover and filters, checking chemical levels, and adding the right chemicals as needed. It's important to keep your bath's chemical levels at the right level because spa equipment will corrode if the chemical level is too high and bacteria will develop if the chemical level is too low. A simple cleaning of the cover will also help the spa run properly and last longer and protect it from harmful bacteria and germs. Overall, regular spa treatments will keep your bathtub shiny and beautiful for all to see.
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Method 1 of 3: Testing and Adding Chemicals to Your Spa
Step 1. Use a test strip to check the levels of chemicals and minerals in your spa
You should check and adjust the spa chemical levels 1-2 times a week. You can buy spa test strips at a supermarket or spa supply store. A pack of these strips costs around Rp. 91,000, and some test strips display 6 test results at once, including total alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine, pH, bromine and total hardness. Put this strip on the spa for 15 seconds and see the results.
Step 2. Add the chemicals one by one
When setting the spa chemical levels, add one chemical to the water, then wait a full two hours before adding the next chemical. This will allow the chemical to dissolve in the water naturally and will maximize its effectiveness. Waiting will also reduce the risk of a chemical reaction between the added chemicals that can cause problems.
- Leave the spa cover off for at least 15 minutes after the chemical has been added.
- Keep the spa water on while adding the chemicals. This is important so that the chemicals are well mixed into the water
- Measure the chemical first before putting it in the tub. Be careful not to put too many chemicals in the spa, to ensure a balance is achieved by measuring the chemicals before adding them to the water.
Step 3. Check the total alkalinity first
Depending on the test results, add sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulfate as needed. Use your test strip. A well-balanced spa has a total alkalinity of 80-120 PPM. If the total alkalinity exceeds 120, add sodium bisulfate, and if the total is below 80, add sodium bicarbonate. Retest spa alkalinity after two hours of chemical administration. The alkalinity level must be maintained first as it affects the pH level of your spa.
Step 4. Use chlorine or bromine to sanitize your bathtub
Make sure you use a test strip to maintain the proper chemical level. Chlorine is the old standard for spa sanitation. However, now bromine is often replaced because it is lighter and less smelly. Chlorine can be purchased in the form of granules or tablets. Bromine is only available in tablet form.
- If you use chlorine, add 2 tablespoons to the spa water daily or as recommended so that the chlorine level stays between 1.5-3 PPM.
- If you are using bromine, the test result with the strip should show 3-5.
- Purchase a float for bromine or chlorine tablets. You will put 4-6 tablets in the float, and the tablets will dissolve over time. Thanks to the float, you don't have to add chlorine or bromine to the spa too often. However, continue to use test strips to check the levels of chemicals and minerals in the spa once a week.
- Do not sanitize spas with excessive chlorine. Make sure you maintain the proper spa chlorine level, but don't add more than the recommended amount as this can damage spa equipment and covers.
- Consider adding a mineral based purifier to reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine that must be used. Nature2 released a product called Zodiac that reduces the amount of chlorine that must be used to treat a spa.
Step 5. Check the calcium hardness
The best way to maintain your spa's calcium hardness is to use gentle water in the spa. If the spa's calcium hardness is too high, it causes scale formation in the spa. You can use spa protective products to prevent this scale. On the other hand, if the spa's calcium hardness is too low, the water will attract minerals from other sources, such as aluminum or iron in your equipment. If so, use a calcium hardness enhancer to balance the calcium hardness in your spa.
Calcium hardness should be between 100-250 PPM if the spa has an acrylic coating and between 250-450 if the spa has a plaster finish
Step 6. Check the spa's pH level at the very end
Add sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulfate as needed. The pH level should be between 7, 2-7, 8. If the pH level is not suitable, first adjust the total alkalinity. Then, make sure you provide the right amount of chlorine/bromine to the spa. After that, if the spa's pH level is still wrong, add sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulfate to balance the spa's pH level.
Your pH level will need to be adjusted if: the sanitizer you are using is not working properly, the spa water is cloudy, scale appears on the filter, or the water causes skin and eye irritation
Step 7. Shock your spa
Put the odorizer in the spa water once a week. Odorizer kills spa user waste and keeps the water clean and clear. Use Ozone as shock therapy if using mineral sanitizers. Use a shock treatment with chlorine or bromine, depending on the type of sanitizer you're adding to the water, to shock the water once a week.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Spa Filters and Covers
Step 1. Clean the filter every two weeks
To clear a blockage in the spa filter, take the cartridge and remove any foreign matter from the filter. Make sure you let the filter air dry completely before putting it back on the filter.
- Replace the spa filter when it breaks or stops working. You'll notice if the filter gets dirty again too soon after cleaning.
- If you clean the filter cartridge with a dishwasher, make sure you turn off the machine's built-in water heater. Water temperature above 60 degrees Celsius can damage the filter.
Step 2. Use a granular filter cleaner for your bath, such as Power Soak or Eco Soak, to clean the filter every 3-4 months
Also, use the cleaner on your filter every time you change the water in the tub. Replace the dirty filter with a new and clean one, while the dirty filter is being cleaned. Clean the filter with a water hose, soak it in the solution overnight, or follow the instructions on the package, and let it dry completely before putting it back on your filter.
The cheapest filter cleaner is TSP (TriSodium Phosphate). This is an ingredient in many dish soaps. You can use one cup of TSP mixed with 19 liters of water to make a filter cleaning solution
Step 3. Clean the tub once a month
The first step to keeping the spa clean is to keep the cover functioning properly because this part plays the biggest role in keeping the spa clean. Before you install the vinyl shield, clean the tub cover first. If you have an acrylic cover, it does not need conditioning but should be cleaned once a month. You can use a mild cleaner and a washcloth or soft sponge to clean the tub.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, dish soap, or other detergents to clean the cover as they will damage the outer layer of the vinyl and cause it to wear out quickly.
- Wash the spa cover in warm or sunny weather so that it can be left in the sun to dry.
Step 4. Condition the vinyl bath cover once a month during the summer and 3-4 times throughout the year
This will extend the life of the cover. Conditioning the cover will protect it from ultraviolet light, which can break chemical bonds and cause the cover to harden and crack. In addition, conditioning will protect the cover from mold that can grow on the damp vinyl and damage the cover.
- Only use conditioning products on the outside of the tub, and not on the inside of the tub.
- Make sure the vinyl cover is clean and dry before applying any conditioning product.
- Spray a light layer of conditioner, such as 303 Protectant or similar, over the top and edges of the cover and remove any stains. Rinse thoroughly, and dry in the sun to dry.
- You can use the cover care recommended by the product manufacturer, and stay away from petrolatum-based conditioning products that can damage the cover.
- If your vinyl has gum stains, remove them by applying margarine or vegetable oil to the stain and scrubbing with a soft sponge.
Step 5. Remove mold inside the vinyl cover if any
You'll know when the cover starts to smell. First of all, unzip the cover then carefully remove the foam interior from the cover.
- Spray the inside and outside of the cover with a mild all-purpose cleaner and scrub with a sponge to clean it. Then, rinse the cover thoroughly. Dry all the inside and outside of the cover with a towel.
- Dry in the sun for a day or two to kill the fungus.
- If there is a plastic vapor shield, spray and clean this protective plastic sheet as well.
- Replace the foam core if it is waterlogged or rotting.
Step 6. Take care in handling the cover
If handled incorrectly, the spa cover can be damaged, causing it to fall apart more quickly. Here are some tips for keeping your spa cover in good shape:
- Do not sit on, or put feet down, or allow children to sit on the cover
- Use the handle when opening and closing the spa cover. Don't lift the cover around the edges.
- Don't drag the cover across the floor.
- Avoid piercing the top of the cover with sharp objects.
- Keep pets away from the cover so they don't get bitten or scratched
Step 7. Protect the spa from the elements
If rainwater starts to pool on the cover, you can flip the can inside the cover so the bottom is facing up. If this doesn't work, you may need to buy a new cover. Or, if you live in a snowy area, be sure to clean the snow off the top of the spa cover.
Make sure that your cover fits snugly over the spa, and buy a new one if needed
Step 8. Use a patch if your cover is torn
You can buy type A or B vinyl patches for different types of rips. If the inner lining has holes, use type A, and if there is a small tear in the cover, use type B. These patches are inexpensive and prevent you from spending a lot of money on professional repair of the cover. Before applying a vinyl patch, clean and dry the surface of the cover with a mild all-purpose spray on the area to be patched.
Method 3 of 3: Keeping the Spa Working Well
Step 1. Take a shower before using the tub
Rinse off your hair and body care products before entering the spa. If the situation permits, don't wear clothes. Microfibers from clothes and costumes clog filters and soap residue from washing clothes will cause foam or even foam. If the spa water is cloudy or foamy, it may be the result of lotion or body care product you used before entering the tub. when using the spa, use the eco mode and set the thermometer to half an hour before the spa is used. Temperatures ranging from 38-40 degrees Celsius are usually right for most people. The spa is turned on until you are ready to use the tub to save energy. Turn it on, then take a shower before getting into the tub.
Consider using an enzyme-based purifier during high season. This product will help clean the spa of all soaps, gels, lotions, etc. that people use before entering the spa
Step 2. Change the water every three, four, or six months
Depending on how often the spa is used and the type of spa you have, you will need to replace the spa water completely two to four times a year. Follow the tub manufacturer's instructions to drain and fill the spa with gentle water.
- If you have a regular family spa, it's a good idea to change and refill the water every 3 months.
- You can use the total dissolved solids (TDS) test strip to determine when your spa water needs to be replaced. These strips can be purchased at any spa supply store in your city.
- Add spa watering products (also available at spa supply stores) before draining the water, and run the faucet for 20 minutes on high pressure before draining the water. This process will keep the equipment in the spa clean.
Step 3. Keep your spa on
Lower the spa temperature when not in use, but don't turn it off. Spas should be equipped with a circulation pump that will circulate the water. This circulation will keep algae out while continuing to filter and clean the water. This circulation helps keep the spa water clean.
