Your hot tub or swim spa requires regular cleaning, a bit of routine maintenance and water testing. Sticking to a schedule will keep the good chemicals and heat in, while keeping flying debris and fluctuating temperatures out.
Aim for weekly, monthly and quarterly tasks to keep your spa looking its best. This will reduce the amount of time you need to drain and refill, too. Contact Gilbert Spa Cleaning for professional help.
Like anything else, a hot tub needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. It’s no different from a car or a computer, and although every spa has its own unique water chemistry and accessories, there are some general tasks that all owners should perform on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
Start by checking the cover to ensure it is securely on, keeping heat, chemicals, and debris out. This is also a good time to check for any signs of damage or wear, especially if you notice fluctuating temperatures, which can indicate a bigger problem.
After removing the cover, clean the fabric using Marquis(r) Spa Bright All-Purpose Cleaner and a soft-bristle brush, then thoroughly rinse the cover. Once it’s dry, use 303(r) Fabric Guard to protect the material, making it water-resistant and helping it to repel dirt. This will make it easier to clean when the weather gets warmer and reduce the amount of chemicals needed to maintain a clean and fresh cover.
Clean the Water
Keeping your water clean is the next important step in spa cleaning. Adding a few simple tasks to your daily routine, and doing them three times per week will keep your spa water pristine for years to come. Checking the alkalinity and adjusting it as needed will prevent calcium buildup on your jets. Cleaning above the water line will also keep your hot tub clean and free of debris that could contaminate the water and throw off your chemical balance. Adding spa shock weekly will remove bacteria from the water, making it easier for your sanitizers to work.
All bathers bring some amount of dirt, oils, and other gunk into your spa water. These contaminants can accumulate and combine, creating a slime that is resistant to chlorine and bromine sanitizers. A biofilm buildup is the most common reason for a spa rash that can be difficult to treat.
The best way to protect against a biofilm buildup is by draining and refilling your hot tub on a regular basis, or more often if you have frequent usage. This is an easy task and can be accomplished in about 15 minutes, so it’s not a big deal to do it regularly.
It’s also a good idea to do a spa purge with vinegar each time you drain and refill your hot tub, or more frequently if you have heavy usage. A vinegar spa purge can help break down some of the biofilm that is stuck in your plumbing, but it won’t be nearly as effective as a professional spa purge with an enzyme or oxidizer product.
To do a simple spa purge, simply add one gallon of white vinegar to your hot tub while the jet pumps are running and let it circulate for 30-60 minutes before rinsing with a garden hose. This will break down some of the oil and other contaminants in the plumbing lines, which can clog your filters. This should be done at least every other week to keep your filters in great shape. It is also a good idea to do a full drain and refill every three to four months, or more often if you have frequent use.
Clean the Acrylic
When you have drained your spa it is important to take the opportunity to clean the acrylic surface. A soft cloth, non abrasive scrubbing pad or cordless spa cleaning brush is the best tools for this job. You will need a cleaning product safe for acrylic (you do not want to use any cleaner that foams as it will create bubbles in the new water and could upset your chemicals). We recommend 409, Windex or a light bleach cleaner. Just spray a little cleaner on a sponge or cloth and start wiping down the surface of the acrylic. Do not forget to wipe around the full water line and also the skimmer, jets and filter housing.
Acrylic is a strong material but it can be damaged by chemical imbalances and harsh cleaners. It is also susceptible to oxidation and rusting which can leave unsightly streaks or discolorations. The most common problems are mineral deposits or scum lines caused by lotions, oils, sunscreen and grime from human bodies that have build up in the water and then on the acrylic surface of the shell. Other issues can be stains or discolorations that may be the result of improper water chemistry or sanitizers.
This is also a great time to remove your headrest pillows and give them a good rinse. This will help them last longer and slow down deterioration. It is recommended to use a cleaning product safe for acrylic (never use window cleaner, acetone or any other automotive type wax on your spa). A good rinse will also help improve your water quality when you fill your hot tub again.
Clean the Filter
Your spa filters are the first line of defense between your water and contaminants. They prevent your pipes from clogging and ensure that your friends and family can enjoy a therapeutic soak session in crystal-clear water. They need to be in good shape, and cleaning them regularly keeps them performing at their best. If your filters are dirty or loaded with debris, they can’t do their job.
Luckily, it’s easy to clean Tri-X ceramic spa filters in the dishwasher. To do this, turn off the power to your hot tub and remove them from the filter compartment. Rinse off any large debris, and then place them in a clean, empty dishwasher. Turn on a long cycle and disable heat drying, and when the wash is complete, place the filters back in your spa.
To keep your filters working properly, add a filter cleaner or degreaser to your cleaning routine. This helps to break down the oils that build up on the filters, allowing them to rinse more thoroughly and effectively. You can also use a non-chlorine sanitizer in your spa, such as an oxidizer treatment, to help fight against the oils in your water.
It’s also a good idea to drain and thoroughly clean your spa at least once per year. This helps to get rid of any residue or buildup that can affect your hot tub’s water chemistry, and it gives you a fresh start with your spa.
If you use a product to drain your spa, follow the instructions in the product’s directions. If you don’t, your plumbing could be damaged, and it may take longer for your hot tub to re-fill after you drain it.
While regular drain and cleans help to maintain your hot tub, they don’t solve the issue of biofilm in the plumbing. If you’re noticing visible rings around your waterline or discolouration on your filters, it’s time to purge your spa. With a little help from your local Marquis dealer, it’s easy to drain and clean your hot tub every three months. Contact us today for all your spa supplies and water care needs.