Spa Cleaning Tools
Regular maintenance on the spa is beneficial for the overall life of the spa but also for the health of the users. Upkeep the water level of the spa, if the spa water levels get to low it can be catastrophic to the filtration system. Always remember due to heat evaporation the spa water levels will always be dropping.
Keeping the filter on a regular cycle and the water moving will prevent any unwanted growth on the surface of the spa. Regular filter cleaning is a must every 4-8 weeks. To clean the filter, turn the spa filter off and unplug, then simply unscrew the filter housing and remove filter. Place the filters in a bucket with filter cleaning solution and allow it to soak for up to 24H. Remove the filter from soaking and rinse with clean water, recommended 1-2 times. If the filter requires a deeper clean, purchase a filter cleaning wand, The filter cleaning wands are used as an adaptor head on a garden hose, pushing the water between the filter pleats removing all the debris from inside the filter. Once the filter has been rinsed, reinstall the filter back into the housing, then turn the spa back on and run the filter.
The filter will require replacement every 1-2 years. It can be helpful to have 1 spare filter at all times. This can help when cleaning the filter, as the spare filter can straight in while the other is soaking.
If growth building up is noticed in the spa, firstly check the water quality, this should be a routine task every 2 weeks, at either a pool/spa shop or home test. However if the build-up occurs sooner than 2 weeks water tested sooner.
Thankfully due to the size and shape of the spas they are very easy to clean and do not require complex cleaning tools. The spa cleaning tools can be as simple as a soft cloth to an advanced filter cleaning wand!
Most spas have lids or covers which are designed to fully protect the spa. When the lids are used, they will help keep the spa and the spa water much cleaner. Using the lids will also keep out leaves and debris from entering the spa and any unwanted animals. The cover will reduce the amount of UV exposure to the water, this will reduce the amount of evaporation in the spa and prolong the life of the chemicals.
There are 2 options when cleaning a spa, a simple clean or a deep thorough clean. A simple clean is using a leave scoop along the top of the water and through water under the surface to collect any large debris in the water. Next is wiping the sides of the spa with a soft cloth. After wiping the spa is it good to keep the filter running to filter out any bacteria or algae in the water. A water test is always recommended after cleaning the spa.
The spa deep clean is a much longer process than the simple clean and this is because it requires the water to be drained the spa. The benefit of the deep clean is to give the spa a thorough clean, it will flush out the filtration system, clean all the hard to get to locations and replace the water with fresh clean water. The fresh water will aid in the cleanliness of the spa water and will absorb the chemicals better.
Firstly, turn off the spa and disconnect the power, never do maintenance on the spa with the power connected and with no water in it. Using the leaf scoop, scoop the top of the water to collect any debris from the water. Now, if possible, drain that spa from the spa drain, this process is extremely easy by simply attaching a hose to the drain and let the water drain to a suitable location.
If the spa does not have a drain this process unfortunately is not as simple, if there is no plug on the spa there are two potential options to drain the water from the spa. First option is using a garden hose, putting one end of the hose in the bottom of the spa and the other end out on the grass, garden or at a drain. From there a suction needs to start in the hose, you can suck on the end of the hose to start the suction and gravity will keep the water moving from there until the spa empty of water. The second option is using a sump pump, this way will cost more in the purchase of the sump however the spa will be drained in no time!
Once the spa is empty start cleaning the spa, spraying the spa cleaner scrub all the surfaces of the spa with a soft brush or a cloth. This will lift all the bacteria and growth from the surfaces of the spa. Pick up all the loose debris from the bottom of the spa. Hose down the shell of the spa that has just scrubbed and drain the excess water from the spa
Now the spa is spotless start refilling the spa with fresh water. If the spa has a filling point, some require you to fill through the filter, if this is the case you must follow this process. If the spa has no requirements, place the hose in the centre of the spa and start filling with water. Once the spa is full plug the spa back in and turn the filter and heater on. Allow time for the spa to get to selected temperature.
Test the water with either a at home kit or take a sample to the pool and spa shop. Add the necessary chemicals to the water as per the water test results. After 1 week it is recommended to test the water again and add more chemicals if required.