In this post we’re going to cover the basics of how to clean a swim spa. This information culminates in three top tips to keep your swim spa the cleanest it can be. We’ll also discuss swim spa filters and how to clean them.
What is a Swim Spa?
A swim spa lies somewhere between a swimming pool and a hot tub in terms of maintenance and cleaning. On one hand it’s a self contained system, and rarely would you find a swim spa with a separate pump room that requires specialist knowledge to maintain. On the other hand, they have a much larger volume of water than hot tubs, are kept at cooler temperatures, and are used differently. But if you’re here, you probably already know what a swim spa is! So let’s dive into the information on how to keep it clean and sparkly.
How To Clean a Swim Spa
1. Maintain Consistent Water Chemistry
Balanced water chemistry is the cornerstone of a sparkling swim spa. Regularly testing and adjusting the pH, chlorine or bromine, and total alkalinity levels ensures crystal-clear water and prevents the growth of algae and bacteria. Invest in a good quality test kit and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific swim spa model. Shock the spa every week or two with a chlorine granulate or MPS (non-chlorine) shock to remove contaminants, prevent cloudy water, and kickstart the other chemicals you’ve circulated about the spa. For more information on chemicals and test kits, see our maintenance blog posts.
2. Utilise Filtration and Covers Effectively
Your swim spa self-cleaning filtration system is vital for maintaining clean water. Ensure the filter cartridges are cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. A clogged filter can lead to cloudy water and hinder circulation. Further in the article we’ll explain just how to keep your filter in tip top shape.
When not in use, keep your swim spa covered with a well-fitting cover. This helps to prevent debris and dust from entering the water, minimising cleaning time and chemical use. Leaving a cover off your swim spa will also be terrible for your energy bill!
3. Implement a Regular Cleaning Routine
If you don’t have a self-cleaning system, develop a cleaning regimen that includes skimming the surface daily to remove debris like leaves, insects, and any other big particles. Weekly, use a spa vac to remove any settled debris from the bottom of the spa - you may need this for big settled particles, even with self-cleaning swim spa. For a deeper clean, use a spa wall brush or microfibre glove to scrub the sides and surfaces to remove any biofilm buildup (what causes scum lines in a spa or pool). With a self-cleaning swim spa you can skip most of these steps. Hydropool’s side suction filter, built-in floor vacuum, and high-pressure filter work in tandem to create a filtration system equivalent to a commercial pool showcased in a quiet, garden-sized package.
How to Clean Swim Spa Filters
The basic functioning of a swim spa is more akin to a hot tub: A built-in circulation pump, a heater, and a filter. Filter maintenance for swim spas is just as important as chemical balancing, if your filter is clogged it will result in cloudy water or worse. No matter them chemical correction, if a filter is dirty your swim spa will suffer!
Your swim spa may have a suction filter (open to the water) or a pressurised filter (hidden away), each have their benefits, but the internal filter is the same - usually a standard 50 or 75 sqft woven fibre filter.
On average, this filter should be taken out and rinsed off once a week. We’d recommend having two filters, and rotating them weekly. This gives your freshly cleaned filter a chance to dry, tightening the fibres and giving it more filtration power!
With proper care a filter should last 12 months before it needs replacing. This is why we recommend using a filter cleaner at least once a month, to give it a proper clean. This is available as a solution to soak the filter in overnight, or an instant spray.
Contracting a Swim Spa Cleaning Service
If that all seems too much, many companies provide spa and pool cleaning packages. Get a deep clean monthly, or whatever time period suits your needs and budget. Hydropool North West offers a few different packages for swim spa cleaning services.
In Conclusion
While our Hydropool Swim Spas have self-cleaning filtration systems this doesn’t mean it is a no-maintenance system. It is a low-maintenance system that still needs consistent care to stay clean and safe.
