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6 Keys to Good & Easy Spa & Hot tub Care
(it's not
just chemicals)
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to or Download this Information |
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Key 1 - Circulation
Good circulation in your spa means much more than filtering water - it's
getting all of the water in the spa moving & through the filter.
Circulation is more than filter or pump turnover; its removing dead spots - you
know those areas where slime always seems to grow or where dirt & debris always
seems to accumulate. The better the water is circulating, the better the
filtration, the cleaner the spa. In fact it typically takes more than FOUR
turnovers to get all of the water completely filtered. Click here for more
information on how to improve water circulation.
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Key 2 - Filtration
Now that the water is circulating properly, good filtration removes dirt, debris
& even certain large bacteria & algae. Filter your water for 8 to 12 hours every day
that the spa is operating. By the way, for
the best filtration, be sure to chemically clean your filter every 6 to 8 weeks to remove accumulations of greases, oils & other
bather and
environmental waste that clog your hot tub filter & that routine
rinsing will NOT remove. Click here for more information on
spa filtration.
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Key 3 - Cleaning
Most spas have at least one area with little or no circulation. This
is where biofilms and bacteria can begin to grow. These areas produce the "stuff"
that contributes to cloudy or "unhealthy" water and higher than normal chlorine or
sanitizer usage. At least once a week, the surfaces should be wiped &
vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Wiping is a must. It's like
taking care of your teeth - you know that you should brush & floss, but...Oh,
and don't forget to clean that water line regularly to break up bio-film build
up. Learn all about cleaning here.
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Key 4 - Testing
Test your spa water at least 2 times per week & bring in a 1 quart water sample
for a complete computerized test & analysis whenever you change the water for best results.
Testing keeps you up to date on what's going on with your spa's water.
Don't rely solely on how the water looks. In fact most of the SERIOUS
water problems that we see (skin rashes, odors, slimy surfaces,
etc.) occur when the water is "crystal clear". Make pH, total alkalinity & calcium hardness adjustments promptly.
You'll protect the filter system, the spa surfaces, get better chlorine &
sanitizer efficiency and virtually eliminate red eyes & dry skin.
Here's what you need to know about water testing.
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Key 5 - Water Chemistry
Now we can discuss water chemistry. Hot tub water chemistry IS easy -
just 4 simple steps:
- Maintain a constant level of sanitizer in the spa. Slow
dissolving bromine tabs or granular chlorine or bromine; proper level of biguanide (Soft Soak);
Pristine Blue.
- Shock the spa weekly
(biguanides shock every 10 to 14 days). Shocking oxidizes unfilterable
wastes & breaks up chloramines that lead to cloudy water, biofilms, smelly
spas
& skin irritation.
- Add natural enzymes weekly or at least every 2 weeks to prevent
& control biofilm build-up. A good quality natural enzyme works as a
back up so that the the chlorine or sanitizer can concentrate on killing
bacteria due to heavy bather
load.
- Maintain good water balance. Without good water
balance, the sanitizer doesn't work properly or efficiently. The water
can become cloudy (high pH) or aggressive (low pH - water is often times
really clear). You'll also protect your friends & family who use
your pool.
Keep Pool Water Chemistry
simple. Here's how...
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Key 6 - Purge, Drain & Refill
The last key is purging, draining & refilling. This is a key to spa care because
proper draining & refilling MUST be done on a regular basis - usually every 2 to
4 months depending on usage. If the spa water is getting funky looking &
smelling and it's been several months, don't bother with anti-foams or water
clarifiers! Just drain it.
Learn why... |
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The 6 Keys typically take about 30 minutes or less to accomplish
each week. Yes, that's it! Just 30 minutes. Now you can enjoy your
pool more & actually work less. In the long run, you'll also spend less
time & money.
Remember, Par Pool & Spa is always able & ready to help if you
need us. Just stop by or give us a call. Always helpful, always friendly.
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Links to products for all of the 6 Keys:
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Circulation
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Filtration - products to keep your filter running clean
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Cleaning & Maintenance
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Testing - test kits & strips
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Water Chemistry & Pool Care Chemicals
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Drain & Refill
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