Cleaning your spa and swimming pool is very simple if you have the right chemicals. There is a wide range of chemicals used for cleaning but careful selection should be considered to avoid using corrosive ones. Good maintenance ensures that the system operates well. Since bacteria and illnesses are easily spread through water, cleaning your pool and spa is essential for one’s health and others.
Contamination can also be reduced by showering before using the pool and spa to get rid of excess dirt which might cause clogging. Swimming pools and spas are perfect for enjoying the summer period and it is important to maintain good hygiene. Click here to get more information about the best cleaners.
Hereby Is A Brief Overview Of The Best Cleaners To Use
1. Sanitizers
Chlorine and bromine are the commonly used sanitizer to sanitize both spas and pools. They are very effective in killing bacteria and other contaminants like viruses in the water. The amount of sanitizer to use depends on the number of contaminants. For instance, a spa would require less amount of sanitizer as compared to the pool because of its size. Few people would use the spa as compared to a pool where you can spend time with your friends and family members.
Pools and spas cleaned with sanitizers are safe to use. Before using the sanitizer it is always advisable to test the level of water using test strips to maintain the correct amount of sanitizer. Excess sanitizer may cause damage to both the spa and the swimming pool equipment like the surfaces and covers. In case you use excess sanitizer, add a mineral-based purifier to reduce its amount. Different amounts of sanitizers should be used in both the spa and the pool.
2. Phosphate reducers and enzymes
Phosphate reducers and enzymes are used to remove phosphates which accelerate the growth of algae in the water. When phosphate reducers are to spa and pool water, they form insoluble phosphate compounds which are removed through filtration or vacuuming process.
Some phosphates in water such as polyphosphates are useful because they prevent the spa and pool surfaces from rusting. Enzymes are good in destroying the dirt particles and oils found in the water. They are also effective in preventing foaming in spas and swimming pools. Foaming is caused by excess oils and dirt in the water. Regular use of enzymes makes the filters more effective. It becomes very easy to remove dirt using the filters. The use of enzymes in water can decrease the need for sanitizer hence making the water safe for use.
3. Spa and pool shock
Spa and pool shock involves adding oxidizers into the pool and spa to keep the water safe by removing bad odors. An example of oxidizers to use is calcium hypochlorite for pools and color for spas. Shocking will enhance the effectiveness of the sanitizer since some of the contaminants are removed. Shocking also reduces the number of buildup oils, lotions, and shampoos, spas, and swimming pools that enter into the water naturally.
Shocking removes chloramines and bromamines which release a bad odor in the water. Molecules of chloramines and bromamines make the water cloudy making the water not safe for use. You should first check the pH using a pH test strip before applying the oxidizers. The appropriate pH level to maintain is 7.2-7.6. Shocking is good for maintaining clear water.
4. Spa and pool purge
Purge removes waste contaminants in water. It removes any microbes which may cause cloudiness in water hence making the water clear to use. It also removes any unpleasant odors and foaming.
Purging helps lower the maintenance cost of spas and pools.
5. pH increaser and decreaser
At some point, you will need to increase or decrease the pH level. A pH increase above 7.6 makes the sanitizer less effective. A high pH level is a breed for bacteria and other contaminants present in the water. pH should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6. A low pH level makes the water acidic thus causing irritation to the skin and can even damage the surfaces and this can be expensive to replace.
When the pH level is low add pH increaser like sodium carbonate. When the pH level has increased add pH decreaser like sodium bisulfate. Total alkalinity is crucial to ensure safety and reduce maintenance costs.
6. Filter cleaners
Filter cleaners are essential for cleaning both spa and pool filters. The filters are used to remove any contaminants from the water thus making it hygienic for use. Regular cleaning of the filters is required to ensure efficiency in their operation.
Soak the filters in filter cleaners to remove any contaminants that may cause clogging. You should check the user manual to know what type of filter cleaner to use. When cleaning the filters you should not turn on the pool or the spa as this may damage the pump impellers. For the best results when using filter cleaners, soak the filters before cleaning. Clean filters will operate well. When the filter is clean, install it back.
When cleaning, observe the following safety tips
- Follow the manufactures guidelines and instructions on the use of the cleaner. This will ensure the safe use of the chemicals.
- Wear protective clothing like rubber gloves and safety glasses when cleaning to protect your skin and eyes.
- Keep every cleaner separately from the other, do not mix.
- Turn the swimming pool or the spa off when cleaning.
- Use the chemicals or the cleaners in a well-ventilated area.
Final words
In conclusion, there are innumerable chemicals for cleaning a spa or a pool. The above article clearly illustrates the best chemicals to use. It is always advisable to use noncorrosive chemicals when cleaning a pool or a spa to avoid damaging its surfaces. You should consult an expert to determine the amount of chemical or cleaner to use. A well maintained and clean spa or pool is safe because it has no contaminants which may cause waterborne diseases or skin irritation.