You want to keep your swim spa water clean and clear. But how do you do that? You know that you will need chemicals. But, can you use pool chemicals? Or, do you treat the water like a hot tub?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to. When you have a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa, you do not have to stress about water maintenance. Master Spas are designed so you can maximize your time in the water and minimize time on water maintenance.
The most important part of swim spa water maintenance is to get off to a good start. Once you have your water balanced, it’s easy to keep it there … with the right routine.
Related video: Chemicals for Swim Spa Start-Up
Keep water maintenance simple
A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa can be a place where you fit in a good swim set or go water running. It might also be a place where you unwind at the end of the day or connect with your family.
But to make sure you get the most enjoyment out of your investment, you do need to keep up with the chemicals. These tips can help you make water maintenance a breeze.
Swim spa water maintenance tips
- Do not wear lotions or oils in the water
- Hand wash and air dry swimsuits
- Take a quick shower or rinse off before getting in
- Keep chemicals stocked on hand
- Use your senses to check the water. You want to be able to see through the water, and you don’t want to feel any film or build-up on the acrylic.
- Always keep the swim spa covered when not in use
- Check your owner’s manual to see how many gallons of water your swim spa holds
What chemicals do you need for a swim spa?
The chemicals used in swim spa water care help keep the water clean and safe to use. A water care routine will help you enjoy a stress-free swim spa experience.
There are myriad options available to keep your water clean but your local Master Spas retailer will have the best products for your swim spa. You will want to keep chlorinating granules, oxidizer shock, pH Down, and pH Up on hand. A filter cleaner is also important.
pH Down: Lowers pH and total alkalinity
pH Up: Raises pH and total alkalinity
Di-Chlor Granules: Chlorine sanitizing agent
Oxidizer: Also known as shock, an oxidizing agent is used to free up chlorine
Filter Cleaner: Removes material from the folds and fabric of the filter
Other products that you can have on hand are a defoamer, calcium increaser, and scale control.
Swim spa chemical maintenance
Taking care of a Michale Phelps swim spa doesn’t have to take a lot of time. The most important part is a consistent routine. This way you can be sure that your swim spa is always in top condition, ready for guests and family members who come over to enjoy it.
As a swim spa owner, you’ll need to add chemicals on a regular basis, but there are also some other things you can do to keep it running smoothly and make sure it lasts for years to come. Here’s what your swim spa chemical maintenance schedule should look like.
Before using your swim spa
When you hop in your swim spa for a swim or just to relax, you want the water to be clean and clear. Check the pH and chlorine levels, adding product as needed. Your pH should be be 7.4 – 7.6 pH and and chlorine should be 2 – 4 ppm. You should not use your swim spa if the water is cloudy or when total chlorine levels are above 5ppm.
After using your swim spa
Test water and treat accordingly to maintain proper pH and free chlorine levels for continued sanitary conditions after use. The amount of people using the spa (and duration of use) will deplete chlorine levels. If your family spends the day in the swim spa, the free chlorine might test below total chlorine, resulting in a more frequent need to use an oxidizer/non-chlorine shock treatment.
Three times a week
Check if your water is balanced using chemical test strips or water care kit. Adjust alkalinity, pH, and chlorine as needed.
Once a month
Soak your swim spa filter overnight in a bucket with filter cleaner. In the morning, rinse with clean water before re-inserting. The core of your EcoPur® Charge filter should never be cleaned with filter cleaner. Simply rinse it with water.
Every 6 months
Drain and refill your swim spa, replacing EcoPur® Charge filter with a new one and repeat the start-up procedure. The other filter should be replaced at least once a year.
Your water care questions … ANSWERED
Does water temperature affect the chemicals that are needed?
You might be surprised by this answer … but yes. The temperature does affect how the chemicals work in the water. When the water is colder, less maintenance is required.
I can’t get my free chlorine into normal range. Help!
If you have been adding non-chlorine shock and it’s not registering on the strip, you might not be adding enough to your water. Also, some shocking agents might not have enough sanitizer to keep the water clean. Always be sure to read the directions on the bottle.
How often do I have to drain the water in the spa?
Master Spas advises that you change the water every six months. However, Master Spas customers have been able to maintain the water quality for longer periods of time. It will depend on how often you use it, who is using the swim spa, and where it is located.
I have a dual-zone swim spa. Do I put chemicals in the water of both sides?
Yes. The acrylic divider of your MP Momentum Deep is a barrier between the two bodies of water. You can have different chemical readings on the hot tub side when compared to the swim area. Test both sides of your dual-zone swim spa when going through your water care routine.
Can I use pool chemicals in my swim spa?
While a swim spa is a pool alternative, there is a difference in how to maintain them. A pool uses a different type of chlorine — tri-chlor — and it is not good for your swim spa. In fact, using tri-chlor can void your warranty.
Is there a chemical free swim spa option?
Chemicals get a bad wrap. While you want to be as natural and fresh-smelling as possible, chemicals keep your spa water sanitized. Without chemicals, things like bacteria and algae can grow. And you certainly don’t want those in your water! A chemical-free swim spa is neither realistic nor safe.
Swim spa chemical maintenance
Are you ready to begin enjoy a backyard water feature without the maintenance of a pool? Having a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa at home makes it convenient and fun to swim, exercise, and relax at home. You can click here to find out more about the benefits of water fitness and hydrotherapy. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a Michael Phelps swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.