The water looks inviting — blue and crisp, clean and refreshing. As you think about all of the fun you can have in a swim spa by Master Spas, you might also be curious about what it takes to maintain the water quality.
Water care is a part of swim spa ownership. However, there is no need to stress or to break out a chemistry textbook. The mineral filtration system and energy-efficient design of Master Spas’ swim spas make them easier to care for.
During a recent Facebook Live, swim spa specialists Ben Gilliam and Mari Cuticelli fielded questions about owning a swim spa — including water care. Together, they offered their tips and tricks for keeping the swim spa water clean and refreshing.
Keep Water Care Simple
When you buy a swim spa by Master Spas, you want to spend time in the water — not taking care of it. Make water care a breeze with a few helpful tips.
Swim Spa Water Care Tips
- Avoid wearing lotions or oils in the swim spa
- Air dry swimsuits, especially if you use fabric softeners
- Do a quick rinse before hopping 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
Swim Spa Water Chemicals
The chemicals used in swim spa water care help keep the water clean and safe to use. Proper water maintenance allows you to enjoy your swim spa when you are ready.
While there are a lot of options available for swim spa water care, 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.
Chlorinating Granules: Chlorine sanitizing agent
Filter Cleaner: Removes material from the filter media
Oxidizer Shock: Oxidizing agent used to free up chlorine
pH Down: Lowers pH and total alkalinity
pH Up: Raises pH and total alkalinity
Water Care Schedule
Before Using Your Swim Spa
Check spa water with a test strip for proper pH and sanitation levels. Adjust accordingly to the proper levels of 7.4 – 7.6 pH and 2 – 4 ppm free chlorine. People should not enter the spa if the water is cloudy, if total chlorine levels are above 5ppm, or if no chlorine levels are present.
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
Test water using chemical test strips. Adjust alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer accordingly.
Once a Month
Soak your filter elements overnight in a container with filter cleaner and then rinse with clean water before re-inserting. Note that the EcoPur® Charge filter should never be cleaned with filter cleaner —just rinse 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.
Swim Spa Chemical Questions
Does water temperature affect the chemicals that are needed?
Yes. The colder the water, the less maintenance that is needed.
How do I get my free chlorine into normal range? I have been adding shock, and it barely registers on the test strip.
Some shocking agents might not have chlorine or enough chlorine to sanitize the water. Be mindful to read the packaging.
How often do you need to change the swim spa water?
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.
If I have a dual temperature unit, do you treat both sides with chemicals?
Yes. There is a barrier between the hot tub side and swim spa side, and you could have different chemistry levels on each side. Be sure to include both sides when going through routine maintenance.