With the summer heat hitting soaring temperatures, spending time in the pool or jacuzzi you’ve installed at home sounds like a nice idea. But when did you last pay attention to these installations, or have them cleaned or sanitized? There’s more to maintaining a pool and spa than just changing the water. You need to pay attention to regular repairs and general maintenance. Here are some useful tips that you can follow for proper pool and spa maintenance.

Keeping the water pH balanced
The level of acidity of liquids is measured using the pH scale, which indicates how acidic or basic the composition of water and other liquids is. But for convenience, a pH reading of seven is taken as the neutral zone for water. A reading above seven indicates basic levels, whereas a reading below seven indicates high acidity. For swimming pools, experts recommend maintaining a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, indicating an ideal range. Testing the water level at least two to four times a week is necessary if you plan to use the pool frequently. These steps are essential to prevent contamination and lower the risk of waterborne infections. Also, understand that improper water levels can throw off the delicate pH balance, so ensure the composition is adjusted accordingly.

Cleaning the water filters
Pool and spa installations, like hot tubs, also come with preinstalled water filters that require frequent changing. These filters are usually installed in accessible locations on the pool’s edge. So, there is no need to empty the entire pool or hot tub contents to replace the filter. Most of these accessories are easy to remove and replace on your own. Most filters screw and unscrew in a clockwise-counterclockwise direction to reveal the filter cartridge inside the protective casing. Filters vary in size and components depending on the pool’s capacity and spa installations. You can hire professional pool, hot tub, and spa maintenance services to change and repair filters for a premium price. Or order the parts online and DIY to save a couple of hundred bucks at the very least.

Establishing a proper schedule for maintenance
You need to keep track of multiple things, from the water chemistry to accessories necessary for repairs and maintenance. Parts and spares must be ordered in advance, as these components may not be available on demand. Also, you may be forced to order spares from multiple vendors, and there can be unexpected delays in shipping or delivery. This can hinder your pool and spa maintenance tasks or, worse, force the area to be shut down until everything is restored to working order. So, you need to plan a maintenance schedule to keep the pool and spa areas open throughout use. If you run a commercial establishment that provides these facilities to other people, planning in advance is the only way to ensure smooth operations. Your to-do list should prioritize cleaning the pool and hot tubs to ensure the water is safe.

Using premium cleaning supplies only
If you want to DIY to maintain your house pool and hot tub, ensure you buy and use premium pool cleaning supplies and accessories. Two main types of sanitizers are used to keep the water clean: bromine and chlorine. Chlorine is more effective, but when exposed to harsh weather, the compound can break down and release a strong odor. Bromine is a milder alternative and is more pH-stable, so it becomes easier to maintain the levels. These chemicals are also available in measured sachets, so all you need to do is calculate the holding capacity of the tank or pool to incorporate the cleaners. Alternatively, consider hiring professional spa services for a one-time fee and leaving it to the professionals to figure out all the complicated calculations to achieve perfect pH balance.

Upgrading pool accessories and spa equipment
Accessories and installations have a limited lifespan, so no matter how good the quality of care is, pool installations are prone to water corrosion and even damage from prolonged use. So aside from regular filter changes, you must schedule a comprehensive quality check of the accessories. Check the condition of jump boards, sidebars, and steps that come in contact with the water frequently and see if they show any signs of damage. Hire professionals for this task, as they have the necessary equipment to assess thoroughly. If necessary, consider pool remodeling to fix any issues that may damage the structural integrity of the installation.