How To Maintain Your Spa
Monday, January 2nd, 2012In the early days, one had to travel far to go to a spa. With the increasing popularity and affordability of home spas, those days are over. Now you can have a spa right in the comfort of your own home. Manufacturing innovations have made home spas more portable and easier to install – the reason why millions of people all over the world are enjoying their health benefits.
But owning a spa carries some responsibilities. If you have one installed in your own home, don’t just leave it in a corner and use it whenever you want. Like a “pet”, it needs a little loving and caring otherwise it could give you trouble later. To make the most out of your investment and reap the full benefits of having a spa, be sure to keep these things in mind:
Check the water periodically and be on the lookout for dirt, grimy walls and unpleasant odors. Soaking in a dirty spa is a bad idea and can make you sick. High temperatures also promote the release of body oils and grease into the water. Change the water every three, four or six months depending on how dirty the water is.
Keep water temperature at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or below. The body can’t tolerate temperatures higher than that and you could suffer from a heat stroke. To check the temperature, use a thermometer.
Skin infections are also common with extended use. To play safe, don’t use your spa for more than 20 minutes a day. If you’re pregnant or elderly, consult a physician before using a spa. The same goes for kids.
Take a shower before taking a dip and don’t wear any lotion. This can make the water dirty or create foaming. The same is true with detergents that remain in swimsuits. To eliminate this problem, rinse your swim apparel carefully or go naked.
Ensure that your spa has circulating pumps to keep the water free from algae and other dirty substances. Use only cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. Disinfect the water regularly to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. The amount of disinfectant you need depends on how often you use your spa.
