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Spa Safety Suggestions

Posted: 9/7/2010

Preventing problems before they occur can help you have more enjoyment and relaxation in your sparkling-clear spa.

(NAPSI) - You and your family and friends may be able to enjoy a minivacation every day, just by relaxing in your own home spa.

Whether you use it to enhance togetherness, as a place to get away from it all by yourself, scent it for aromatherapy with soothing herbs and fragrances or include it in your exercise routine, your spa can be an important part of your life--as long as you keep it clean. Here are six things to consider:

1. Circulation: Run your spa's circulation system every day. Proper water circulation helps spa care products get distributed evenly and promotes proper filtration.

2. Filtration: Many spa issues can be caused by poor filtration. If the filter is dirty or clogged, debris stays in the water. Because spa filters trap many contaminants, cleaning involves two steps: spraying off loose debris, then using a filter cleaner to remove oils and other contaminants. You should clean your filter every four to six weeks.

3. Cleaning: Contaminants such as dirt, oil and bacteria can accumulate at the waterline, much like a bathtub ring. A surface cleaner and cleaning mitts can be used to remove the ring of oil and dirt that serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and to prevent residue from building up around the waterline and inside skimmers.

4. Draining and Refilling: Over time, the water absorbs and dissolves minerals, chemicals and other soluble material. A Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) test can help determine when it's time to replace your water. High TDS can make the water look dull, become foamy and develop an odor. How often should you drain and refill your spa? That depends on how often you use it. A simple formula can help: Spa gallons ÷ Daily bathers ÷ 3 = Days between draining.

5. Chemistry: Two main things affect spa water quality: sanitizer (bromine or chlorine) residual and pH. When both are within their recommended ranges, the water should be comfortable, protected and clear--sanitizers and "shock products" will work efficiently--and spa surfaces and equipment are protected. Maintain pH between 7.4 and 7.6. SpaGuard Spa Sentry can protect water from pH changes.

6. Testing: Use test strips to regularly check spa water chemistry. Products from SpaGuard can help you maintain the three essential chemical areas:

• Sanitization--kills bacteria to help prevent the transmission of disease

• Oxidation/shock--removes residues and restores clarity and comfort

• Water balance--ensures spa user comfort, water clarity, sanitizer efficiency and longevity of spa surfaces and equipment.

Learn More

For more on spa care, visit your local SpaGuard retailer or www.spaguard.com.

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