In our recent posts, we’ve been taking an in-depth look at spa and swimming pool water treatment methods. We’ve talked about operator responsibilities and the importance of a thorough monitoring and testing regime. We’ve explored how sanitising chemicals help prevent and kill bacteria to ensure a safe bathing environment and how water balancing chemicals help keep surfaces and pipework clean.
In this blog post, we look at the role of water cleaning chemicals, and how an appropriate cleaning regime will ensure bather comfort, chemical efficiency, and longevity of equipment.
Why are water cleaning chemicals used in spas and swimming pools?
Water cleaning chemicals are added to spas and swimming pools to ensure they are hygienic and safe for use.
Debris such as suntan lotion, cosmetics, grass and insects can often collect on the surface of the water, which provides a source of food for bacteria and algae. A build-up of waste from bathers, such as lotions and oils, can also cause the water to become cloudy. This is why it’s important for bathers to shower before they enter a pool or spa.
In spa pools, foam can also occasionally build up on the surface of the water. This is usually as a result of remnants of detergents left in bathing costumes after they have been washed.
Spa and swimming pool owners must ensure they have an appropriate water cleaning regime in place to ensure they look inviting for bathers and are hygiene, as well as to protect pipework and equipment.
What should a water cleaning regime involve?
A water cleaning regime typically involves:
- Controlling the calcium water hardness to stay between 200 – 400mg/L to help prevent excessive scale formation
- Adding a flushing chemical to remove biofilm, grease and oils from the recirculating pipework
- Adding surface cleaners to lids and internal surfaces, including the water line
- Adding flocculants to help improve water clarity and allow filters to work effectively
Spas and swimming pools should be cleaned at least once a week.
What water cleaning chemicals are there?
There are a variety of water cleaning chemicals available for use, including:
- Flush - a specially formulated chemical that effectively breaks down biofilm, greases, fats and creams to maintain a clean pipework system
- Surface cleaner - used to clean the waterline, lids and other external surfaces of the pool
- Deck cleaner - used to prevent microbial growth on decking, walkways and spa surrounds
- Foam away - used to reduce the unsightly foaming occasionally seen on the surface of the water
Spas and pools require close control to ensure the water quality remains safe for its users, in addition to a thorough monitoring and testing regime the chemicals used play a big part in achieving this.
B & V Chemicals offer an extensive range of chemicals, including sanitisers, water balancing and cleaning chemicals to compliment your maintenance regime. Each is a quality chemical produced in line with our very high standards to ensure that they perform exactly as you would expect and are effective as possible whilst remaining price friendly. You can view our full range of products here.
