A Swim Spa is both a swimming pool and a spa or hot tub. And it's neither!

We just looked at the differences (page 1) & some of the water treatment basics. Let's put it all together.

First, what do we want to accomplish? We want crystal clear water that is well balanced, bacteria & algae free, that will be friendly to the equipment, easy on our bodies, simple to maintain, and cost effective.

And all of that is possible with minimal effort!

Second, what combination of chemicals (a care system) works best? Over the past 2 years we've been helping customers with swim spas determine the best care program for their individual needs and addressing their individual concerns. For all swim spas, be sure to maintain a chlorine level of about 1.0 - 2.0 ppm or if using bromine, 2.0 - 4.0 ppm.

By the way, you can purchase these systems here.

Simplest & most economical - Chlorine plus. BioGuard® Super Soluble® or Silk Tabs® (1") plus Optimizer Plus® (maintained at about 50 ppm to inhibit algae growth). Shock monthly with Oxysheen MPS shock.  1 oz. of Natural Chemistry® Pool Perfect to digest "un-filterable" swimmer waste, added weekly (per 2,000 gallons). AquaFinesse® Pool Pucks (1 puck per 2,500 gallons every 2 weeks) further prevent bio-film build up in the extensive plumbing lines & jets of the swim spa leading to decreased chlorine use, cleaner filters, better "feel" & increased swimmer comfort. This is the #1 choice.

Simple & a little more - Ionizers plus. Nature2® or Pool Frog® cartridges are installed & replaced about every 4 months according to manufacturer's instructions. Again, Optimizer Plus® (maintained at about 50 ppm to inhibit algae growth). Shock monthly with Oxysheen MPS shock.  1 oz. of Natural Chemistry® Pool Perfect to digest "un-filterable" swimmer waste, added weekly (per 2,000 gallons). AquaFinesse® Pool Pucks (1 puck per 2,500 gallons every 2 weeks) further prevent bio-film build up in the extensive plumbing lines & jets of the swim spa leading to decreased chlorine use, cleaner filters, better "feel" & increased swimmer comfort.

A more natural solution - PoolNaturally® plus Super Soluble®.  Although PoolNaturally® is a newer product, the initial results are outstanding. The "tea" from the sphagnum moss aids in controlling bacteria & bio-films causing the chlorine to last significantly longer. The water stays more "naturally" balanced, softer feeling and better smelling. Click here for all the details on PoolNaturally®.

A cleaning note - remember to chemically clean the swim spa filter(s) every 6 to 8 weeks.  Why so often? As noted, swim spas' higher water temperatures and higher bather loads put more stress on the cartridge filters with excess swimmer waste. Although natural enzymes help considerably, regular cleaning gives them a much longer life (do you rinse your dirty clothes or launder them?). Two excellent chemical filter cleaners are Natural Chemistry® Filter Perfect (uses enzymes plus natural acids that are easy on lawns & most plantings) & AquaFinesse Filter Cleaner tablets (great for Microban® treated filter cartridges). Very effective & easy to use.

Purging & Draining - Like spas, you have a "higher" bather load. You will have good success if you purge, drain & refill your swim spa about every 3 - 5 years depending on size & use (check with your local dealer before draining). Four people using a 2000 gallon swim spa would be like having 75 or so people using an average swimming pool; plus the higher water temperature. Purging & draining is like "rebooting" the spa & starting fresh.  Over time, "unfilterables" build up & just become an obstacle to water care. The only way to thoroughly remove the obstacle is to start fresh. AquaFinesse Spa Clean tablets or Natural Chemistry Spa Purge added about 24 prior to draining will aid in purging the plumbing lines & hidden areas of bio-films so you can have a good, clean start.

Let's make this even easier for you with everything you need. Swim Spa Care Kits with everything you need.

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