In my previous article, I explained about the best spa covers. Here I explain how to clean your spa or hot tub clean.

Spas normally have high water temperatures and are heavily used. This makes frequent maintenance compulsory to keep it clean. The best tools for keeping a spa clean are more or less same as tools used to clean swimming pools but on a smaller scale.

1) Leaf skimmer: These are long- handled net used for removing large pieces of floating debris. Get one of these leaf skimmers and remove any unwanted debris from the spa or hot tub.

2) Vacuum: A spa vacuum is another essential tool needed to clean your spa. It can be powered in several ways – connect it to the circulation system of an in-ground pool or get a vacuum that's powered by a jet of water from a garden hose.

3) Spa wand: A spa wand is a good alternative to a vacuum. A spa wand also collects debris through suction. It can be powered either by pumping or turning the handle or by a rechargeable battery.

4) Bucket and soft sponge: These are simple and easily available tools for cleaning interior spa walls

4) Skimming and vacuuming: Spas are too smaller than pools and even a minimal amount of debris can lower the efficiency of the circulation system. Every time you use your spa, make sure you skim it after use and also vacuum or use a spa wand at least twice a week to remove all debris settled to the bottom.

5) Cleaning out the baskets: In order to the proper operation of the circulation system, debris-free baskets are very essential. Keep the baskets clean.

6) Cleaning the inner surface: Water in the spa needs to be drained at regular intervals because total dissolved solids build up quickly. Empty the spa for cleaning the inner surfaces. Brush the interior of the spa to eliminate calcium scales and any algae buildup. Remember that plaster-lined concrete spa can withstand stiff brushing, but fiberglass and acrylic spas are more delicate. Don't use anything very abrasive to clean tile as it can scratch the tile or even damage the grout. Use a pumice stone of a putty knife to remove any scale.