After taking care of a weekly route made up of mostly vacation rentals, I have learned a thing or two about what make these tubs particular, and how soiled they can become. I have gained lots of experience about how to care for these spas & keep them usable in between guests visits. I have come across some of the worst things you can imagine, a few of which were not savable and had to be drained. Closing in on my 10,000th repetition mark, I pride myself on my ability & knowledge of spa care and management. There's some houses that only see me, the cleaning lady, and the guests. This is not a problem when you have Mountain Valley providing confident and capable service!

First, a measure of the Total Dissolved Solids. This gives an idea of the "weight" of the water. The higher the number, the older and more used the water is. Thus giving an idea of the amount of chemicals needed in the next step.

Test levels of Alkalinity, PH, and Chlorine. According to this strip and the corresponding number from the first test, the necessary "chems" are added to balance your spa water.

Wash the filters. First with water, then a soak in filter cleaner. Afterwards, a deep and thorough rinsing of all the soap.

A return to chemicals. Make sure nothings else needs to be added or reduced. This sometimes includes Defoamer, Water Clarifiers, more PH or sanitizer.

After all is well from above, and the water has responded well to the additions, the filters are reinstalled and the tub is wiped down including any scum ring around the water line.

Also included, but not limited to: the cover being cleaned and UV protectant applied. The exterior wiped down, spa steps cleaned off.

Finally, a slip filled out by the technician leaving a brief summary of the spa condition, that is left for the tubs owner.

This is general information gathered from my field experience. The items listed below are common sources but may exclude some causes or symptoms

• Foam: Detergent, usually from the washing of bathing suits. They make special soap or you can rinse more then once with just water. Lotion, I've noticed Coconut oil causes lots of foam but lotions in general can cause bunches of foam. Shampoo, another killer as well is conditioner.

• Colored water: Suntan lotion can causes very dark water sometimes without a funky smell. Hair dye can do the same. Also bacteria build up will cause colored water. Bacteria, introduced from skin, dirt, and dust.

• Cloudy: All items listed above can cloud the water. The worst are Lotion, Suntan lotions, Body oils, Dust.

• Smells: Body oils are by far the most potent causation of smell. Lotions and Detergents also cause smells when the spa is being used. (additionally i have come across cigarette butts and beer cans/bottles around and even IN spas before. these produce a smell that is almost unbearable)

• Algae: Dust introduced while the spa is open or during high wind conditions, introduce everything needed for life. Combined with the moist warm environment that's all it takes for algae to grow. That said all of the above listed items left untreated will eventually produce algae or white water mold.

All this is to say that, showering off before you enter your spa, pool, or swim spa, is by far the most hygienic way and will prolong the life of your spa water as long as possible. Lastly and I wish it went without saying, PEE will destroy your spa after just one incident. By far the most foul smell. Cloudy water. Film growth on the walls seats and filters. Just don't do it. We all know better.