5 Best Spa Pipe Cleaners and Degreasers in Australia

Spa pipes can quickly become dirty, so using the right pipe cleaner is essential for maintaining hygiene in your spa system. Mineral salts from water, organic matter, and residues from soap, oil, lotion, and sunscreen can result in a buildup on the pipes and fittings of your spa. This can cause the water in your spa to smell bad or worse – lead to blockages in your plumbing system.

To keep your spa plumbing clean, you need to have the right tools to use. Spa pipe cleaners come in handy to keep your pipes clean and in good working order.

In this article, we answer these questions:

• What is a spa pipe cleaner?
• How to clean spa pipes with pipe cleaner?
• What is biofilm in a spa?
• How much does a spa pipe cleaner cost?

And more!

What is a spa pipe cleaner?

A spa pipe cleaner is specifically formulated to get rid of pollutants and impurities within your spa pipework and fittings. It is designed to remove soap buildups, oil deposits, sunscreens, debris, and other contaminants.

It can be used during the process of changing the water in your spa. There is no need to worry about combining chemicals because most spa pipe cleaners can be used alongside other sanitisers like hydrogen peroxide, bromine and chlorine.

Best Value: Spa Store Pipe Cleaner & Conditioner

Spa Store Pipe Cleaner & Conditioner is a pipe degreaser that is appropriate for spa baths and spa pools and can be used for weekly maintenance. Before emptying your spa or swim spa, you can also use this to flush the pipes. This cleaner is fast-acting and suitable for all kinds of water. It is also free of phosphate, sulphates, and chlorine. You can get the Spa Store Pipe Cleaner & Conditioner for $19.75.

Also Good: What is Zodiac^® Spa Pipe Cleaner?

Zodiac^® Spa Pipe Cleaner has an active ingredient called Benzalkonium Chloride that is effective for degreasing and cleaning the spa pools’ pipeworks. It removes oil contaminants and other pollutants as it freshens spa pipes while you change your water. Keep in mind that you need to remove the spa filters first before applying this product. Also, take note that the Zodiac^® Spa Pipe Cleaner is not recommended to use with septic systems.

SpaCare™ Bio Klenz Bio-Cleaner

SpaCare™ Bio Klenz Bio-Cleaner is a fast-acting spa pipe degreaser and cleaner that gets rid of bio-film from spa surfaces, filters, and internal pipes. It is specifically designed for the hot water settings of spa pools and spa baths. It is recommended to use it monthly for all-year protection. It can help improve a spa filter's capacity to remove smaller contaminants and particulates. Thus, keeping and preserving the spa water in the best possible condition.

Using SpaCare™ Bio Klenz Bio-Cleaner regularly can reduce pump usage and can save money and time in upkeep. Additionally, it could lower overall maintenance chemical costs while improving water clarity and brightness.

BioGuard^® Swirl Away Pipe Cleaner Review

TheBioGuard^® Swirl Away Pipe Cleaner contains water softeners, emulsifiers, surfactants, and chelating agents that are designed to clean the plumbing and remove waste buildup in spas. It disintegrates body oils, sunscreens, and other organic wastes, thus, preventing solid contaminants from being deposited in pipes.

The BioGuard^® Swirl Away Pipe Cleaner is compatible with all spa pools and spa baths and can improve their water filtration and circulation. You can use this product before draining and refilling the spa.

Most Powerful: SpaSafe^® Pipe Sanitiser Review

The SpaSafe^® Pipe Sanitiser is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade cleaner and degreaser. The active ingredient is used to disinfect carpeted hotel rooms, sealed windows, doors, pipe insulations, and spa plumbing. It removes accumulated fat and debris deposits within the pipes/

It also helps get rid of disease-causing pathogens, bacteria, mould, mildew, fungi, mites, and other disease-causing microorganisms linked to asthma, hay fever, eczema, and athlete's foot.

Pros:

• Powerful and effective
• Sanitises as well as removing biofilm
• Meets requirements for the Department of Health to sanitise water and eliminate bacteria

Cons:

• Can damage Purezone or Micron filters (remove filters before using)
• More expensive than other pipe cleaners
• Should not be used with a septic system

How to clean spa pipes with pipe cleaner?

To effectively clean spa pipes and enhance the quality of your water, follow these instructions:

Step 1: Remove your spa pool filter

Take out your spa pool filter and check to see if it's in working order. If it's in good shape, just rinse and clean it using a filter cleaner wand. Pipe cleaning doesn't make up for poor sanitising or lazy filter cleaning. However, if it appears worn out or broken, it’s time to get a new filter.

If you need help selecting the right replacement filter, read the detailed article on how do I measure my spa filters.

Step 2: Shock your spa pool water

Add spa shock (chlorine or non-chlorine based) to the water. Allow the current spa water to circulate for at least 30 minutes at full speed. It will oxidize body oils, dead chloramines, sweat, and other contaminants.

Step 3: Clean the plumbing with a pipe cleaner

Pour a specialised spa pipe cleaner into the water and allow it to run for around 30 minutes with the jets set to their highest setting. Any biofilm and organic material and solid debris that may have accumulated in your spa's piping will be loosened and removed during this process. It is recommended to use the spa pipe cleaner while the water is still warm. It will help the cleaner to function better to loosen materials inside your piping.

Step 4: Let the water sit all night.

After completing the line flush procedure, turn off the spa pool and let it sit for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Drain the water out completely from the spa

Unplug the spa for safety. Remove the pool's drain plug to let the water drain completely, or use a submersible pump to remove the water.

Step 6: Clean the spa shell

Clean the surface of your spa shell with a soft cloth and some diluted white vinegar or for best results, use a spa pool cleaner. Before refilling your spa, you can also clean the surface with a pipe cleaner or degreaser.

Step 7: Rinse the spa and refill it with fresh water.

Rinse the spa shell and make sure that any cleaner or vinegar residue is completely removed. Refill the spa pool with fresh water. Balance and sanitise the water according to the standard steps.

Do I have to empty my spa after using the spa pipe cleaner?

Yes, it is the only way to remove all the dirt and contaminants that are released from the pipes. But before you do this step, make sure that the cleaning and line flushing is completely done. Then, turn off the spa and let the water stand for 5 hours or overnight before draining the spa completely.

What is biofilm in a spa?

Biofilm is a slimy film that forms inside the spa plumbing system, pumps, and pipes. These are composed of organic materials that are accumulated over time such as sunscreen residues, body oils, skin care products, lotions, dirt, and algae.

What are the effects of biofilm in a spa?

Biofilms attach themselves to the surfaces of spa pipes and settle there. They get thicker and denser over time. If the biofilms aren't cleaned out regularly, not they affect the spa water clarity and quality, they can also build up and block water pipes, restricting water flow and harming spa pool equipment. Thus, resulting in poor performance of the spa.

They're especially hard on spa pool filters and can easily block them. Additionally, if you allow them to grow unchecked, they can clog the pipes so much that regular pool cleaning chemicals can't dislodge them. If this happens, you will need the help of a plumber or a spa professional to resolve the issue. This will take time and money. It’s better to do regular maintenance with a pipe cleaner product to avoid the need for more costly maintenance in the future.

How to prevent biofilm buildup in a spa?

You should always use pipe cleaner in maintaining the pipework and plumbing system every time you replace the spa pool water. Make sure you properly balance the newly refilled water to prevent bacteria and debris build-up. Observe proper hygiene by rinsing before entering the spa. This will avoid washing off shampoos, body oils, sunscreens, lotions, and other cosmetics in the spa pool.

How much does a spa pipe cleaner cost?

Depending on the manufacturer and the amount of content, spa pipe cleaners' prices range from $19.75 to $42.50.

Where can I buy a spa pipe cleaner?

You can find this amazing item and a wide range of spa cleaning, protectant, and chemical products at our store: https://shop.spaworld.com.au/.

General FAQ on spa pipe cleaners and degreasers

How often do I clean and flush spa pipes? It's a good idea to clean and flush the plumbing system and pipes every time you drain the spa pool. It is recommended that you drain and clean your spa once every 3 months, depending on how often you use it.

What are the signs that it’s time to clean the spa pipes?

It might be time to flush and clean your pipework if you see slime growing in water, the water is hazy, or you smell a musty or foul odour. Furthermore, if you develop skin rashes after using the spa, this can indicate a more serious issue and the need to clean the plumbing system.

Can I use bleach to clean spa pool pipes?

No, bleach is not advisable to be used when cleaning spa pool pipes. It is an excellent disinfectant, however, it cannot dissolve biofilm buildups nor it can remove debris within plumbing and pipes. Many household bleach products have other added fillers and fragrances which can affect your water quality.

Can I clean spa pool pipes with vinegar?

In a nutshell, yes, you can use vinegar to clean your spa and pool pipes. But unless you use a lot of vinegar, it will be quite diluted because you need the water in the tub to flow through the pipes to clean them. For spa pool pipes, line flushing solutions or spa pipe cleaners will be a preferable choice.

In Summary

The quality of your spa water is not only dependent on how clean the outside and shell are. The water that circulates within the spa components t is important also. To maintain water quality in your spa, you need to regularly maintain the pipes and plumbing systems to keep them sanitised and clean.

Create a routine of cleaning your spa pipes using a line flush solution or pipe cleaner periodically. Doing this will help you enjoy your spa more, knowing the water in it is truly clean.

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