A long soak in a spa or pool is the best way to relax and restore your health.

More than ever, homeowners are seeking ways to create a spa-like experience at home. It’s easy, it can save money, and it allows homeowners to personalize their spa experiences to suit each individual’s needs.

It takes all it takes to make a professional spa experienceWith a little imagination and a few feet of space outside, you can make your home a comfortable place to call home. To brighten the space, you can install attractive lanterns, place comfortable seating and keep cold drinks nearby. You can even build a fire pit nearby for winter.

Hanging pegs for bathrobes and a wooden deck box to store towels and slippers is another way to improve your spa experience. You can also use outdoor carpets to cushion your feet. Also, you can surround your spa with tall flowering potted plants for privacy.

It takes some knowledge to maintain your spa in top condition. SpaGuard, an expert in spa care, offers some helpful tips to ensure your spa runs smoothly.

* Circulation. For antibacterial products to be distributed in your spa, make sure you run the circulation system on a daily basis.

* Cleaning. Clean the ring around the waterline with surface cleaner or spa mitts.

* Filtration. Filtration. To effectively capture hair, oils, cosmetics and other substances, you should clean your filter once every four to six months.

* Chemistry. You will need to follow a method that keeps water clean, comfortable, kills bacteria, prevents stains, and protects equipment from calcium buildup.

* Testing. Test the spa regularly with test strips or a test kit, and take a water sample to your spa dealer every four to six weeks for a pH and sanitizer analysis.

* Draining and filling. Your dealer can help you create a personal schedule based upon frequency and number of bathers.

Spaguard.com offers more information on how to create and maintain your backyard spa and where you can find a dealer near me.