So, You Want a Spange, eh?
Written: Aug 29 '08 (Updated Aug 30 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Works very well at cleaning the sides. Easy to use.
Cons: Expensive compared to other similar products.
The Bottom Line: Compare to scotchguard sponges for price.
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| shoehorny's Full Review: Spange Spa Scrub Sponge |
With the extended Labor Day weekend ahead, I am day dreaming here thinking of having a nice soak in my beautiful outdoor hot tub! A while back, I placed an order with Spa Depot and they offered a free gift choice: Either some spa fragrances (I already have plenty of these), a rubber duck (yup, got these too), or a Spange (eh?). After some basic research I decided to get the Spange.
Ok. Time to unravel the mystery. A Spange is nothing more than a standard sized 3" X 5" sponge (duh). I don't know what the big hype is over this product or why it costs so much (you can purchase them for about $3 on the website). It is one of those standard sponges with the non-scratch scruffy stuff on one side, and regular man-made sponge on the other side. I see little difference between this product and the Scotch-Brite sponges I get in a 3 pack for $1 at my local dollar store. I believe this to be a product that was re-branded by the Spa Depot to sell to a niche market. (Spa Depot is the manufacturer listed on the package).
When I got the Spange, it was pretty stiff. However, once I dipped it into the hot tub, it became very flexible. It worked very well at cleaning the sides up. I keep my spa aseptically clean, so I rarely have to scrub scum away on the sides. I used it to wipe over the sides anyway and it worked very well. Not that I was trying, but it did not scratch my hot tub walls. The product works as described in the ad.
Once again, I got my Spange Spa Scrub Sponge for free as a throw-in from Spa Depot (thanks!). The ads mention that this sponge should be used with a special cleaner called CleanAll Spa Surface Cleaner - a special liquid cleaner to be used for Spas. However, I did not find the CleanAll product necessary. Furthermore, I prefer to use my own natural cleaners such as vinigar or rubbing alcohol.
Previously, I used the Scotch-Brite sponges that work equally as well. If I could get a Spange for about $0.33 each or less, I would consider buying more of them. However, they are way over priced. I guess the company figured they could sell the sponge for more if they branded it as a "spa sponge" since usually people who own spas are a bit more affluent. Well, affluent people didn't get that way buy being deceived!
One thing nice about this sponge is the light color shows you instantly when it is dirty and ready to be replaced. Mine still looks like new, and I will probably reuse it for the rest of the year. I keep it clean by rinsing it out after using it, then soaking up some vinigar and water, then ringing it out, and rinsing again with clean water.
I find the best way to keep a spa clean is as follows:
1. Only allow clean people to use the spa. Not to be funny here, but if your guest just finished running a marathon or worked on the car all day and is very grungy, ask them to shower first.
2. That said, empty the water WELL BEFORE you plan on using the spa.
3. Using a pressure washer, blast over the entire shell of the hot tub.
4. Follow this with a hand washing using a sponge and a bucket of water with vinegar or alcohol in it. Wipe off the entire shell.
5. Rinse the shell down once again and drain.
6. Begin filling the spa.
7. Remove the filter and either replace it or blast it with the power washer.
8. Wipe down the entire area where the filter goes in. This is usually the grungiest area, if any.
9. Put the filter back in place.
10. Use Bromine powder in freshly refilled hot tubs, and tablets in a dispenser afterwards.
11. Add PH+ or PH- after checking the acidity level to neutralize the water.
Follow these steps and you will have a very pleasant soaking experience!
I would recommend the Spange, except for its high price. It works well and it is very durable. You can get them at the Spa Depot as well as other on line spa supply stores. I have not run across them in my local brick and mortar spa supply stores. Thanks for reading my review and best wishes for a wonderful weekend!
Mike
Recommended:
Yes
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shoehorny
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