QUESTION: I am going to drain my acrylic portable spa for a water change, and I want to clean the inside. My neighbor suggests using regular soap and a soft towel. Should I do this?ANSWER: The inside of your spa is finished with a professional coating to withstand years of use and still look shiny new. Therefore, it is important to use cleaners and materials that will not damage the finish. Under no circumstances should you use any regular soap-based product and especially one with any abrasive characteristics. Never use an abrasive sponge.The use of an abrasive cloth or cleaner might scratch and/or scuff the finish. Anything with a soap base will leave a residue and might cloud the water, requiring more chemicals to correct the balance. When the spa has been drained, we recommend using a cotton towel and an ammonia-based window cleaner.Any buildup of chemical residue should be cleaned as soon as the spa is drained because when the buildup is dry, it will be difficult to remove. Use a marine or acrylic-rated polish (usually silicone-based) to remove tough buildup of body oils and other chemical residue under or along the water line.Spa jets can be cleaned with a plastic bristle toothbrush as needed.A properly maintained spa will be more user-friendly. Check manufacturer's instructions for the frequency of filter cleaning. This should be done in conjunction with the spa draining, cleaning and refilling.Professional cleaning can run about $150 to $275, including an assessment of the spa's operation and equipment, and cleaning the filter.By KRT News Service