Vortex Spas Ikon - Spa Pool Maintenance

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Spa Pool Maintenance
If you own a spa pool or hot tub, it is important to
understand that it requires a certain amount of owner
maintenance to ensure it operates properly and
that the water remains clean and healthy. The water
treatment requirements for a spa pool dier from
those for a swimming pool, because you are dealing
with hot water. Hot water requires dierent treatment
to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.
The correct use of chemicals will maintain the water
in a clean and healthy condition. The parameters that
need to be regularly checked are, total alkalinity, pH
and sanitiser level. Your local spa retailer should be
able to supply a suitable test kit and advise on its
correct use. It is advisable to test the water on a daily
basis.
Special Note: Do not mix chemicals. Do not add water
to the chemicals, only add chemicals to the water.
Special Note: Not maintaining your water chemistry
can void parts of your spa warranty.
Changing the water
The spa water should be changed every three to four
months, or remove and replace approx 30% or 1/3 of
the volume of water every three to four weeks.
Total alkalinity
The total alkalinity should be in the range of 90 - 150
ppm (parts per million). A spa or hot tub with low
total alkalinity would require constant adjustment
of the pH. To raise total alkalinity, add sodium
bicarbonate in small quantities. To lower the total
alkalinity, add acid (Dry Acid – Sodium Bisulphate) in
small quantities. Test in one hour.
The pH level
pH is the measure of the acid/alkaline level of the
water. It is important to maintain the correct pH level
as it eects the action of other chemicals. The pH is
measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Seven is neutral, below
seven is acidic, and above seven is alkaline.
Incorrect pH levels can cause poor sanitiser eciency,
eye and skin irritations, corrosion of metal fittings,
cloudy water and formation of scale on the pool
walls and fittings. The pH should always be above 7.0
(measured at room temperature, not hot) to avoid
possible corrosion of equipment. However, it should
not be higher than 7.8, as this would reduce the
eciency of the sanitiser.
If the pH level needs to be increased, add soda ash; to
reduce the pH level, add dry acid. Wait for one hour
and test again.
Sanitising the spa
Sanitising your spa is essential for safe, healthy water,
free of harmful micro-organisms. The most commonly
used sanitiser for spa pools is a form of chlorine
(Lithium Hypochlorite). Ozone or UV may also be
used, but because there can be no residual, a form of
chlorine must be used in conjunction with it.
The amount of disinfectant required depends on a
number of factors, including, water temperature, the
frequency of use and the number of people using the
spa. It is most important to always keep the sanitiser
level at 2.00 to 3.00 ppm. In very hot water the
sanitiser can be used up very quickly, and should be
checked regularly whilst the spa is being used.
After heavy use of the spa or on a weekly basis, the
water should be shock dosed with sanitiser. Be sure
to check the level again before use. If the spa or hot
tub is not being used, add sanitiser every second day
to prevent contamination.
Recommended Levels
Item Level
Santiser 2.0 - 3.0 ppm
Total Alkalinity 90 - 110 ppm
pH Level 7.4 - 7.6
Note: the right pH and sanitiser levels are maintained,
viruses and bacteria should not survive in the water. In
terms of general hygiene, it is important to keep the
filter and pump clean. Clean the filter regularly and
where ever possible always shower before spa use.