All Spas are slightly different in configuration and this is for guidance only, but the principals remain the same. Please refer to your control panel Manual and Chemical guide attached for detailed advice. Download our online owners manual: Your Complete Spa Owner’s Manual
Start-up Instructions / Chemical Guide
Once you have filled your spa with water, you will need to add your preferred sanitiser. Ideally wait until the spa is above 20 degrees Celsius so the chemicals will dissolve quicker. Add chemicals as instructed below with the Pumps on, leave for 5-10 minutes before replacing the cover.
Chlorine: The most commonly used sanitiser and an effective way to kill bacteria in your water. If you have skin reactions to Chlorine then you can use Bromine, the only downside to Bromine is that it is a slower reacting chemical and not as effective at killing Bacteria.
Chlorine Granules- Level 3-5PPM (Parts Per Million): If you’re using chlorine granules you need to keep your level of chlorine between 3-5ppm. Add the granules to warm water in a bucket or jug to dissolve then add to the water whilst the pumps are running and leave for 5-10 minutes. After 10 minutes you can switch off the pumps and replace the cover.
Bromine: Favoured and recommended by many Spa and hot tub suppliers, as it is kinder on the skin and particularly if you have Children, it is also less volatile at high temperatures.
Bromine Granules-Level 4-6ppm (Parts Per Million): If you are using Bromine Granules you need to keep your level of bromine between 4-6PPM. Add the granules to warm water in a bucket or jug to dissolve then add to the water whilst the pumps are running and leave for 5-10 minutes. After 10 minutes you can switch off the pumps and replace the cover.
Dosage Instructions For Chlorine/Bromine Granules
| WATER(LITRES) | COMMISSIONING & NEW WATER(SHOCK) | ADD CHLORINE. (WEEKLY) | BROMINE(WEEKLY) |
| 600-800 | 1 & ½ Teaspoons | ¾ Teaspoon | ¾ Teaspoon |
| 900-1200 | 3 Teaspoons | 1 & ½ Teaspoons | 1 & ½ Teaspoons |
| 1300-1500 | 4 Teaspoons | 2 Teaspoons | 2 Teaspoons |
| 1600-1800 | 6 Teaspoons | 3 Teaspoons | 3 Teaspoons |
One level teaspoon holds approx. 5g of dry product. For commissioning and new water, you will need to shock dose to establish your water. Leave for 24 hours and check your levels with the test strips, maintain the PH balance between 7.4 and 7.6 Alkalinity level of 125PPM-150PPM.
IMPORTANT NOTE: On first start-up of fresh water, you will need to add more sanitiser after 24 hours once heated check levels with test strips and add more sanitiser as required. Also note, the more people using the spa the more sanitiser you will need to add. Lack of Sanitiser can cause your water to become cloudy.
DO NOT USE CHLORINE TABLETS: Chlorine Tablets regardless of brand, contains a chemical call Trichlor (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid) which is highly corrosive and when used in an acrylic hot tub, they can cause severe damage to the shell and its components.
If you have ordered our chemical starter kit, you will receive the following items:
Ph Minus (Reducer): The effectiveness of all chlorine-based sanitisers decreases as the pH level of the water increases.
pH reducer can be added directly to the water to reduce the pH to a desirable level. For the chlorine to remain effective, the pH level should be kept below 7.6. However, if the pH level drops too low then the water can start to degrade pumps and liners, so aim to keep the pH level between 7.4-7.6 pH. Add as instructed on the bottle.
PH Plus (Increaser): Bathing water that is low in pH can be corrosive to pumps, heat exchangers and damage the tub lining. pH plus can be used to raise the pH to a desirable level. However, too high a pH level and the effectiveness of all chlorine sanitisers starts to decrease. Always aim for a pH level of between 7.4 and 7.6 pH. Add as instructed on the bottle.
Antifoam: Antifoam will eliminate foam which is built up from such products like sun cream, fake tan, oils and many cosmetics. This Chemical will disperse foam build-up instantly. Once you have used antifoam, make sure you jet wash your filters. Disperse over the water at the rate of 25ml per 1000 litres.
3 in 1 Test Strips: These test strips test the levels of free Chlorine/Bromine, pH & total alkalinity to keep you and your family safe. To use, dip a strip into water and remove immediately, hold strip level for 15 seconds (do no shake excess water from strip). Compare Free/Chlorine/Bromine, pH and total alkalinity pads(in that order) to colour chart on label.
Hot Tub Safety Guide
Hot tubs and swim spas are a great place for relaxation and fun for all, but as this is a water-based activity safety in and around the spa is paramount to minimise the risk of injury or drowning.
Electrics: Electrics and water do not mix and there is a risk of electric shock, so it is important to ensure your power supply to the spa or the socket is fitted by a fully qualified electrician with the isolator or socket positioned no less than 2 metres away from the spa. Ensure any loose cabling that is notburied is kept out of the way to reduce the risk of tripping over it or damaging the cable and for plug and play models ensure the socket and plug are kept dry always and is fitted with RCD protection. The engine room within the cabinet houses the control unit that operates the spa, the door enclosing the unit should always remain shut. If water happens to enter the engine room, turn off the spa at the power outlet and make sure all components are dry before attempting to power the spa back up. Never have any electrical devices within 2 metres of the spa.
Drainage requirement: Ensure the spa is not in a low or floodable position as this could cause electrical equipment shortage or be dangerous to spa users.
Temperature: Keep your spa water temperature no higher than 40°c, the higher water temperatures can cause strain on the cardiovascular system. Limit spa use to no more than 15-20 minutes at a time and if/when you feel you are getting too hot, sit on the cooling seator get out and allow your body to cool, when you feel comfortable you may submerse yourself back into the spa pool. Hyperthermia can be fatal!
Information regarding hot tubs and medical conditions:
- People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions should always consult a doctor before utilising a spa.
- People with open sores or any type of infections should avoid using the spa.
- Hot water is an ideal environment for spreading infection, especially if sanitiser levels aren’t properly maintained.
- Pregnant women should consult their Physician before using the spa.
- To reduce the risk of contaminating the spa water and minimise health risks, shower with soap and water prior to using the spa.
Alcohol & Medication: The consumption of alcohol in and around the spa is a hazardous practice. Never use any glass drinking vessels near the spa. Alcohol can cause drowsiness and lead to drowning. Any person taking medication should consult their physician before entering the spa.
Children should always be supervised!
Download your Balboa control systems quick-start guides, user manuals and instructions for your hot tub or swim spa, make sure you download the correct manual – please contact us if you have any questions:
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Balboa TP600 & TP400 User Guide Download
Balboa TP800 User Interface Guide Download
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Download your Gecko control systems quick-start guides, user manuals and instructions for your hot tub or swim spa, make sure you download the correct manual – please contact us if you have any questions:
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