The pH sensor (blue) measures the pH level of your hot tub, swim spa or pool water. Thanks to the Twist&Lock system, the sensor can be easily replaced. After the first season, we recommend that you recalibrate the sensors each time you restart your pool or spa (or every 6 months if you do not winterise) or if you notice a drift in the measurements. Click here to purchase a Smart Pod Calibration Kit.
Standard delivery is within 48 hours if ordered before 12pm, Monday to Friday, however this may differ product to product. Please check stock status for most up to date delivery timings or call 01276 477461.
Cleaning your hot tub
How often should I clean my hot tub?
Different parts of your hot tub need cleaning at different times, but it all depends on how often you use the hot tub and the products you use for water care and maintenance.
- After each use:
- Clean any water lines using a clean damp cloth
- Check pH levels and sanitiser (chlorine or bromine), adjust accordingly
- Weekly
- Clean your filter
- Shock dose the water
- Check pH levels and sanitiser (chlorine or bromine), adjust accordingly
- Quarterly
- Clean your pipes with a pipe cleaner
- Clean the interior of your tub
- Drain and refill your hot tub
- Annually
How do I flush the pipes of my hot tub?
It is important to remove any dirt, bacteria or build up from your hot tub pipelines. You should flush the pipelines before cleaning interior of your tub. Each line flush product will have a different usage procedure which should be followed carefully. Our recommended pipe cleaners would be Jacuzzi® Hot Tub Pipe Cleaner. Jacuzzi® recommend cleaning your hot tub pipes at least once a year, usually at the beginning of the season. Your hot tub will need to be drained once you have finished.
How do I drain my hot tub?
Before you attempt to drain your hot tub it is important to remember to turn off it off at the isolator. Not doing so could cause damage and as the water drains the pump could restart thinking there is not enough water, damaging the pump motor and filter mechanism.
You should always follow the instructions that came with your hot tub. Most hot tubs have a drain valve either on the bottom of the cabinet or just inside the cabinet. You can also purchase a submersible pump to drain the water out quickly. The power should not be turned back on until it has been refilled.
How do I clean the inside of my hot tub and the jets?
Once your tub is completely drained you will need to remove any sediment, dirt or debris from its surface, using a damp cloth wipe away as much of this as possible. We recommend you use a surface cleaner with a soft cloth or tub scrubber to remove any stubborn marks without damaging your hot tub. Do not use any regular household cleaning products as they are often not pH neutral and can cause issues in water maintenance and possible damage your shell.
How do I clean the hot tub pillows?
The hot tub head rest cushion should be removed and wiped clean using water and a cloth. Take care to clean the acrylic behind it.
How to clean the hot tub cover?
- Remove any loose dirt or debris using a high-powered hose pipe
- Using a non-abrasive cloth and water wipe down
- Use an approved hot tub cover cleaner ensuring you follow the instructions on the packaging
Can I clean the outside panels of my hot tub?
Yes, of course! Ensure that you use a non-abrasive cloth and neutral detergent solution to wipe panels clean ensuring all the solution is wiped off. You should never direct a hosepipe at the panels as there are electro-mechanical parts behind them and you could cause damage.
How to refill your hot tub
Do not turn your hot tub back on until it is filled to the fill line or touching the bottom of the pillows, your replacement filters have been correctly installed and any drain valves are securely closed. To fill the hot tub, position your hose pipe in the filter housing unit. This will fill all internal pipework first to prevent any airlocks. Your Hot Tub manufacturer guide will advise you on the best way to do this for your make and model.
Using AquaFinesse to sanitise your hot tub water
What is AquaFinesse?
The patented technology behind AquaFinesse is a revolutionary product which demonstrates consistent outstanding results. AquaFinesse is a range of products to mitigate biofilm in an environmentally friendly way, which until now was only achievable by using the harshest of chemicals. They are not biocides and do not contain complicated organic compounds. They work to combat biofilm to keep your pool or hot tub clean and crystal clear. Our products are so gentle that tests carried out on AquaFinesse show no toxic effect on macro fauna or fish.
Is AquaFinesse easy to use?
Yes, all AquaFinesse products are very simple to use. All AquaFinesse products can be added to your hot tub on a weekly basis, and will take only a couple of minutes. All AquaFinesse products come with a very easy to understand user manuals.
Which sanitiser is best to use with AquaFinesse?
it is important to use a small amount of sanitizer with AquaFinesse for the optimum care of your hot tub water. AquaFinesse releases the bacteria and biofilm from all the surfaces and pipes, the sanitizer kills the bacteria. As the bacteria are floating freely in the water and are no longer protected by the biofilm, a very low concentration of sanitiser (e.g Chlorine or Bromine) is required to kill the bacteria in hot tub water. AquaFinesse is normally supplied with chlorine granules and a slow-release dispenser, however this can be substituted for bromine dependant on personal preference!
What happens if I put to much AquaFinesse in my hot tub?
It is important to dose AquaFinesse correctly. AquaFinesse water care has been tested as very safe for humans and animals and a real overdose would mean adding many times more AquaFinesse than recommended. If however, you have any doubts, please get in touch with our team and we can help you resolve the possible overdose.
Can I use AquaFinesse in a spa that is already been treated with chlorine / bromine?
If you are starting the water care of a new spa or hot tub, or if you have re-filled your spa or hot tub with clean water, and the water has been shocked using Chlorine or Bromine, you can switch to using Aquafinesse water care. We recommend that you adjust the pH of the water and alkalinity first.
If Chlorine or Bromine sanitizers have been used for more than a week, we would suggest draining and refilling the hot tub with fresh water and using an AquaFinesse Spa Clean Tablet to deep clean the pipes, surfaces and pumps of the hot tub or spa. This will ensure that all dirt, biofilm, and calcium are removed. After the initial cleaning fill the spa with fresh tap water, if necessary, adjust pH and alkalinity and start using AquaFinesse to maintain crystal clear and soft water in your hot tub.
Using Bromine to sanitise your hot tub water
Is Bromine better than Chlorine to sanitise your water?
Both Bromine and Chlorine are effective at keeping your hot tub water clean and safe to use! Bromine is softer on the skin and eyes. So, if you have younger family member who will be using the hot tub or a sufferer of sensitive skin, Bromine can be a gentler option. Bromine also has a less strong odour, however Bromine can be slower to dissolve, especially in hard water areas.
How does Bromine work?
Bromine dissolves in the water slower and effectively kills bacteria. It’s pH level is lower than Chlorine and therefore can be easier to keep your water balanced. Whilst Bromine can be more expensive, it can remain effective at higher temperatures, meaning that it is possible that you would need to use less Bromine than Chlorine to keep your hot tub water crystal clear.
Can I mix Bromine and Chlorine?
NEVER mix Chlorine and Bromine together, whether they are in a dry state or within the water, as this can cause a dangerous reaction. If you are wanting to switch from one sanitiser to another you should always drain and clean your hot tub thoroughly, including a line flush. You should not use the same dispensers, even if you have cleaned them thoroughly.
How much Bromine do I put in my hot tub?
It is important that you make sure that your hot tub Bromine level is always between 3-5ppm (parts per million). Adding Bromine to increase your hot tub’s Bromine levels will depend on how often you use your hot tub. It could be daily or every 2-3 days (for 3ppm add 12g per 1500 litres). You should test your hot tub 2-3 times per week and add Bromine accordingly.
How do I test Bromine in my hot tub?
Using Bromine test strips, follow the instructions on the packaging to test the levels in your hot tub water. Remember, the Bromine level should be 3-5mg/l. If after testing it is below this level, then you can add more Bromine to bring the levels up.
It is also important to check the pH level is between 7.0 & 7.4 using testing strips, as this can affect the effectiveness of the sanitiser. Many Bromine test strips also test for total alkalinity and pH. If the level is outside of this range, then you can use a pH Increaser (pH+) or pH Reducer (pH-) to balance the water.
How can I lower the Bromine levels in the water?
You will need to wait for your Bromine levels to fall naturally to the correct levels before you can use your hot tub. To lower the Bromine levels in your hot tub quickly, you can remove some of the water in your hot tub and then refill with fresh water. Allow the water to circulate before testing again.
Using Chlorine to sanitise your hot tub water
Is Chlorine better than Bromine to sanitise your water?
Both Chlorine and Bromine are effective at keeping your hot tub water clean and safe to use! Chlorine is a popular choice amongst hot tub and swimming pool users as it is very easy and quick to dissolve. Chlorine does give the water a clearer look, however it is quite harsh on sensitive skin and the odour can be quite strong.
How does Chlorine work?
When Chlorine is dissolved in your hot tub water it creates hypochlorous acid which reacts with bacteria in the water, breaking it down and killing it in the process. During this process the hypochlorous acid molecules will react with other elements and become deactivated, which is why constant maintenance is required.
Can I mix Chlorine and Bromine?
NEVER mix Chlorine and Bromine together, whether they are in a dry state or within the water, as this can cause a dangerous reaction. If you are wanting to switch from one sanitiser to another you should always drain and clean your hot tub thoroughly, including a line flush. You should not use the same dispensers, even if you have cleaned them thoroughly.
How much Chlorine do I put in my hot tub?
It is important that you make sure that your hot tub Chlorine level is always between 3-5mg/l. Adding Chlorine to increase your hot tub’s Chlorine levels will depend on how often you use your hot tub. It could be daily or every 2-3 days (for 1mg/l add 2g per 1000 litres). You should test your hot tub 2-3 times per week and add Chlorine accordingly.
How do I test Chlorine in my hot tub?
Using Chlorine test strips, follow the instructions on the packaging to test the levels in your hot tub water. Remember, the Chlorine level should be 3-5mg/l. If after testing it is below this level, then you can add more Chlorine to bring the levels up.
It is also important to check the pH level is between 7.2 & 7.6 using testing strips, as this can affect the effectiveness of the sanitiser. Many Chlorine test strips also test for total alkalinity and pH. If the level is outside of this range, then you can use a pH Increaser (pH+) or pH Reducer (pH-) to balance the water.
How can I lower the Chlorine levels in the water?
With a little patience, you can wait for your Chlorine levels to fall naturally to the correct levels. Open the cover of your hot tub and let the Chlorine evaporate. To lower the Chlorine levels in your hot tub quickly, you can remove some of the water in your hot tub and then refill with fresh water. Allow the water to circulate before testing again. Make sure you test the water before getting into your hot tub to make sure the chemical levels are safe and comfortable.
