Water Care Guide from Top-Whirlpool
Instructions for Water Care of Top-Whirlpool
You have decided on a whirlpool. Congratulations on your choice. To ensure long-lasting bathing enjoyment, we have compiled some tips for water care:
Always switch on all pumps when adding any product to the whirlpool. Let the pumps run for 2 to 3 minutes until the product is well distributed.
An initial chlorination before using the whirlpool is very important, as legionella bacteria may be present in the water. These bacteria multiply rapidly in warm water. When using your whirlpool, there is a risk of inhaling these bacteria through water vapor, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia that can be fatal, especially in individuals with weakened health. By adding chlorine initially, all legionella bacteria are eliminated and cannot multiply. Use 6 teaspoons of inorganic chlorine dissolved in a cup of water before adding it to the whirlpool. The quantities refer to a whirlpool size of 230 x 230 cm. For smaller whirlpools, adjust the quantities accordingly: as much as necessary, but as little as possible.
- Inorganic chlorine: Fast-acting and breaks down relatively quickly
- Organic chlorine: Dissolves slowly and provides long-lasting effect
When maintaining water with chlorine, a chlorine level of 3 to 5 ppm (mg/l) should be maintained. For whirlpools with an ozonator, this can be reduced to 1 to 3 ppm when using organic chlorine. If you use your whirlpool almost daily, inorganic chlorine can also be used. After bathing, add 2 teaspoons of inorganic chlorine granulate 70% per person. The chlorine level should be at least 10 ppm. Since inorganic chlorine breaks down quickly, your whirlpool will be chlorine-free again the next day. Finally, measure and adjust the pH value. An ideal pH value is between 7.2 and 7.6 ppm (ppm = parts per million or mg/l).
Test strips are commonly used to measure the pH value. However, we recommend an electronic pH meter for greater accuracy. You can find various pH measurement methods in our shop.
The pH value indicates whether the water is acidic or alkaline (values below 7.0 ppm are acidic, above 8.0 are alkaline).
- Acidic water dries out the skin and damages the whirlpool and its components.
- Highly alkaline water causes limescale deposits and damages the whirlpool system. It can also cause skin irritation and reduces chlorine effectiveness to only 30% at pH 8.0 compared to pH 7.0.
The ideal pH value is between 7.2 and 7.6 ppm. To lower the pH value, use pH minus granules. Always dissolve the granules in a cup of water before adding them. Let the pumps run during this process. The required amount varies depending on the pool. If the pH is 8.0, dissolve 5 teaspoons and add half, wait 3 minutes, then measure again and adjust accordingly.
Due to warm water and movement, the pH value usually rises. The better the whirlpool, the higher the increase. During the first 4–6 weeks, frequent adjustment is necessary. We recommend using pH minus granules initially. Later, you can switch to liquid pH reducer for easier dosing.
Filter
Filters should be replaced every 6 months, as the filter fleece loses its effectiveness. If using alternating filters, replace all after 1 year.
If you cannot find your filter, send us a photo and the dimensions:
- Width
- Length
- Hole diameter
- Brand/model if known
We supply almost all filters at fair prices.
Cleaning the filters
With dual filter systems, clean every 4 weeks. With single filters, every 2 weeks. Frequency depends on usage and water quality.
For cleaning, place filters in a container with Filter Clean, fill with water, and leave overnight. Rinse thoroughly the next day until no foam remains. Store in a dry place.
Optional: soak overnight in chlorine solution to kill bacteria. Do not use dishwashers.
Whirlpool care after use
Add chlorine after each use and adjust the pH level as needed.
After using the hot tub, dissolve 2 to 3 teaspoons of chlorine per person in a container. If 3 people were in the hot tub, use 6 to 9 teaspoons, turn on the pumps, pour the chlorine into the center of the hot tub, and leave the pumps running for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Then measure the pH level. Adjust the pH level to 7.2 to 7.6. The amount of chlorine may vary. To ensure you have used the correct amount of chlorine, you should measure the chlorine level again with a test strip approximately 12 hours after chlorination. If the chlorine level is then approximately 1 ppm, the amount of chlorine was correctly dosed. For a hot tub without 24-hour filtration and/or without an ozonator, the chlorine level should be approximately 3 ppm.
Chlorine has only a short effective time in the warm water of a hot tub. The warmer the water and the more contaminated it is, the faster the chlorine breaks down. This is both a curse and a blessing. The curse: Continuous chlorination, as in a swimming pool, is not possible. The chlorine level will be 10 ppm or higher shortly after chlorination. However, after 14 to 16 hours, it will be 0 ppm. At a level of 3 to 5 ppm, you can be sure that no bacteria will survive and that the water is thoroughly disinfected.
If you chlorinate the hot tub after use and use it the next day, the water will be chlorine-free. A chlorine level below 1 ppm is odorless.
If the hot tub is not in use and was adequately chlorinated after the last use, the 24-hour ozone filtration system will handle the disinfection. Organic chlorine in tablet form must be added to the pool. It prevents the growth of bacteria. After chlorination, the pH level of the water must be adjusted to 7.2 to 7.6, otherwise the chlorine will not work properly. The pH must always be adjusted after chlorination, as chlorine also alters the pH level.
Additional Useful Water Care Products
With pH Minus Granules, you can lower the pH level. It must always be dissolved in a cup of water before adding it, otherwise it may damage the whirlpool. The required dosage must be determined individually through testing. "pH Minus Granules" are very cost-effective and should be used at the beginning, as experience shows that larger quantities are usually needed.
This product stabilizes and increases the pH value of the water. The granules can be added directly to the water while the pump is running.
The pH value is the foundation for effective disinfection.
Only when it is correctly adjusted will the care products work optimally and the water feel pleasant on skin, hair, and eyes.
The ideal pH value is between 7.0 and 7.6.
The pH value is influenced by various factors. For example, it increases after adding fresh water. An increase in water temperature or aeration through the bubbling effect also affects the pH value. Therefore, check the value at least once a week and adjust it if necessary with pH Plus to raise it or with pH Minus to lower it. The granules are dosed directly into the whirlpool water.
Aseko pH PLUS is used to increase the pH value in whirlpool or swimming pool water.
Limescale and SpaLine Spa Defense - Descaling Agent
Minerals in the water (e.g., calcium) tend to deposit on various surfaces, which makes treatment necessary. Limescale buildup on heaters or technical components can drastically reduce their lifespan. Deposits on the whirlpool surface make it unattractive and difficult to clean. (A high pH level promotes limescale formation.) Additionally, the mineral concentration increases as water evaporates, since minerals do not evaporate. Refilling with fresh water further increases mineral content.
"Spa Defense" consists of organic polymers that convert limescale into a creamy, chalk-like substance. It prevents limescale buildup and can also remove existing deposits.
Application:
- Amount: 3 tablespoons of "Spa Defense"
- Add the required amount to the water
- Run the pumps for approx. 10 minutes
== >> Spa Defense should be used once per week.
With SpaLine Spa Refresh shock disinfection, use your whirlpool immediately again.
If you regularly disinfect your whirlpool with chlorine, the chlorine combines with dirt and bacteria, forming a byproduct called chloramine (combined chlorine). These chloramines cause red eyes and the typical chlorine smell. The more combined chlorine accumulates, the less effective newly added free chlorine becomes. To eliminate chloramines, a shock chlorination is required—adding five times the normal chlorine amount (e.g., 20 teaspoons instead of 4). However, the whirlpool should not be used for 2–3 days afterward. To avoid this, use "SpaLine Spa Refresh," which oxidizes chloramines and allows immediate use.
Application:
- Turn on jet pumps
- Add 2 tablespoons of Spa Refresh per 1000 liters of water
- Run pumps with open cover for approx. 15 minutes
Our recommendation: Perform "SpaLine Spa Refresh" shock treatment once per week for clear, odor-free water.
Oils, Lotions, Body Fats
In warm whirlpool water, skin pores open. Water movement and massage stimulate lymphatic drainage. The skin releases deep-seated dirt, oils, and lotions, which chlorine cannot effectively eliminate. Therefore, you should shower before use and avoid oily soaps or cream shampoos. Since natural oils are difficult to remove, use the "Dirty Duck" sponge, which absorbs oils. It is washable and reusable. "Spa Bright & Clear" helps clump oils for easier filtration.
Fine Dirt Particles and Crystal Clear
Microscopic particles can make the water cloudy and are too small for filters. "Crystal Clear" binds these particles so they can be filtered out.
Foaming after application shows that the product is working.
Application:
Amount: 4 tablespoons
Recommendation: After heavy use, add "Crystal Clear" and let filtration run—water becomes clear quickly.
Remove oil residues - Dirty Duck
"Dirty Duck" is a sponge that absorbs up to 40 times its weight in oil. Let it float on the surface. Flip when dirty, wash, and reuse. It prevents oil film, relieves filters, and reduces chlorine usage.
Foam and SpaBalancer Anti Foam
If the water foams heavily, use "Anti Foam" to remove it temporarily. Causes include soft or dirty water.
Application: Shake before use. Add small amounts until foam disappears.
Our recommendation:
If foam disappears quickly, it is harmless air. Persistent foam indicates poor water quality.
Insulation Cover and SpaBalancer Clean & Refresh
"Clean & Refresh" protects the underside of the cover from weather and UV radiation and creates a protective layer.
Application:
- Shake before use
- Spray onto surface and leave for a few minutes
- Rinse with water
Recommendation: Apply twice initially, then every 4 weeks.
Water-repellent surface and Spa-Time Surface Cleaner
Creates a glossy, water-repellent surface. UV-resistant and durable.
- Shake before use
- Clean and dry surface
- Apply with cloth in circular motion
- Let dry 10–15 minutes
- Remove excess
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy also stimulates the sense of smell. You only need to add one or two drops to the water, as this aromatherapy product is highly concentrated, produces minimal foam, and won’t clog filters.
General tips for handling chemicals
- Never mix chemicals
- Store safely away from children
- Keep pumps running when adding chemicals
- Leave cover open during application
- Dissolve chlorine and pH granules beforehand
General tips for using the whirlpool
- Shower before use
- No sunscreen beforehand
- Wash swimwear without detergent
- Avoid sand entering the whirlpool
We hope these tips help you and wish you lots of enjoyment with your whirlpool.
Your Top-Whirlpool Team