- +420 720 171 000
- sales@idol-spas.com
- SHOWROOM: Zděbradská 56, 251 01 Jažlovice
This manual and its contents are subject to change without notice. Although IDOL SPAS Ltd. has prepared this manual as accurately and precisely as possible, IDOL SPAS Ltd. will not be liable for loss, damage or injury caused by improper maintenance or use of the hot tub (improperly or otherwise).
Our whirlpool baths are suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
In case of outdoor use, we strongly recommend full insulation and the use of thermocrit. Full insulation and thermowell keep the water temperature down, therefore saving you money. Covering the hot tub with a thermal cover when not in active use prevents dirt from entering the water.
Full insulation and a thermal cover is not a bad thing even if the hot tub is placed indoors. The full insulation prevents the water from cooling quickly, and the thermal cover keeps the moisture inside the hot tub from spreading in the room when you are not actively using it.
If you choose from our extensive stock, you will find this equipment on every hot tub, as most customers request it.
If you are going to install the hot tub indoors, pay attention to the surface on which it will be placed. Choose a surface that is not damaged or dirty. The interior needs to be ventilated because of the moisture that will spread from the hot tub into the room when it is in active use. Therefore, at the very least, ensure that the windows are open and cover the hot tub with a moisture-proof thermal cover after use.
Your hot tub needs a solid and horizontal foundation. The place where the hot tub will be placed needs to support the weight of the hot tub with water and people. If the foundation is inadequate, it may shift or settle when the hot tub is in place, causing damage to the hot tub.
A concrete base (5-8cm thick) is best. For other substrates, consult your dealer/experts. Count on a load capacity of up to 500kg/m2 depending on the size of the hot tub. Consult a structural engineer for the load capacity of elevated structures. We recommend that you have a qualified and licensed company build the base for your hot tub.
Where to ideally place the hot tub?
The intended use will help you define the position of the hot tub. For example, will you use the hot tub for recreational or therapeutic purposes? If it will be used primarily for family recreation, make sure there is enough space around it for other activities. If you’ll be using it primarily for relaxation and hydrotherapy, you’ll probably want to create a specific mood in the area.
If you live in a cold or rainy region, place the hot tub near the entrance to the house. You will be able to change in comfort and warmth.
Also think about what will be seen when you sit in the hot tub. Do you have a favourite spot on your property that you like to look at? Or maybe it’s a place where there’s a nice breeze, or perhaps a magical sunset in the early evening?
Attention! In the case of servicing, it is necessary to allow for approximately 50-60 cm extra space on each side of the whirlpool in order to technicians to access all the technology. Of course, you can have the hot tub in operation against the wall.
All our hot tubs are suitable for recessing. They can be recessed partially or completely (up to acrylic). The substrate must be paved! The most ideal solution is concrete. Consult your dealer/experts for its thickness. Again, a horizontal surface applies.
Attention! In the case of recessed installation, it is necessary to allow approximately 50-60 cm extra space on each side of the whirlpool so that the technician can access all technologies in case of service. The most important side to access is the side where the control panel is located. If you will be plugging in the hot tub, please consult your dealer beforehand to ensure your readiness is correct!
Recommended electrical readiness for wiring and installation of a standard hot tub:
Simplified: 400V 5C x 4mm, three-phase circuit breaker 20A – 25A characteristic “C” or “D”. For some smaller whirlpool baths it is possible to use a conductor with a cross section of 2.5mm and a 16A circuit breaker characteristic “C” or “D” after consultation with a SUNCOM CZ technician. All devices in the whirlpool are single phase.
All whirlpools require a permanent separate IGA circuit with an In=0.03A current protector to which no other devices will be connected! Leave sufficient length of wire from the outlet to the hot tub’s electrical system so that the wire can be directly hardwired. If you do not know the exact distance, leave the wire for connection at least 5bm long.
If a three-phase connection to 400V cannot be used, this case must be discussed individually with a SUNCOM CZ technician for safety reasons. The whirlpools have all single-phase technology and can be connected to two phases or even one phase.
Attention! The installation and connection of the hot tub to the electricity should only be carried out by a professional! Always consult your dealer.
Hot tubs don’t have any taps that you have to connect to the water. You can ideally use a garden hose to fill the hot tub. It is filled along the marked line. Try to follow this line as closely as possible. This is for the sake of the correct functionality of all technologies.
Every hot tub has a drain valve, you can either drain into the garden or into the sewer. When draining into the garden, pay attention to its gradient (so you don’t accidentally flood yourself or your neighbour’s flowerbeds).
You can discharge into the garden/sewer system via a valve to which a hose can be attached. The water in the hot tub is changed about 2 to 3 times a year. Some people change less, others more. Apart from the correct use of chemistry, it then depends on each of us how the water feels.
Check that the overflow drain cock (if the bath is equipped with one) is fully open and the stopper is unscrewed.
a) During periods when temperatures are around 0°C or below, it is necessary to keep the bath connected to electricity and running at all times. Failure to do so may result in the bath freezing and subsequent damage to the bath, which is not covered by the claim.
b) The drained bath must be placed in a location where the ambient temperature will be above 5°C to prevent any remaining water in the bath’s distribution system from freezing.
c) If the bath is located indoors, ensure that the room is ventilated when using ozone cleaning.
d) Before filling the tub for the first time, check that the cartridges are not in the protective film, if so, remove it. Do the initial filling and start-up without cartridges, which should be immersed in water outside the hot tub for 30 minutes before placing them in the hot tub (this will prevent the filter pump from aerating).
e) Keep cartridge filters clean. Change them at least once a year and flush them frequently with clean water (garden hose or bath with disinfectant specifically designed for this purpose).
f) In the event that the display shows EP when the circulation pump/heater is turned on, the tub will switch to emergency mode to avoid destroying the heater. To clear this message, remove the cartridge filters and press the heater button.
NOTE: The tub is equipped with massage pumps that allow the jets to work individually or simultaneously.
Do not connect an empty bathtub to the mains as accessories such as the control, heater, jet pump and other equipment can be damaged!!!
The water temperature in the hot tub should never exceed 40°C. A temperature between 38°C and 40°C is considered safe for a healthy adult, but only for a very short stay in the hot tub. For the technology is
long-term temperature above dangerous. Recommend body temperature and below to customers as the optimum temperature for long-term use of the hot tub. That is, 36.5°C and below.
If you stay in the warm water for more than 15 minutes (each person is individually affected), you may experience symptoms of overheating – dizziness and headache, dizziness, nausea… If you start to feel one of these symptoms, you should either leave the hot tub or rest for a while on a raised seat, where the upper part of your body will cool down and thus relieve you.
It is also important to take into account children, who are less able to tolerate hot water than adults. We also recommend body temperature and lower.
Repeated prolonged exposure to temperatures higher than body temperature can be hazardous to health!
If you have not had an automatic chemical dispenser or bromine salt installed in your hot tub, it is necessary to maintain the correct chemical composition of the water so that it does not spoil and show signs of impurities. What goes into the hot tub stays in the hot tub.
The water we fill the hot tub with is usually not suitable for a hot tub without treatment. Whether the customer uses water from a hydrant, a regular tap or a well, the water must be properly treated as soon as possible after filling. Some customers believe that if they are going to use the hot tub five times a month, it is better to fill the water and drain it again after using the hot tub. Due to the aforementioned unsuitable water composition, this solution is not ideal for the hot tub in the long term. At the same time, without the use of chemicals to clean all the tubes in the whirlpool, e.g. skin residues, grease, hair – the so-called biofilm – will settle inside.
Even after the first treatment, the chemical composition of the water in the whirlpool still changes. This is mainly due to temperature changes, natural influences and, of course, also to us and the frequency with which we use the hot tub. The water cannot purify itself except through the cartridge filter and ozonator that are part of each of our hot tubs.
Maintaining the correct pH level is essential
Maintaining the correct pH level is essential for healthy hot tub water that is suitable for both us and the technology.
The pH should be checked before and after the application of the chemistry. If the pH is not correct, the chemicals may not react as we expect.
The pH level should ideally be around 7. A pH between 6.9 and 7.5 is fine.
If the pH is too low, metal parts corrode and the rate of fading and degradation of paints, plastics and films increases. If the pH is too high, minerals are leached from the water and the water becomes cloudy. Plastic degradation occurs. Increased chlorine concentrations may occur in the air around the pool.
In normal use, the pH of the water slowly changes according to the local composition and hardness of the water. The pH decreases in soft waters and increases in hard waters. To adjust the correct pH value, simply add pH plus or pH minus with the filtration device switched on to ensure the necessary water circulation.
So we use these three essential products:
_ pH tester – which includes a pH value indicator
_ pH+ – pH adjustment agent for water
_ PH- – Preparation for pH adjustment in water
Explanation of the terms: pH, acidity and alkalinity of water, alkalinity
pH – The pH measurement of a liquid determines whether the liquid is acidic or basic on a pH scale that ranges from 0 on the acidic side to 14 on the basic side. At pH 7, the concentrations of H+ and OH- ions in water are equal. Substances with a pH less than 7 are acidic because they contain a higher concentration of H+ ions. Substances with a pH greater than 7 are basic (alkaline) because they contain a higher concentration of OH- ions than H+ ions. The pH scale is logarithmic, so a unit change in pH means a tenfold change in the concentration of hydrogen ions.
The pH value is measured with various types of testers and adjusted with pH+ and pH- products, or automatic pH dispensers are installed in the whirlpools.
For routine water maintenance we can choose either chlorine or chlorine-free chemistry (so-called active oxygen). We use the basic chemistry about once a week.
CHLORINE CHEMISTRY
A time-tested method of water disinfection that kills everything unwanted. With the use of quality products, we do not have to worry about health hazards. It is important to observe the stated intervals between the use of chemicals and bathing. The time limit is 2 hours. After this time, the chemical is no longer as concentrated and we can bathe without fear.
Beware of unintentional overclocking
If the water in the jacuzzi becomes over-chlorinated, which can easily happen with small volumes and hot water, not only is bathing in such water unsuitable (burning eyes, rash, damage to swimwear…), but the equipment of the jacuzzi itself can also be damaged.
Overchlorination is best recognised by the strong smell of chlorine, which is unpleasant and aggressive to the skin and mucous membranes; chlorine quickly escapes into the air and cannot be breathed. The first aid is to ventilate the area if the hot tub is placed inside and to dilute the water in the hot tub.
It is completely inappropriate to close the hot tub expecting the chlorine to dissipate on its own. It will eventually dissipate, but it will damage all the stainless steel and plastic parts of the tub above the surface, as well as the thermowell. Discoloured cushions – hot tub headers and hot tub thermowells are the first consequence and indicator of over-chlorination of the water in the hot tub (in cheaper tubs after just one mistake), followed by disintegration, cracking and crumbling.
Targeted water overchlorination
Targeted over-chlorination of the water in the whirlpool can also occur from our side during so-called “water shocking”. This means adding high levels of chlorine to the water to disinfect the hot tub. The water is saved, but the chlorine that escapes needs to be aerated again. This targeted re-chlorination is especially needed if users bathe in the hot tub in swimsuits, which introduces phosphates from washing powder into the water, or after insufficient showering before taking a bath in the hot tub.
Residues of cosmetic substances from cosmetics, oils and other products enter the water. Or simply, when the water in the hot tub goes bad because we forget to take care of it.
CHLORINE-FREE CHEMISTRY (ACTIVE OXYGEN)
Alternative water treatment without the use of conventional chlorine.
The treatment of the water in the whirlpool with active oxygen requires preferably the use of two products together: active oxygen tablet/powder + activator. We offer the following options.
Mix the products together in a container outside the whirlpool according to the instructions on the label on the back, Once the tablet/powder has dissolved in the activator, pour the mixture into the water.
If the whirlpool is really actively used, we recommend using the aforementioned Guaa as an additional disinfectant in the meantime. E.g.: If active oxygen is applied once a week, then use Guaa on approx. day 3. This way, the water is beautifully clear and already cleansed to the eye.
We then combine other water maintenance chemicals to maintain the pH and both variants of the necessary basic chemistry.
From the Just Relax range:
Clarification – Flaker. Preparation for the removal of turbidity and organic substances
Decalcit – Preparation for immediate removal of calcium deposits
Antifoam – Instant foam remover
Whirlpool pure – Preparation for complete cleaning of the whirlpool before draining. After its application, the water is not suitable for swimming! After its application, turn on all pumps and let the product mix well with the water and get into all tubes to clean them. Drain the water and fill with clean water.
Automatic chemical dosing
One of the automatic chemical dispensers can be installed in the whirlpool to save time and maintenance work, e.g.:
For information about the possibilities and conditions of installation of automatic chemical dosing, please contact us or the suppliers of these technologies.
If the hot tub does not contain any of the automatic dispensers, we use the chemicals according to the instructions on the back labels.
Hard water
The high content of minerals dissolved in water, or hard water, attacks all equipment that comes into contact with it, including the hot tub. It gradually disables the jets or encapsulates the heater, so if the hard water is not checked and treated, it causes it to be taken out of service and serviced. A preventative measure is to treat the water at the first fill and each refill with a suitable softener. If the water is fine, it should not be changed or topped up frequently, and it is advisable to run the nozzles more frequently to prevent them from clogging.
Dirt that enters the whirlpool ends up in the cartridge filter or sand filter thanks to the water circulation. The filter in the whirlpool is an oasis for bacteria. In addition, a dirty filter prevents the water from flowing properly and can even cause the pump to fail.
Cartridge filter – private use, smaller family, smaller hot tub
Sand filtration – commercial use, possibly larger family, larger hot tub
The classic cartridge filter comes in many types. There are threaded and unthreaded cartridges, different widths and heights. The filter must be checked regularly and kept clean. A new filter is beautiful white, an old and worn filter is grey/grayish yellow. To maintain the filter, we can use a high flow garden hose, a kitchen dishwasher (without other dishes and without using tablets/detergent), or a bath in CleanFilter chemical, which is best for getting rid of grease. We recommend rinsing the filter once every 14 days and bathing in the chemical at least once every 3 months. As long as the filter is well taken care of, the cartridge is sufficient even for large hot tubs.
Cleaning the filter
If the cartridge filter can no longer be cleaned, we simply replace it with a new one. The hygienic frequency of filter replacement should be on average once a year. We can of course order cartridge filters for all hot tubs from us. To avoid leaving the hot tub without a filter during cleaning, we always recommend that customers have one clean spare filter ready.
If the filtration load is expected to be higher (e.g. large family, children…), we recommend installing a sand filtration to the whirlpool . It can handle much more dirt than a cartridge filter and guarantees clean water with less maintenance.
Sand filtration is necessary and legally obligatory in the case of the use of hot tubs in wellness studios, guest houses, hotels… However, there are also other obligations of the operator that must be brought to the attention of the customer if commercial use is planned.
If we follow these simple rules, we can greatly simplify the care of clean water.
After using the hot tub, the water composition values should ideally be checked again to see if they have changed. The disinfectant will naturally leave the water naturally and stop working over time. It is also quickly consumed by the impurities it must remove from the water, so its loss can occur even after a relatively short period of time, depending on the water load and its contamination.
A simple and practical trick to keep the water and chemistry within the norm is to follow the policy of adding a little chemistry after each prolonged swim, especially with large numbers of people.
The thermowell is an integral part of the hot tub. Almost 90% of the heat escapes from the water through the surface. By using a thermowell, this loss is significantly reduced and the water stays warm even in freezing weather. Together with the insulation, we recommend it for both indoor and outdoor use. In both cases the customer saves money as together they keep the water in the hot tub warmer for longer. Just like in the home, the steam from the warm water rises upwards. Similar to a pot, the lid returns the steam back to a liquid state and maintains the overall temperature of the water, the thermowell in the hot tub performs this function. The thermowell protects the whirlpool from coarse debris such as leaves, pine needles, pollen, insects, rain, snow, etc. Such debris puts excessive strain on the filtering device, leading to excessive wear and tear. By using a cover indoors, you will prevent water contamination by dust, but more importantly, you will prevent the formation of moisture and condensation. A thermal cover will also increase the safety of your hot tub, which will be appreciated by customers with children.
The thermowell is made individually for each whirlpool and has a skirt that covers the acrylic from the sides, creating a vacuum that makes it fit tightly like a pressure cooker lid.
For IDOL SPAS whirlpools it is made to measure according to the completed drawing attached to the order, for other whirlpools it is supplied in the colour of the cladding, unless you have chosen otherwise before ordering.
Quality and proven materials are used for the production of the thermocrit. This results in excellent insulating properties. Above all, our thermocrits are characterised by their excellent workmanship. The leatherette used is frost and UV resistant, the insulating fittings are made of high quality polystyrene, sealed in plastic film and reinforced with aluminium “U” profiles, which give the thermowells the necessary strength and are resistant to rust.
The thermal cover is made in the shape of a canopy, so the water does not stay on it and flows freely.
Manipulating the thermocouple so that it does not destroy itself is a matter of logic and instructions that you just need to know and follow. Never step on a thermowell, it’s not built for the load. In a big snowfall, we clear the snow from the thermowell – its supporting part is polystyrene, which can break with the weight of the snow. When handling the thermocrete, be careful not to puncture or tear it. If the bottom of the thermal cover is punctured, it can soak up water and become heavy. Then the only solution is to replace it. Protect the thermowell from excessive exposure to chlorine.
The hot tub is used both in summer and during the winter season. After all, some customers prefer to use their hot tub for relaxation in winter. The water is pleasantly warm and relaxing. The atmosphere is completely different than in summer.
There are advantages and disadvantages to draining your hot tub for the winter. While draining your hot tub for the winter will save you on electricity costs that you would otherwise leave in the hot tub over the winter, the biggest damage to hot tubs comes in the cold. This is caused by either poor winterization of the hot tub, but if it’s going to really freeze to the point of freezing, even the best winterization won’t help. A little water always remains in the tubing. It is the residual water after draining that can cause damage far greater than any savings in draining the hot tub.
We do not recommend draining the hot tub in winter
If you really won’t be using your hot tub in winter and have it outdoors or in unheated areas, we recommend this:
We recommend setting the heating and ozone disinfection 12 hours apart (e.g.: if you set the heating at 12:00 noon, we recommend setting the filtration at 24:00).
If the hot tub is located outdoors and the outside temperature drops below 0°C, we recommend switching on the circulation pump for 24 hours a day.
The drained hot tub must be placed in a location where the ambient temperature will be above 5°C to prevent any remaining water in the tub’s distribution system from freezing.
Any frost damage to the hot tub is not covered by the warranty (even if it has been professionally winterized).
Danger of injury and drowning
The suction equipment of the whirlpool is designed for the specific values of the water flow generated by the pump. If the suction or pump needs to be replaced, make sure it is compatible.
Never operate the hot tub if the suction device or filter is damaged or missing. Never replace with incompatible suction (with different flow rates).
Children must not use the hot tub or be near it without adult supervision. When not in use, cover the hot tub and secure the cover if necessary.
Be careful when entering and leaving the hot tub. In particular, slipping on wet surfaces can cause injury.
Do not use alcohol and drugs before and while using the hot tub. Unconsciousness may result from drowning Do not use the hot tub immediately after strenuous exercise.
Taking too long in a hot tub can be dangerous to your health Use hot tub chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
People with infectious diseases must not use the hot tub.
Risk of electric shock
Do not place your hot tub under overhead power lines (minimum distance is 3 metres).
Place the hot tub at least 1.5m away from any metal surfaces.
No electrical equipment (lights, telephones, radios, televisions, etc…) must be near the hot tub (the minimum prescribed distance is 1.5m) Never allow any electrical equipment to be used inside the hot tub.
Wiring is done by experts!
Not for pets
The hot tub is not a suitable place for bathing pets. Being in a hot tub can cause them stress, health problems, injury, drowning. At the same time, pet hair can clog the filter.
WARNING – reduce the risk of injury
High water temperature can cause problems during pregnancy. Pregnant women should discuss the possibility of using a hot tub with their doctor.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs before or during bathing can lead to unconsciousness and drowning.
People taking medication should consult their doctor about using a hot tub.
People suffering from obesity, heart disorders, high or low blood pressure should consult their doctor about using a hot tub.
Make sure that the surroundings of the hot tub are secured against standing water to prevent slipping and possible injury.
Danger of hyperthermia
Prolonged exposure to hot air or water can cause hyperthermia. Hyperthermia occurs when the internal body temperature rises 2-4 degrees above normal temperature (37°C). Although short-term hyperthermia has undeniable health benefits, it is important that the body temperature does not exceed 39.5°C.
Symptoms of excessive hyperthermia are dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness and fainting. Excessive hyperthermia can cause:
Here are some basic problems and possible solutions.
Dirty water
Dirty filters – Clean the filters with a stream of water, better with a product, or buy new ones
Inadequate disinfection – Disinfect
Capturing particles – Add disinfectant
Organic reagents – Adjust the pH to the correct value, use a flocculator
Visible water wear – Turn on circulation and clean filters, Drain pool water, clean and refill
Cloudy water
Turbidity of the water can be caused by short filter cycles or a clogged filter, it is necessary to check the condition of the cartridge and rinse it with fresh water.
It is also necessary to check the length of the filter cycles if the hot tub is equipped with programmable filter cycles, because disinfection is only effective when the water is moving and gets into the smallest corners of the pipes and hoses. Sometimes two hours of filtration is enough, other times the pool is under load and even six hours may not be enough.
If the water in your hot tub is foaming, it probably contains unsuitable substances from leftover cosmetics, washing powder or you have added an unsuitable fragrance or cleaner. There are chemical defoamers for foam, but you should always also check for other possible causes – filter condition, filter cycles and water quality.
Smelly water
Too much organic matter in the water – Disinfect
Insufficient disinfection – Add disinfectant
Low pH – Set the correct pH value
The smell of chlorine
Chlorine level is too high – ventilate the water, dilute the water
The pH value is low -Set the pH value to the required value
Musty smell
Bacteria and algae multiplication – Disinfect or change the water
Organic deposits/circle around the pool
Oil deposits – Wipe off dirt, disinfect. If necessary, change the water…
Algae
High pH and low disinfection level – Disinfect, and adjust the disinfection level
Eye irritation
Low pH value and low disinfection level – Adjust pH value, disinfect
Skin irritation
Undisinfected water, chlorine content is above 5ppm – Disinfect, and adjust disinfection level, set chlorine content below 5ppm
Spots
Alkalinity or pH value is low, increase iron content in water – Adjust alkalinity and/or pH value
Foaming
High calcium content, alkalinity and pH value is high – Adjust the alkalinity and pH value – if foam remains, change the water and clean the tub thoroughly before
Hot tub not working
Power supply is out, GFCI heating fault, thermostat fault – Check power supply, Turn GFCL back on, if it does not start, contact service. Disconnect from power source for at least 30 seconds. If it still does not start, check the filters for blockages. If the fault persists, contact service.
The tub does not heat, but the jets and light work (the electrical voltage indicators flash)
Built-in pressure switch, open the circulation pump – Check the filter tanks. Built-in pressure switch starts when circulation through the heater is restored. If the heater continues to block, call for service. Check the filter tanks. Disconnect the pool from the mains, allow the circulation pump to cool. Contact service if the circulation pump fault persists.
Electrical voltage indicator flashes
The heating limiter thermostat is faulty – Disconnect the pool from the mains for at least 30 seconds. If the fault persists, check the filters for clogging, contact service
Temperature sensor error – Disconnect from the mains for 30 seconds. If flashing persists, call for service
The nozzles are weak
The water level is low. Filter clogged, air control closed, nozzles closed – Add water. Clean the filters.
Open the air control. Open the nozzles
The light is not working
Lamp wiring is faulty – Check wiring
