Common Questions/Answers
Q. How do I test my spa to ensure it is ready to use?
- Testing the spa water is an easy job. To test pH, alkalinity and calcium levels in the water, use the Test Strips. Remove the strip from the vial and swirl beneath the surface of the spa water 2 to 3 times then line the strip up against the outside of the container. (Do not shake water from the strip). Readings should be made within 20 – 30 seconds. Simply compare the colour for each measure, note: the fcl (free chlorine level should be zero) Alkalinity (teal to light blue) pH (orange) and TH (total hardness - calcium) light blue not 250 – 450 as shown on the vial. Those are measurements for swimming pools not spa pools.
Next test for Spa Poppit in the water using the Poppit Test Kit. Simply ½ fill the test kit vial with spa water and add one drop of the test solution. If the drop remains the same colour, Spa Poppit is required. If the drop turns brown instantly then the spa is ready for use. If it turns brown slowly add Spa Poppit Sanitizer.
Q. Why does my spa Poppit Test Kit show pink even after adding Spa Poppit to my water?
- There can be a number of reasons why this occurs. Firstly ensure filter cartridges have been cleaned correctly. Next test pH and total alkalinity and adjust if required. Ensure correct dose rate of Spa Poppit has been added to suit your size of spa. It could also be that this has happened after degreasing and dumping your water. Occasionally de greaser can be trapped within the pipe work of the spa. This needs to be flushed through while the spa is being emptied, using the high pressure of the garden hose through the face of the jets. Occasionally, if Quick Fix has been added (incorrectly) at the same time as Spa Poppit there will be a problem. Always leave 4 hours between the two additions. Finally, it is possible that insufficient Spa Poppit has been added.
Q. Why is my spa water cloudy?
- Cloudy spa water can result from a heavy bather load. If this is the cause, use Poppit Quick Fix directly after use and filter for 4 hours. It can also be a result of dirty filter cartridges, clean with Poppit Filter Cleaner Soak as per instructions. Other causes can be insufficient filtering time, pH and alkalinity out of balance or incorrect dose rate of Spa Poppit and low levels of calcium hardness (particularly with tank water). Sometimes it is simply time to dump the spa water.
Q. How often do I need to dump the water?
- This depends on the bathing load of your spa
| Heavy usage |
|
4-6 weeks |
| Regular usage |
|
6-8 weeks |
| Light usage |
|
8-12 weeks |
This is a guideline only, but should be done at a maximum of 12 weeks or when the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level exceeds 1000ppm.
Q. My spa water has gone smelly – Why?
- Smelly spa water can be the result of insufficient dose rate of Spa Poppit, pH and alkalinity being out of balance, heavy bathing load without the use of Poppit Quick Fix or dirty filter cartridges. If all have been checked and are fine, it can be that the spa has been covered for a period of time and a condensation smell can appear. Remove cover and wipe down with damp cloth and Poppit Pipe De greaser (using rubber gloves) rinse off and leave in the sun to dry. The Spa Poppit range has no smell, where others contain a chemical odour which masks the cause of the smell.
Q. Why do I have to use Poppit Pipe De greaser when I dump my spa pool or spa bath water?
- An accumulation of “body fats” builds up on the internal wall cavities of the pipe work of your spa. These body fats will absorb Spa Poppit and other sanitizers causing excessive usage of product. This can lead to a breeding ground for bacteria. You need to eliminate this from your system to prevent any build up. Use Spa Pipe De greaser as per instructions prior to every water dump.
Q. How often do I need to clean my filter cartridge?
- Spa filters should be cleaned every 1-2 weeks. This depends on bather usage and surrounding elements. Regular cleaning of filters will ensure maximum filtration of spa water and will prolong the life of your filter. Just hosing down the filter will not clean it. The filter traps body fats which are an oily build up that water will not disperse. Use Poppit Filter Soak to dissolve these body fats, then hose down with high pressure from garden hose.
Q. Do I need to balance my spa water?
- This depends on water quality, water will differ from area to area around the country. It is recommended that regular testing using either Test Strips, will which enable you to test and adjust if required.
Q. My spa has an ozonator should I use Spa Poppit?
- Spa Poppit is compatible with ozone. Using Spa Poppit in conjunction with ozone maintains a “chlorine free” environment. This ensures also that a registered bactericide is used within the spa water.
Q. What should I do with my spa while I am away?
- Portable spas September be emptied and left covered. An in ground spa should be degreased, dumped and then upon return, follow start up directions. This is to be done if away for a lengthy period of time. If you are only going away for a few days or up to a week, test water to ensure balance is fine and add 500mls/1000litre of Spa Poppit. Retest upon return.
Q: I have algae in the spa – how do I get rid of it?
- Depending on how much algae you have present, you can add Poppit Quick Fix if you have small amounts. If you have quite a bit of algae present, simply use Poppit Pipe De greaser as per instructions and dump water. Refill and balance as per start up instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTES TO REMEMBER
- Oxidise weekly with Poppit Quick Fix
- Test balance of water regularly
- Clean filters regularly
- Test Spa Poppit levels before use or at least every 4 days
- Keep filter running while using spa
- After heavy usage, oxidise with Quick Fix
- Use Poppit Pipe De greaser prior to dumping water
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