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4.3.1 Water maintenance
4.3.2 Filtration
4.3.3 Flocculation
Thorough water maintenance forms the basis for a hygienic whirlpool. Clean
and clear water is visually appealing and contributes considerably to the overall
feeling of well being. Inadequate water maintenance can have an adverse
effect on one’s health. The following elements are essential components of
good water maintenance.
Filtration: impurities which have dissolved in the water are mechanically being
left behind in the filter.
Flocculation: Adding a flocculant to the water causes even the tiniest particles
to bind, making them large enough to be filtered out. pH value: Indicates when
the water has reached an “equilibrium”, when bathing is at its most pleasant
and disinfectants can work best.
Disinfectant: should be used to kill any germs.
Adding fresh water: The use of disinfectants can lead to salt deposits building
up in the water. These should be kept as low as possible by adding fresh water.
The filter should operate automatically for 6-8 hours per day. Besides servicing
the filter regularly, the cartridges should be cleaned regularly as well.
The whirlpool’s skim filter is fitted with very fine non woven filter cartridges
which keep impurities out of the water. The cartridge itself is capable of lasting
many years but should be changed every 12 months. A set of replacement
cartridges is included in the delivery. The filter cartridges should be cleaned at
regular intervals (weekly or monthly, depending on how often the pool is used).
The cartridges should be cleaned as follows:
• Remove the skimmer lid.
• Pull out the skimmer basket.
• Unscrew the cartridges from the skim filter and rinse
thoroughly inside and outside with a strong jet of water.
• To insert the cartridge, follow the steps in reverse. Make sure
that the cartridge is correctly locked into position.
Note: A blocked filter can prevent the flow of water in the system and result in a
reduced performance by the jets as well as a breakdown of the heating system.
Adding flocculation agents to the water helps the finest of impurities to bind
so that they can be filtered and kept out of the whirlpool. Such tiny particles
can be seen in the beam of the underwater light, where they appear as the
smallest of bubbles. Where this is the case, a solid flocculation agent should be
used in cartridge form so that it can be placed in the water or the skimmer
basket. Do not use liquid flocculation agents, as it can be difficult to gauge
the correct dosage.
Care and maintenance