Water Care and Maintenance ProtocolUpdated 20 days ago

Maintaining the quality and sanitation of the water in your unit is critical for ensuring user safety, optimizing performance, and preserving the longevity of the system components. Adherence to a consistent maintenance protocol is essential to prevent the accumulation of organic compounds, contaminants, and microbial growth. This section outlines the required procedures for water replacement and best practices for proactive water care.

A. Minimum Water Replacement Schedule

This schedule represents the minimum frequency required for typical residential use. High-usage environments will require an accelerated maintenance schedule.

1. Weekly Partial Water Change:It is mandatory to replace 25% to 50% of the total water volume on a weekly basis. This procedure serves to dilute the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS), organic matter, and other accumulated contaminants, thereby reducing the sanitation load on the filtration and chiller system.

2. Periodic Full Water Change:A complete drain, interior surface cleaning, and full refill must be conducted every four (4) to six (6) weeks. This process fully resets the water’s chemical balance and provides an opportunity to thoroughly sanitize the tub’s interior, which is crucial for preventing biofilm development.

3. High-Usage Addendum:For units subjected to high-usage conditions, such as in commercial, athletic, or multi-user daily environments, the frequency of both partial and full water changes must be significantly increased. Under such conditions, daily water quality assessment is strongly recommended.

B. Water Quality Indicators Demanding Immediate Action

The following sensory indicators supersede the standard maintenance schedule. If any of these conditions are observed, a full water change must be performed immediately to restore hygienic conditions.

• Visual Turbidity (Cloudiness): The water loses its clarity and appears hazy, milky, or cloudy. This indicates a high concentration of suspended microscopic particles, which may include organic waste, skin cells, or burgeoning microbial colonies.

• Odor Generation: The water emits any abnormal, musty, or unpleasant odor. Odors are a primary indicator of bacterial or fungal activity and the chemical breakdown of contaminants.

• Biofilm Formation: The interior surfaces of the tub feel slippery or slimy to the touch. This tactile sign indicates the presence of a biofilm—a complex colony of microorganisms that adheres to surfaces and can harbor pathogens.

C. Best Practices for Maintaining Water Purity

Proactive measures are the most effective way to prolong the interval between water changes and ensure a consistently clean environment.

1. Utilize the Insulated Cover: The tub cover must be kept on and securely fastened at all times when not in use. This practice is critical for preventing airborne contaminants (e.g., dust, pollen, debris) from entering the water, reducing water evaporation, and maintaining thermal efficiency.

2. Enforce Pre-Use Hygiene: Users must shower or rinse off immediately before entering the tub. This removes sweat, natural body oils, and residual personal care products such as lotions, cosmetics, deodorants, and creams. These substances introduce a high organic load that can overwhelm the sanitation system, serve as nutrients for microbial growth, cause foaming, and reduce overall water quality.