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General Instructions and Maintenance for the Freshwater Sanitisation System in your Halo Swim Spa.
FILLING AND INITIAL START-UP
For a successful start-up of the Halo spa, perform the pre-fill checklist before moving onto the initial set up instructions.
PRE-FILL CHECKLIST
- Before filling, remove the QuickLock™ equipment door panel(s) and inspect for any items that might have shifted or loosened during transit. Keep the engine bay panel off until the spa is filled with water, and a leak inspection has been carried out.
- Examine the barrel unions on all pumps and heaters, ensuring they are secure. These parts may loosen during transport and are not covered under warranty. They must be tightened before initial start-up.
- Ensure the external drain/fill valve is securely closed, and the drain cap is tight.
- Verify the shut-off valve is in the open position. This valve is typically located on either side of the pump(s). When in the up position, water can flow through the pipes to your pump. Note: These valves should only be closed (down position) during servicing.
NOTE: If an external heat pump has been installed and connected to the spa, keep the gate valve above the circulation pump closed to redirect water flow to the heat pump.
FILLING YOUR SPA
- Ensure all jets are open (Refer to the ‘Jet Section’ of your Operating Manual for more information).
- Fill your spa with clean water. To prevent air locks in the pumps or heaters, remove one filter and place the hose directly into the skimmer. Fill until all jets are submerged, or the water is level with the third fin of the skimmer faceplate.
- After reaching the appropriate water level, re-fit the filter.
- Be cautious not to overfill the spa. If the bather load increases, drain any excess water. After usage, refill the spa as needed.
INITIAL START-UP PROCEDURE (SWIM SPA ONLY)
NOTE: The NKD Control Panel will be located behind the middle panel of the Halo 5.8 models.
- Switch the power on at the mains. Please note that it is normal for the pumps to run for up to 4 minutes during the initial start-up.
- The Freshwater Filtration System settings are pre-configured to the Halo swim spa. Locate the NKD Control Panel in the engine bay and press the Power Button to turn on the filtration system.
- Turn on the boost pumps and add 5kg of pool salt to the water. Run the pumps for 10 minutes.
- Using the spa touchpad, set your desired water temperature.
- Carefully inspect for leaks around and inside the spa. If no leaks are detected, reattach the QuickLock™ door panel(s).
- Attach the plastic locks to the side of the cabinet to secure the hard cover, following the instructions provided by the hard cover manufacturer.
IMPORTANT: Operating the equipment without the appropriate water level can result in damage to the pumps and/or heater.
Overview – Major Functions
- DDS Screen – Default Display Screen.
- Indicators – Displays what mode the system is currently in.
- Power Mode – This should always be in ON mode.
- OXI Boost – Boost the Oxidiser during/after heavy use or extreme weather.
- ION Boost – Boost copper levels in the water if low.
- Timers – Clock Timer. Cycle = EXT CNTRL
- Backwash – Not applicable for a Swim Spa
- TDS Test – Check the TDS levels in your water. (Ideal levels are 800-1200ppm)
- Navigation – [+] Increase. [–] Decrease. [<] Back/Exit
- Main Button – Enter/Save/Next
MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
KEEPING YOUR SPA CLEAN
Your spa should be kept clean and free from dirt and grit. This prevents particles from being lodged in the jets or your spa’s operating equipment. Consider placing a mat or foot wash near your spa, allowing users to clean their feet before entering. Remember, damage caused by dirt and grit in your plumbing system is not covered by your warranty.
Your authorised Halo spa dealer can provide guidance on accessories such as hand, and robot vacuums to assist with maintaining your swim spa.
WATER MAINTENANCE
Maintaining the balance of your water is critical for both health reasons and the protection of spa components. The pH level should read between 7.2 and 7.6 to ensure clean water. The total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 parts per million. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure your spa is clean and free from contaminated water. Failure to maintain your water within these parameters can compromise the safety of the water, and risk voiding your warranty. Your authorised Halo spa dealer can provide guidance on water balancing and recommend suitable products.
(Swim Spas only)
Filling your swim spa for the first time, add 5kg of pool salt to the water. After the first fill or if completely refilling the spa, press ION BOOST and set copper level to 0. This will then boost the copper in the spa to the correct levels. Test copper and balance water according to recommended levels.
Water Balance for your Spa
In a pool or spa, we need to help nature (water) achieve balance. Balanced and sanitised water provides a healthy environment for your family and friends, but untreated or improperly treated water is not quite so appealing.
When water is out of balance, it becomes aggressive and seeks to balance itself by either attacking the surface, corroding equipment or forming scale on various surfaces. This can be expensive and it can also inhibit the sanitising process. In simple terms, the owner should balance the pH, its Total Alkalinity and the Calcium Hardness.
The Freshwater System featured in the Halo Swim Spas also relies on copper and silver as it’s main form of residual sanitiser, eliminating the need to swim in high levels of chlorine and other chemicals associated with chlorine or bromine spas. A Copper Test Kit is provided with your swim spa and we recommend testing copper levels every 2- 4 weeks. Correct copper levels should range between 0.2 – 0.5ppm. Should copper levels exceed this range, you may need to drain some of the water and top up again. Always check and re-balance water once completed.
Water Chemistry for your Freshwater Swim Spa Important Notes
- Do not add cyanuric acid (Stabiliser)
- Do not use copper algaecides
- Do not use any bromine compounds
- Do not use aluminium based or other flocculants
- Do not use sodium carbonate (Soda Ash)
- Sodium bicarbonate is fine
- Do not use granular chlorine
- Liquid chlorine can be used if necessary
TDS levels should not exceed 2000ppm. Excessive TDS levels may cause the unit to overheat and void warranty.
(Swim spas only)
Overview – DDS (Default Display Screen)
- The Oxidiser output setting can vary and be adjusted depending upon the use and environment of the spa, particularly when heated.
- The mode the system is currently in. Should always be in ON mode.
- Shows direction cell is operating relating to reverse polarity. Will change between FWD, REV or OFF.
- Shows the Set Point for the Ioniser (copper output). This screen will also fluctuate between ION Set and Water Temperature and any possible alerts from the unit.
- LEDs show what mode the unit is currently running in.
- The dot ( • ) inside the brackets shows when the Oxidiser is running.
- The mode the unit is in.
- Time of day
- When the unit is using the pump (ON/OFF)
- Similar to OXI OUT, the dot will be only visible when the Ioniser is running. ie: at 20% you will see the dot on for two minutes of every ten.
IMPORTANT!
Blankets/Covers trap chlorine in the swim spa. it is important to remove the cover often to allow the water to breathe and be exposed to direct sunlight wherever possible.
If high chlorine levels are present in the swim spa, you can reduce the OXI SET point by pressing the [-] button whilst in the DDS screen. Adjust to 20% as a starting point and monitor the levels. If levels are still increasing, reduce further until a happy medium is achieved.
OXI BOOST BUTTON
The OXI button is designed to give the water a boost to ensure it remains crystal clear and will help breakdown organic matter, sunscreens, body oils and other factors that get in the water during heavy use.
- When the OXI Boost button is pressed you will see the timer on the screen start counting down from 24 hours. To adjust the run time, press the [-] button or leave it and after the default 24 hour countdown period ends the system will automatically go back to the position prior to the Boost.
- If your spa water appears consistently cloudy, we suggest to first check and clean the cartridge filters. Next step would be to increase the OXI OUT to 30-40% and monitor the water from there.
NOTE: Do not use OXI boost with the spa cover on.
TIP! Check and adjust pH before and after using OXI Boost.
ION BOOST
Firstly, did you check your copper level using the Copper Test Kit provided? If not, then please do so remembering to read the sample in the shade and not direct sunlight and make certain your pH is within range (7.2 – 7.4).
If it’s determined that your copper is low, press the ION Boost button which will step you through the process of increasing copper in the water. The ION Boost will automatically determine the run time of the Ioniser based on the size of your spa. The ION SET will change to 100% while in boost mode and the system is running.
We advise testing copper levels at least once whilst ION Boost mode is running. Should the levels be within range (0.2- 0.5ppm) while the Boost function is still running, simply press the ION Boost button again, wait a few seconds and it will give you the option to EXIT.
NOTE: High pH will mask an accurate copper reading. Ensure pH is in range prior to testing copper levels in the swim spa.
REFILLING THE WATER IN YOUR SWIM SPA
If you empty your spa water and refill from the tap water, please ensure to rebalance the water as per the guidelines. After balancing the water, use the ION Boost feature to introduce copper back into the water.
FAULTS AND ALERTS
Should there be situations where operation or standard performance of the system may be affected, you will see the Red Fault Light on the Control Unit and typically the fault message itself will be displayed on the DDS (Digital Display Screen).
For detailed information about these possible faults and alerts, along with causes, please contact your local HALO agent or refer to the HALO website.
LOW TDS
TDS levels below 600ppm means sanitisation will not be as effective. Check water balance and add salt/minerals. Low TDS for long periods of time can damage the plate material inside the cell and void warranty.
HIGH TDS
TDS levels above 2000ppm. Try diluting some of the water. TDS levels should not exceed 2000ppm.
CHECK IONISER RODS
The Copper/Silver anodes have warn and will need replacing or the TDS level in the water is much too low. Replacement Ioniser Rods can be ordered through your HALO Dealer.
WATER FLOW FAULT
Occurs when there is no water flow or the water level in the cell housing is too low and has exposed the flow sensor on the OXI Cell.
The system will automatically stop the pump for 3 minutes and make three attempts to draw water over a 5-10 minute period. The system will continue repeating the process when another Timer is due to start. The Fault Light will remain on until the water flow issue is resolved.
WATER TEMP LOW
Should your water get below 10ºC the unit will come up with an alert to notify you. During the process of electrolysis, very cold water can cause damage to the titanium plate material within the cell.
To combat this the system will automatically drop the OXI (oxidiser) output to 10%. As soon as the water increases above 10ºC again the alert will go off and the system will set the OXI back to it’s previous setting.
WATER TEMP HIGH
This alert will show when the water temperature is between 40º – 45ºC and the unit will operate as normal. This alert is in the event that there may be a closed valve, pump fault or water flow issue.
Should the water rise above 45*C the unit will pause and wait for the water temperature to drop again. This is to protect your equipment and the safety of others.
TROUBLESHOOTING
CALCIUM BUILD UP (WHITE SPOTS)
This is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the spa. It is important to maintain the chemical balance at all times to avoid the build-up of calcium. If calcium build-up does occur, have your water tested and seek advice from a professional. (Refer to “Inspecting and cleaning the OXI cell” section.
SUNSCREENS / BLOCKOUT
Sunscreens do come off the body when swimming and can affect water balance and cause the water to go cloudy. Excessive use can also form a residue on the waterline which will then need wiping to ensure no staining develops. Try to avoid excessive use of sunscreens and make sure it is applied at least 30-45 minutes prior to jumping in the water.
Although rare, certain people when using sunscreen in the spa may find discolouration of bathers after swimming. (This can be removed when washing).
PHOSPHATES
Phosphates typically come into the water from lawn care products; fertilisers, sprays, and other phosphorous based chemicals. Phosphates can also come from dead skin cells, body fats and oils. In water, phosphates are a food source for algae and will assist in its reproduction. It’s important to keep your water well maintained and always remove debris as soon as possible. We recommended testing phosphate levels every 6-8 weeks depending upon the environment and location of your spa.
ENVIRONMENT
Harsh weather conditions also affect water quality. Strong winds blow dust and debris into the water. High rainfall can dilute water and is typically acidic which may alter water balance. Lightning is full of nitrogen, similar to fertilisers, this can feed phosphates and therefore algae. Be aware of changing conditions that may affect your water and manage accordingly when you are leaving the spa uncovered and exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
INSPECTING AND CLEANING THE OXI CELL.
Reverse Polarity electrodes should not normally require cleaning, however, in areas with very hard water all the calcium may not be removed. Calcium deposits may form on the lower areas of the electrode, the sensor or the sides of the electrode plates. All electrodes must be cleaned before scale/calcium builds up to the point where the electrode gaps in the OXI Cell become bridged.
If the OXI Cell has excessive calcium deposit, this may damage the electrode coating, as the bridging on the plates affects the operation.
The OXI OUT % can also decrease due to excessive build up of calcium and once cleaned will return to normal levels. Monitoring pH levels weekly/fortnightly and maintaining them within range will assist in reducing possible calcium build up.
For cleaning, follow these steps.
1. Ensure the timers of the system and the circulation pumps are turned OFF from the Controller, so the system cannot turn on.
The Freshwater System is installed in the engine bay under the swim spa, so it is important to ensure that all valves are shut before opening the OXI or ION Cell Housing. If unsure please contact your local HALO dealer or visit the Halo Spas website for further information.
2. Unscrew the OXI Cell Locking Ring and remove the electrode for inspection. If calcium build-up is present, immerse the electrode in a cell cleaning solution.
A solution can be made by mixing 1 part hydrochloric acid to 10 parts of water. If excessive build-up is present, a stronger solution may be used to remove the calcium. (Using 5 parts of water will make a more aggressive solution and will not damage the electrode).
You can choose to use a cell cleaning solution and if so, follow the product instructions. Allow the cleaning solution to dissolve the calcium deposits for about 10 minutes. Dispose of the cleaning solution at an approved council depot and never into storm water or sewage drains.
3. Rinse in freshwater and replace the cell housing ensuring washer is in place and locking ring is securely ‘hand’ tight.
4. Ensure Controller is turned back ON and everything is in it’s original position.
IMPORTANT!
When mixing acid with water, ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER. NEVER ADD WATER TO ACID.
Eye Protection, mask and gloves should be worn when cleaning the cell.
INSPECTING THE ION RODS
The Copper/Silver Anodes are sacrificial and will have to be replaced periodically (typically every 4-6 years) depending on the size of your swim spa. When the ION Rods are worn and needing to be changed the fault light will appear to say “CHECK IONISER RODS”. Replacement ION Rods can be purchased direct from your HALO Dealer or service technician. The NKD ION replacement Copper/Silver Rods come complete with cable and plug attached for ease of installation and replacement.
FOR INSPECTION OR TO CHANGE ION RODS PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
The Freshwater System is installed in the engine bay under the swim spa, so it is important to ensure that all valves are shut and the unit is OFF before opening the OXI or ION Cell Housing. If unsure please contact your local HALO dealer or visit halo.com.au for further information.
- Unscrew the ION Locking Ring and remove the Rods from the Housing and simply unplug the cable from the base of the Control Unit.
- Replace with new ION Rods and repeat the process, ensuring that the O-ring is clean, greased and properly seated and the Locking Ring is hand tight and secure.
- Reopen any valves that were closed, turn on the system and circulation pumps at the controller and return to normal operation. If unsure please contact your local HALO dealer or visit halo.com.au for further information.