This guide covers the start-up procedure and ongoing maintenance for spas using a hydrogen peroxide sanitisation system. The routine is straightforward but the sequence matters — particularly the requirement to oxidise tap water chlorine before adding any sanitiser.
Initial Start-Up Procedure
Clear the water
Tap water, rain water and bore water all contain compounds that must be oxidised before adding sanitiser. Add Spa Oxy Shock and filter for 4 hours. This removes chlorine and any other unwanted matter from the fresh fill.
Dose
60g
per 1000L
Balance the water
Test pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness using a test kit or test strips. Adjust to the following targets before adding any sanitiser:
pH
7.4 - 7.6
Total Alkalinity
80 - 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness
100 - 200 ppm
Use Alkalinity Increaser to raise alkalinity, pH Decreaser to lower pH, and Hardness Raiser to raise calcium. Calcium below 100 ppm damages equipment, makes pH difficult to hold stable, and causes cloudy water. Rain water is consistently low in calcium.
Sanitise the water
Once the water is clear and balanced, add Spa Protector Sanitiser. The spa is now ready to use.
Dose
1L
per 1000L
Weekly Maintenance
The weekly routine follows the same 3-step sequence as the start-up, with adjusted doses.
Shock with Spa Oxy Shock
Oxidises flaked skin, hair and other organic debris that accumulates with use. Run the filter for at least 4 hours before adding anything else.
Weekly dose
30g
per 1000L
Recheck alkalinity and pH
Skin contact tends to reduce alkalinity over time, so this needs checking weekly. Calcium levels generally stabilise after the initial set-up and should not need ongoing adjustment.
Top up the sanitiser
Check hydrogen peroxide levels with test strips and top up as needed. Heat and time dissipate hydrogen peroxide continuously — a top-up is needed every week even when the spa has not been used. The guide below is for average use (2-3 people, 2-3 times per week, up to 30 minutes). Always refer to your product label for specific dosing rates.
Typical top-up
500ml
per 1000L
Draining and Refilling
Always degrease the pipes before dumping water
Remove filter cartridges first. Add 20ml of Spa Conditioner per 1000L of current spa water and run the blower for 20-30 minutes. This flushes fat buildup and residue from the pipes before they contaminate the next fill. Clean the filter whenever water is changed.
Change the water completely when TDS (total dissolved solids) exceeds 1000 ppm, or every 6-8 weeks — whichever comes first. As an alternative, replacing 15% of the water weekly will extend the interval. After refilling, follow the start-up procedure from Step 1.
Change the water immediately if:
Heavy use has made it difficult to maintain disinfectant levels
Water is cloudy and Spa Oxy Shock does not clear it
Algae or slime is present — drain, scrub the interior with Spa Conditioner (wear gloves), rinse thoroughly before refilling
Temperature and Safe Use
Maintain water temperature between 28-37°C. Do not exceed 40°C. A continuously heated spa will consume sanitiser faster and may require more frequent top-ups.
Do not use the spa in the following situations:
Sanitiser or pH is outside recommended levels and the water is dirty or cloudy
The filtration unit or pumps are not operating correctly
You are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
You have open wounds, feel unwell, are pregnant, or are immunocompromised
General Rules
Keep your head above water at all times.
Limit sessions to no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
Always supervise children using the spa.
View the full Spa Protector range and all available spa chemicals here.
