Vortex™ Spas and Swim Spas – Safety and Warning Information

As a spa owner, it is important to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and other spa users. This article outlines the key warnings and safety information to be aware of when you own or use a spa pool or swim spa.

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In this article, we explain the necessary safety instructions and warnings that spa owners need to know.

To avoid injury, death or damage to your spa, please review and follow all safety and warning information contained in your spa owner’s manual.

Please note that this article is intended for people who have purchased a Vortex Spa™. Other brands may have different safety advice and warnings. If you own a brand other than Vortex Spas™, you will need to refer to your sales consultant or retailer.

This article covers:

For the safety of you and your family, please read this information before using your spa pool.

Watch: Vortex™ Spas and Swim Spas – Safety and Warnings

Spa safety and warnings for parents or guardians of young children

To reduce the risk of drowning, extreme caution must be exercised to prevent children's unauthorised access to the spa.

Children under 10 years should be under the active supervision of a person 16 years or older whilst in the spa pool area.

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Spa pool and swim spa fences and barriers

Consult with your local government agency or council for pool safety barrier requirements.

Spa and swim spa cover safety guidelines

If used correctly, your spa cover can help secure your spa and make it safer for young children.

When the spa is not in use, it is important to:

  • Attach and lock the spa cover after each use. This will help discourage unsupervised children from entering the spa.
  • Keep the spa cover secure in high-wind conditions. There is no representation that the cover clip tie-downs or actual locks will prevent access to the spa.

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Safety signage recommendations

We recommend the owners of spa pools and swim spas display a CPR sign that is viewable from the spa area. We also advise spa owners to learn a recognised resuscitation technique.

Water temperature guidelines and safety

A spa pool is a heated water environment. If you are concerned that it may adversely affect you, it is your responsibility to seek medical advice.

Spa heat can cause hyperthermia (heat stress) and unconsciousness.

Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of overheating:

  • To avoid the possibility of hyperthermia occurring, it is recommended that the average temperature of the spa pool water should not exceed 40 degrees.
  • Check with a doctor before use if pregnant, diabetic, in poor health or under medical care.
  • Lower water temperatures are recommended for your children (children are especially sensitive to hot water) and when spa use may exceed 10 minutes.
  • Always test the spa water temperature before entering the spa. Since the tolerance of water temperature-regulating devices may vary as much as plus or minus two degrees, the user should measure the water temperature with an accurate thermometer.
  • Exit the spa immediately if you are uncomfortable, dizzy, or sleepy.

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Warning if using a spa when pregnant

If you are pregnant, soaking in hot water for a long period can harm your fetus.

For this reason, it absolutely vital that you stick to the following two guidelines:

  1. Measure the water temperature before entering. Do not enter the spa if the water is warmer than 38 degrees.
  2. Do not stay in the water for longer than 10 minutes.

Drowning risks with spa pools

Please note the following points to avoid the risk of severe injury or drowning:

  • Never put your head underwater in a spa pool or swim spa
  • To avoid entrapment that could lead to drowning or severe injury; keep hair, loose article of clothing or hanging jewellery away from the spa’s suction fitting, rotating jets or other moving components.
  • To prevent body and or hair entrapment; never use the spa unless all suction guards, filters, filter lid or skimmer assembly are installed.
  • Never operate or use the spa if the filters, filter lid, or skimmer assembly are broken or any part of the skimmer assembly is missing. If necessary, please contact your dealer or nearest service centre for spa servicing.

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Suction fittings and suction covers on spa pools

The suction fittings and suction cover in thisspa are sized to match the specific water flow created by the pump/s. If it is necessary to replace the suction fittings, suction covers or pump/s, be sure that the flow rates are compatible and in compliance with AS 1926.3.

**Important: **

  • Never replace a suction fitting or suction cover with one rated less than the flow rate marked on the original suction fitting.
  • Using improper suction fittings or suction covers can create a body or hair suction entrapment hazard that may lead to drowning or severe injury.

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Electrical safety and warnings for spa owners

To avoid the risk of severe injury from electric shock or death from electrocution you must adhere to the following safety instructions:

  • All electrical work is completed by a qualified electrician as per local regulations.
  • Never place any electrical device appliance within 1.5 metres (5 feet) of the spa
  • All parts containing live parts except parts supplied with safety extra-low voltage must not exceed 12vm and are inaccessible to a person in the spa.
  • Earthed appliances must be permanently connected to fixed wiring except for transportable whirlpool spas with earthing, which must only be plugged directly into an earthed socket outlet of the fixed wiring.
  • Never permit any electrical appliance, such as a light, telephone, radio, television etc within 1.25m (arm’s reach or 5 feet) of a spa unless such appliances are built-in by the manufacturer.
  • Never bring any electrical appliances into or near the spa.
  • Never operate any electrical appliances from inside the spa when you are wet.
  • Parts incorporating electrical components, except remote control devices, must be located so that they cannot fall into the bath.
  • The appliances must be supplied through a residual current device (RCD) having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA.
  • Any metallic object that has a surface area larger than 100mm in any dimension and within 1.25m from the edge of the spa requires equipotential bonding in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2018. Please consult your electrician.

Safety around the spa or swim spa

Please note the following warnings to avoid the risk of severe injury or death:

  • Extreme caution must be exercised to prevent diving or jumping into the spa, or slipping and falling, which could result in unconsciousness drowning or serious injury.
  • Remember that wet surfaces can be very slippery.
  • Never stand, walk or sit on the top railing of the spa.

General warnings and safety information

As a spa owner, there are a number of general spa safety measures to understand and be aware of including:

  • Do not use the spa pool area while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (certain medications may produce adverse effects).
  • It is safer not to use the spa pool alone.
  • It is recommended that you use the spa pool for no longer than 15 minutes at a time.

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Water care and chemical use – safety advice and guidelines

To decrease the risk of infection or disease, always maintain your spa water as outlined in your Owner’s Manual.

There are two essential points to remember when carrying out water maintenance with your spa:

  1. Water must be maintained following guidelines provided in the manual, especially water purity, pH values and chlorine concentrations.
  2. The misuse of chemicals, including using chemicals that are not recommended for your spa, will void your warranty and can cause severe damage to your spa.

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In Summary

Thank you for reading these safety guidelines. For more information about your new Vortex™ Spa or Swim Spa, please click the button below.

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