What is water treatment and why do I need it?
Water treatment is a two-fold process
Both of these processes must align to provide pristine, crystal clear and clean water.
1. Water Treatment - simplesilver™ controls and balances the water.
2. Filtration - It is also vitally important irrespective of the water treatment product used, that the filter pump operates daily to circulate 100,000 litres of water per day so that this volume of spa pool water can be turned over and passed through the filters to remove contamination and maintain the water condition and clarity.
1. Water Treatment
simplesilver™ automatically controls and balances the water by managing the following:
• pH
• Alkalinity
• Total dissolved solids
• Scale
• Corrosion
• Bacteria levels
2. Filtration
The filter pump turns the spa pool water over, circulating water through filters removing:
• Skin
• Perspiration
• Oils
• Lotions
• Hair
• Water salts
• Dust
• Dirt
• Any other foreign matter
Health & Safety
Is simplesilver™ safe for my health and well-being?
• Since 2003, simplesilver™ has been assessed by AsureQuality for safety & efficacy as a spa pool water treatment.
Is it safe to use the spa pool if the water is not crystal clear or has an odour?
NO! - PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR SPA POOL IF THE WATER IS NOT CRYSTAL CLEAR, OR IF IT'S CLOUDY, HAS A GREEN TINGE OR THERE IS AN ODOUR.
• These issues are an indication that bacteria or fungus is present in the water and this could be detrimental to your health, skin and well-being.
When using simplesilver™ what should the condition of the water look like?
When using simplesilver™ the water should always be crystal clear, clean and odourless.
Will simplesilver™ damage swimwear?
No. The minerals in simplesilver™ will not damage or affect your swimwear. What is Spa Pool Water Treatment and Why Do I Need It?
Achieving pristine, crystal clear spa pool water requires a two-fold approach. Both processes must work in perfect harmony to keep your water clean, safe, and inviting.
- Water Treatment: Using a product like simplesilver™ to automatically control and balance the water chemistry.
- Filtration: Operating your filter pump daily to circulate 100,000 litres of water. This turnover passes the water through your filters to remove contamination and maintain clarity, irrespective of the treatment product used.
1. Water Treatment with simplesilver™
The simplesilver™ system automatically controls and balances your spa pool water. It effectively manages pH levels, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, scale, corrosion, and bacteria levels.
2. The Importance of Filtration
Your filter pump is the engine of your spa's hygiene. It turns the water over and pushes it through the filters to remove organic and foreign matter. This includes skin, perspiration, oils, lotions, hair, water salts, dust, and dirt.
Health, Safety, and Well-being
Is simplesilver™ safe for my health?
Yes. Since 2003, simplesilver™ has been assessed by AsureQuality for safety and efficacy as a spa pool water treatment. When using the product correctly, your water should always be crystal clear, clean, and odourless.
What if the water is cloudy or has an odour?
Please do not use your spa pool if the water is not crystal clear, has a green tinge, or smells unpleasant. These are clear indications that bacteria or fungus is present, which could be detrimental to your health and skin.
How does it affect skin, hair, swimwear, and jewellery?
simplesilver™ is a combination of naturally occurring, environmentally friendly minerals that are gentle on bathers. Many customers with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis have reported experiencing relief without inflammation, noting that their skin feels much softer after bathing. Furthermore, the minerals will not damage swimwear, turn your hair green, or tarnish jewellery. In fact, many users find their jewellery looks brighter and more sparkling after a soak.
The Science: How simplesilver™ Works
As water flows over the tablet, it automatically distributes naturally occurring oxides and a small number of silver ions at a constant, controlled rate. These minerals balance the water's pH, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids while combating scale and bacteria. Contaminants like oils and salts are precipitated out so your filters can catch them.
Any existing hardened calcium carbonate (scale) lining your pipes and equipment is slowly softened over a four to six week period. Once detached by the water flow, it is caught by the filters. The silver ions destroy any corrosion-causing bacteria beneath the scale and prevent resistant strains from mutating. Once clean, the system coats the inside of your equipment to prevent further build-up, helping your pump and heater operate more efficiently and last longer.
Do I need to manage pH or add other chemicals?
Using simplesilver™ means you never have to worry about adjusting your water balance. The pH level is automatically controlled between 8.0 and 8.2. You do not need any other products to maintain water quality. While chlorine is compatible (refer to the manufacturer's instructions for concentration levels), bromine cannot be used. If your spa was previously treated with bromine, you must drain the water completely, as the tablet will react with residual bromine and turn the water grey.
How long does it last?
Under normal use, a single tablet provides clean water for 12 months. The minerals are eluted into the water constantly, and while the tablet's substrate will look and weigh much the same after a year, its active minerals will be depleted. If you drain your pool or go away, simply remove the tablet, store it in a dry place, and reinstall it later to use its remaining lifespan.
Getting Started: Setup and Pump Calculation
Using the product is incredibly straightforward. You simply place the tablet anywhere in the spa pool water and set your filter pump timer. Whether you use an ozone system or water fragrances, they are fully compatible.
Choosing the right size
You must know your spa pool's volume to choose the correct tablet. Most domestic portable spa pools hold less than 1,500 litres.
- Up to 1,500 litres requires one 500g tablet.
- Between 1,500 and 3,000 litres requires one 1kg tablet.
Calculating your filter pump flow rate
To ensure the correct quantity of minerals is distributed, your pump must circulate between 80,000 and 100,000 litres of water daily. If you do not know your pump's flow rate, check the equipment nameplate or your manufacturer's manual for the litres per minute value.
Here is how to calculate your required daily pump time:
- Identify your flow rate in litres per minute.
- Multiply this by 60 to find your litres per hour.
- Divide 100,000 by your hourly rate to find the required hours per day.
Example: If your pump circulates 150 litres per minute, multiply by 60 to get 9,000 litres per hour. Divide 100,000 by 9,000, which equals roughly 11.1 hours. You would set your controller to operate for 11 hours daily.
Please note that running the pump to circulate more than 130,000 litres per day will not improve water quality and may cause cloudiness or sea-foam around the edges.
Essential Filter Maintenance
Because the water treatment process relies heavily on filtration, maintaining your filters is critical. If your filters are 50% blocked, only half the water will circulate, making the treatment only 50% effective.
Cleaning routine
Every two weeks, clean your filters using a dedicated cartridge cleaning sanitising solution. Water alone cannot break down body oils and lotions. While the filters are out, use a cloth and a bucket of fresh water to wipe down the inside of the filter cavity and housing. This hidden area can accumulate oils and cause unpleasant odours if neglected. Always let your filters dry completely before putting them back in, as this allows the fibres to expand and operate more efficiently. Keeping a spare set of filters makes this rotation much easier.
When to replace
Filters typically last between 12 and 18 months. After this time, they become saturated and can no longer be effectively cleaned, meaning they must be replaced to maintain water clarity.
If you suspect your filters are blocked, observe the water pressure or bubble volume with the pump running. Carefully remove the filters while the pump is on. If the water pressure immediately increases, your filters are restricting flow and need immediate cleaning or replacement.
Environmental Impact
simplesilver™ replaces the wide variety of harsh chemicals traditionally used for spa pool maintenance. Because you do not need to replace your water as frequently, you save water, reheating energy, and time. Furthermore, the product is not temperature-dependent. You can lower or switch off your heater entirely during unused periods or holidays.
Because the water contains no hazardous chemicals, you can safely drain your spa directly into your garden or stormwater system. Finally, the outer casing of the tablet is made from number 5 recyclable polypropylene plastic (please check with your local authority for recycling guidelines).
Will simplesilver™ affect my skin or my skin condition?
- • simplesilver™ is a combination of naturally occurring, environmentally friendly minerals which appear to have a positive effect on the skin.
- • Many customers who have skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis have experienced relief without inflammation when using simplesilver™. They highly recommend simplesilver™ for skin ailment suffers.
- • Other customers also comment that it makes their skin feel much softer after bathing in simplesilver™.
Will simplesilver™ have any affect on my hair?
No. With simplesilver™, you don't need to worry about the water damaging your hair or turning it green.
How will simplesilver™ affect my jewellery?
When you're using simplesilver™, there's no need to worry about it damaging or tarnishing your jewellery. In fact, many people find that they leave the spa pool with their jewellery looking brighter and more sparkly than before.
4. How does simplesilver™ work?
What’s the science behind simplesilver™?
- • As water flows over the simplesilver™ tablet, it automatically distributes the simplesilver™ minerals at a constant and controlled rate, releasing various naturally occurring oxides and a very small amount of silver ions into the water.
- • The simplesilver™ minerals then automatically control and balance the waters pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, scale, corrosion and bacteria. These minerals then combine to precipitate contaminants such as oils, perspiration, skin and water salts, which your filters then remove and you cleaning these.
- • Any other hardened salts that may have lined the insides of the pipes, jets and equipment, such as calcium carbonate (scale) is slowly softened over a 4 - 6 week period. The softened scale is then detached by the water velocity and held transparently in the pool water, which is then removed by the filters and you cleaning these.
- • Corrosion bacteria that may be present beneath the scale is exposed and then destroyed on contact by the silver ions, which also prevent the mutation of any resistant strains.
- • Once the system is clean, simplesilver™ then coats the insides of the pipes and equipment to prevent any further buildup of scale. With clean spa pool pipes and equipment, your pump and heater will operate more effectively and efficiently and with corrosion kept in check, they’ll last longer, too.
How do I control things like pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, scale, corrosion and bacteria?
Using simplesilver™ means never having to worry about adjusting the water balance!
Once you have set up your filter circulation pump, there's nothing to do, simplesilver™ automatically controls the water balance, all you need to do is clean the filters.
What will the pH level be when using simplesilver™?
- • When using simplesilver™ the pH level is automatically controlled between 8 to 8.2.
- • Maintaining the pH level of 7.6 is irrelevant when using simplesilver™ as there is no free residual chlorine.
Do I need to use any other chemicals or products to maintain my spa pool water balance and quality?
No. simplesilver™ does it all.
Can chemicals such as chlorine or bromine be used with simplesilver™?
- • Yes, chlorine is compatible with simplesilver™.
- • Please refer to the chlorine manufacturer's instruction as product concentration levels can vary.
- • However, bromine cannot be used with simplesilver™. If you have been treating your spa pool with bromine, you will need to drain the water as the simplesilver™ tablet will react with this chemical and turn your spa pool water grey.
What should the spa pool water look like when using simplesilver™?
- • When using simplesilver™, the water will be pristine, crystal-clear, odourless, and aqua in colour.
- • The water should look as clean and clear the water in the picture below :
How long does simplesilver™ last?
Under normal use, simplesilver™ will keep your spa pool clean and clear for 12 months.
If you remove your simplesilver™ tablet and store it in a clean and dry area, when reinstalled into the water, the simplesilver™ tablet will last for the remaining period of time.
Does the simplesilver™ tablet slowly dissolve over the 12 month period?
Over the 12 month period of use, the simplesilver™ minerals are eluted into the water at a constant and controlled rate, but at the end of this period the substrate still remains.
The simplesilver™ tablet will look and weigh much the same, except that it can no longer transfer any active minerals to control and balance the water, as these are depleted.
5. How do I use simplesilver™?
How do I use simplesilver™?
It's simple!
Place your simplesilver™ tablet anywhere in the spa pool water and set the filter pump timer for the correct duration.
Where in the spa pool should I place the simplesilver™ tablet?
Place the simplesilver™ tablet anywhere in your spa pool water that is convenient for you.
With the filter pump timer set correctly, irrespective of where the tablet is placed, water will flow though the simplesilver™ tablet, automatically distributing the minerals at a constant and controlled rate to balance and control the water.
Can I use my spa pools ozone system with simplesilver™?
Yes.
If your spa pool has an ozone system fitted, leave this on as this compliments the antibacterial side of the simplesilver™water treatment process, but it is not required or necessary.
Can I use a water fragrance with simplesilver™?
Yes.
What happens when I go on holiday or the spa pool is not used for long periods?
- • When using simplesilver™, as long as the filter pump continues to operate normally, you will return to pristine, clear and clean water. A great benefit if you have a holiday home!
- • simplesilver™ is not temperature dependent, so you can switch off your heater completely or reduce the temperature setting, saving you money and prolonging equipment life.
- • If going on holiday, we recommend doing a filter change before you depart.
- • If you decide to drain your spa pool, you should store your simplesilver™ tablet in a clean, dry area. When placed back into your spa pool, the simplesilver™ tablet will last for its remaining period.
6. How do I get started?
What size simplesilver™ tablet do I need to use?
You need to find out how much water is in your spa pool. If you don't know your spa pools water volume, we recommend you contact your spa pool supplier or manufacturer to get an accurate value for your make and model.
The majority of portable domestic spa pools contain less than 1,500 litres of water.
- • Therefore most spa pools only need 1 x 500 gram simplesilver™ tablet to automatically control and balance a spa pool with 1,500 litres of water or less for a 12 month period.
- • Every 1500 litres of water requires a 500 gram tablet of simplesilver™.
- • For example, if your spa pool has more than 1500 litres of water and less than 3000 litres of water you will need a 1kg simplesilver™ tablet.
- • The simplesilver™ tablets come in two sizes, 500gm or 1kg tablets.
How do I calculate the filter circulation pump duration and flow rate?
To make things easier, we have already calculated the required filter circulation pump duration's for some spa pool makes and models and have simplified their set-up procedures.
But if your spa pool make and model is not listed in our Controller Adjustment section, or you would like to know how this is calculated so you can setup your filter pump, please see calculation section below.
Don't know your filter pump flow rate or you haven't got the controller manual to set this up?
- • If you don't know what the filter pumps flow rate is, firstly contact your spa pool manufacturer or dealer to obtain this value in litres per minute. If all else fails, remove the equipment side panel and check the filter pump name plate for this information.
- • If you haven't got a controller manual or the dealer can't assist, simply use the internet as most controller manuals are available online.
How to Calculate the Required Filter Pump Flow Rate
- • It is critical that your filter circulation pump circulates between 80,000 to 100,000 litres of water daily.
- • This ensures that the correct quantity of simplesilver™ minerals are distributed into the spa pool to effectively control and balance the waters pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, scale, corrosion and bacteria levels.
- • It is also vitally important irrespective of the water treatment product used, that the filter pump operates daily so that this volume of spa pool water can be turned over and passed through the filters to maintain the water condition and clarity. The filtration process removes any skin, perspiration, oils, lotions, skin, hair, water salts, dust, dirt and any other foreign matter from the water.
Calculation Process
1. Start with the flow rate in litres per minute
2. Next, multiply this amount by 60 to get litres per hour
3. Divide this by 100,000 litres, which will then give you the number of hours needed for the pump to operate over a 24-hour period
4. Then simply set the spa pools filter circulation pump controller for this number of hours per day
An Example
Your calculation will be as follows:
1. If your filter circulation pump flow rate is 150 litres per minute
2. 150 litres per minute x 60 minutes = 9000 litres per hour
3. A flow rate of 100,000 litres is needed per day, then divide this by 9000 litres per hour = 11.11 hours
4. Set your filter circulation pump controller to operate for 11 hours each day
Do I need to replace the spa pool water prior to putting simplesilver™ in for the first time?
No.
- • However, if you have been using bromine, then you will need to drain and replace the water prior to starting the simplesilver™ water treatment process.
- • Bromine and simplesilver™ are incompatible as silver reacts with bromine causing water previously treated with bromine to turn grey.
What temperature should the spa pool water be for simplesilver™ to operate?
- • simplesilver™ is not temperature dependent, so you can turn the heater off completely or set the temperature controller as low or high to suit your circumstances.
- • As long as the filter circulation pump is operational and set correctly, your spa pool water will be maintained in pristine, crystal-clear and clean odourless condition
Does simplesilver™ come with an instruction manual and will it take me long to learn to use it?
- • There’s no manual - there’s no need!
- • In the packaging, you will find a green card directing you
7. The importance of the filter pump when using simplesilver™
Why is it important that the filter pump operates daily?
The filter circulation pump undertakes two very important functions in maintaining your spa pool water in a pristine, crystal clear and clean condition.
- • It is vitally important that the filter pump operates daily so that the correct volume of spa pool water can be turned over and passed through the filters. This filtration process removes any skin, perspiration, oils, lotions, skin, hair, water salts, dust, dirt and any other foreign matter from the water.
- • During the filter pump cycle the simplesilver™ minerals must also have the correct volume of water flowing over the simplesilver™ tablet to consistently dispense the minerals into the spa pool to treat the water. See the section on Getting Started for more information.
If the spa pool water turnover is diminished or comprised by a blocked filter or an incorrectly set filter pump time, then the water will not be in pristine, crystal clear and clean condition.
Will increasing the recommended flow rate provide better water quality?
No.
If you have set up your controller correctly to enable the filter circulation pump to deliver 80-100,000 litres over a 24-hour period, with clean filters, an increase above this will not provide better water quality. See the section on "Controller Adjustments".
- • Too much water circulation flow can have adverse effects to your spa pool water.
- • A flow rate of above 130,000 litres per day will cause the water to become a little cloudy and a foam will form around the edge of the spa pool. This looks a little like sea foam.
Should I run the filter pump for a time after leaving the spa pool?
Yes.
- • This is a good idea, we recommend that you operate the massage jet or filter pump when leaving the spa pool, this will enable a quick clean-up of the spa pool water.
- • Use the pump that has the 20 minute auto off function.
8. Why is it vital to clean and maintain my filters?
Why do I need to clean my filters and why is this vitally important?
Filters play a critical role in spa pool water treatment! The water treatment process is two-fold, filtration and water management and these must both align to provide pristine, clear and clean water.
- • It is vitally important irrespective of the water treatment product used, that the filter pump operates daily so that the correct volume of spa pool water can be turned over and passed through the filters to maintain the water condition and clarity. This filtration process removes any skin, perspiration, oils, lotions, hair, water salts, dust, dirt and any other foreign matter from the water.
- • simplesilver™ then automatically balances the water by controlling the pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, scale, corrosion and bacteria levels.
For example:
- • If the filters become 50% blocked, then during the filter cycle only 50% of the water will circulate, dispensing only 50% of the simplesilver™ minerals. Therefore simplesilver™ will be only 50% effective!
- • When the filters are 50% obstructed they will also affect the water clarity and quality as only 50% of the solids, skin, perspiration, salts and oils will be removed, possibly turning the water cloudy or smelly.
Important:
- • Every two weeks clean your filters using a cartridge cleaning sanitising solution. Water alone is ineffective in cleaning the filters as it can not breakdown the skin, perspiration, oils and lotions.
- • Your spa pool retailer can advise you on the best cleaning treatment for your filters.
- • While the filters are removed, with a cloth and a bucket of water to rinse the cloth, clean the insides of the filter cavity and housing. This area is commonly overlooked and may have a build up of skin, perspiration, oils and lotions and can be a cause of unpleasant odours and slippery sides. It is very important to clean this area each time the filters are cleaned and replaced.
- • Best practice is to let the filters dry after cleaning these prior to reintroducing into the water. This allows the filter fibres to expand and will make the filters more efficient to remove contaminates and other particles from the water.
- • To make life easier, it’s a good idea to have a spare set of filters as this will save you time and effort, then every two weeks just change them over and clean the removed set.
- • Filters generally have a life of about 12 -18 months after which they will saturate, you will be unable to clean these further and they will be ineffective. At this point they will need to be replaced.
When do I clean the filters and the filter cavity and housing?
- • Every two weeks clean your filters using a cartridge cleaning sanitising solution. Water alone is ineffective in cleaning the filters as it can not breakdown the skin, perspiration, oils and lotions.
- • While the filters are removed, with a cloth and a bucket of water to rinse the cloth, clean the insides of the filter cavity and housing. This area is commonly overlooked and may have a build up of skin, perspiration, oils and lotions and can be a cause of
- unpleasant odours and slippery sides. It is very important to clean this area each time the filters are cleaned and replaced.
Note:
- • Partially blocked filters will affect the spa pool water quality and clarity. This will also limit the amount of simplesilver™ minerals being consistently dispensed into the spa pool to effectively treat and balance the water.
- • Best practice is to let the filters dry after cleaning these prior to reintroducing into the water. This allows the filter fibres to expand and will make the filters more efficient to remove contaminates and other particles from the water.
- • Filters generally have a life of about 12 -18 months after which they will saturate, then you will be unable to clean these further and they will be ineffective. At this point they will need to be replaced.
- • To make life easier, it’s a good idea to have a spare set of filters as this will save you time and effort, then every two weeks just change them over and clean the removed set.
How should I clean my filters?
Every two weeks clean your filters using a cartridge cleaning sanitising solution. Water alone is ineffective in cleaning the filters as it can not breakdown the skin, perspiration, oils and lotions.
While the filters are removed, with a cloth and a bucket of water to rinse the cloth, clean the insides of the filter cavity and housing. This area is commonly overlooked and may have a build up of skin, perspiration, oils and lotions and can be a cause of unpleasant odours and slippery sides. It is very important to clean this area each time the filters are cleaned and replaced.
Your spa pool retailer can advise you on the best filter cleaning products.
Note:
- • Partially blocked filters will affect the water quality and clarity. It will also limit the amount of simplesilver™ minerals being consistently dispensed into the spa pool to effectively treat and balance the water.
- • Best practice is to let the filters dry after cleaning these prior to reintroducing into the water. This allows the filter fibres to expand and will make the filters more efficient to remove contaminates and other particles from the water.
- • When the filters are removed, check with your hand the insides of the filter cavity and housing, as a build up of skin, perpetration, oils and lotions can also accumulate
- within this area and go undetected. It is also important to clean this area each time the filters are cleaned and replaced.
- • Filters generally have a life of about 12 -18 months after which they will saturate, then you will be unable to clean these further and they will be ineffective. At this point they will need to be replaced.
- • To make life easier, it’s a good idea to have a spare set of filters as this will save you time and effort, then every two weeks just change them over and clean the removed set.
How do I test if the filters are blocked?
A simple test to determine whether your filter is partially blocked:
- • While the filter circulation pump is operational and with all the jets open, visually check to see the amount of bubbles or feel the water pressure/volume that the pump is circulating.
- • With the pump still operating, remove the filters. If the bubbles or water pressure/volume increase, this would indicate that there is a restriction in water flow from a partially blocked filter. o We recommended cleaning the filters once every two weeks using a suitable cartridge cleaning solution as water alone will not clean these!
- o Filters have a life of about 12 to 18 months and will eventually block up.
- o Once the filters are saturated, they will no longer be effective or able to be cleaned. This will affect the water quality and limit the amount of simplesilver™ minerals dispensed into the water to effectively treat the spa pool.
When should I replace my filters?
- • Filters have a life of around 12 to 18 months and will eventually block up. Once the filters are saturated, they will no longer be effective or usable.
- • As outlined in “How and why do I need to clean the filters”, filters play a very important role in maintaining pristine water so buying new ones regularly is very practical.
- • To make life easier, saving you time and effort, you might consider buying a spare set of filters and alternating them so that one set is always clean and available to be swapped in to the spa pool.
9. What impact does simplesilver™ have on the environment?
Is simplesilver™ environmentally friendly?
- • simplesilver™ uses naturally occurring, environmentally-friendly minerals in low concentrations, replacing the wide variety of chemicals that are customarily used for spa pool treatment, such as chlorine and bromine.
- • When using simplesilver™, you won't need to replace the water as often as is necessary when using traditional water treatments. This saves water, energy to reheat and your time.
- • simplesilver™ is not temperature dependent, so you can switch the heater off when away or during any unused periods, saving you money and saving energy.
- • You can drain the water directly into the garden or storm water system without effecting the environment as it contains no hazardous chemicals.
- • The outer case of the simplesilver™ tablet is made from polypropylene plastic and is Number 5 on the plastic recycling table. Please check with your local authority to see if this is recyclable and how it should be dispensed.
