Vortex Spas Ikon User manual

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Owner’s Manual
Australia & New Zealand
Ian Thorpe OAM
Olympic gold medallist

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Dear Spa Buyer
Congratulations on your purchase of a new Vortex Spa. You now possess the
ultimate passport to tranquillity – a miniature vacation at home, ready and waiting for
you in your own backyard!
We want you to enjoy your Spa. Many hours of research have gone into the design
of your spa to ensure the ultimate in hydrotherapy and relaxation. Only the highest
quality components have been used, to ensure years of trouble-free operation.
Your comfort and enjoyment has been designed into your spa from the start. Please
take the time to read through this Owner’s Manual. In it, you will find guidelines on
caring for your spa, a complete explanation of the controls, safety instructions, a
troubleshooting section, and lots more. Once again, we welcome you to the family of
Vortex Spa owners.
Sincerely
Vortex Team
Vortex Spas

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Contents
Digital Documents 6
Warnings
22
Topside Control Instructions 7
Your Personal Spa Record 8
Important Safety Instructions 9 - 10
Basic Installation Information 11
Lifting Instructions 12
Installation & Setup Instructions 13 - 15
Spa Maintenance 16 - 17
Cover and Panel Removal
20
IKON Deck Maintenance
21
Troubleshooting
18 - 19

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Digital Documents
To get started, please download manuals and reference materials. You can open the
camera on your smart phone and scan the QR code below or visit the URL.
Owner’s Manual
Download the IKON Owner’s Manual:
https://qrs.ly/ih9omof
Online Registration
Start your warranty coverage by
registering here: qrs.ly/689omsw
Tech Pack
Download the Tech Pack here:
qrs.ly/3s9omxz
Warranty Card Download
Download the Warranty Card here:
qrs.ly/tk9omz7

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Topside Control Instructions
Operating Instructions
For operating instructions please type
the following into your web browser:
qrs.ly/zz9on0a
Or click on the QR code below.

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Your Personal Spa Record
We appreciate your business and our
sincere desire is that you receive years
of pleasure and therapy from your
Vortex Spa.
Dealer
Installer
Date of delivery
Spa
Model
Serial Number

9
Safety Instructions and Warnings
When installing and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following.
1) Read and follow all instructions.
2) Warning: To reduce the risk of injury, do not
permit children to use this product unless they
are closely supervised at all times. Keep spa
cover locked when not in use.
3) This appliance must be installed by a qualified
service technician. All electrical connections
must be performed by a licensed electrician
and must confirm to all national, state and local
electrical codes in eect at time of installation.
4) The appliance must be connected to a suitably
rated and weather protected power supply.
5) The supply line should be a dedicated power
circuit and means for disconnection must be
incorporated in the fixed wiring in accordance
with your local wiring regulations.
6) Means for disconnection from the supply mains
should have a contact separation in all poles that
provide full disconnection under overvoltage
category III conditions.
7) The appliance should be supplied through a
residual current device (RCD) having a rated
residual operating current not exceeding 30mA.
8) If the supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent
or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a
hazard.
9) The appliance is not intended for use by young
children or infirm persons unless they have been
adequately supervised by a responsible person
to ensure they can use the appliance safely.
10) Young children should be supervised to ensure
they do not play with the appliance.
11) In order to avoid the possibility of hyperthermia
(heat stress) occurring it is recommended that
the average temperature of the spa pool water
should not exceed 40oC.
12) The control box, heater, pumps and other
electrical items should only be serviced by a
qualified spa service technician.
13) Do not operate electrical appliances within 1.5m
of the spa.
Note: It is the owner’s responsibility to display all
required safety notices within view of the spa.
Save these instructions
Spa pool safety rules
1) This spa pool is a heated water environment
and if you are concerned that it may adversely
aected you it is your responsibility to seek a
medical advice.
2) Never put your head under water.
3) All children must supervised by an adult.
4) Do not use the spa pool area while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol (certain
medications may produce adverse eects).
5) It is safer not to use the spa pool alone.
6) It is recommended that you use the spa pool for
no longer than 15 minutes at a time.

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Important General Operating
Instructions
The following operating and maintenance instructions are very important and must be followed carefully. With proper care and
maintenance your spa will provide you with years of satisfaction with minimum eort.
1) The filtration pump should be operated for a
minimum of four (4) hours per day for cleaning
and filtering of the spa water (your spa has been
configured to 4hrs by default). Information on
adjusting filter duration can be found in the
control panel’s instruction manual.
2) The length of time required to heat your spa
to the desired water temperature will vary,
depending on the air temperature, season,
and wind velocity. Therefore, this is something
each owner must adjust to their desired liking.
We highly recommend using the hard cover to
minimize heat loss and to protect your spa when
not in use.
3) The replaceable filter cartridges are trouble
free and easy to clean. A routine cleaning is the
best practice. Cartridges should be removed
and hosed down weekly using a water hose
with pressure nozzle. Make sure all pumps are
turned OFF before removing the cartridge(s) for
cleaning. In addition, at least once a month the
cartridges should be removed and soaked in a
filter cartridge cleaning solution for a minimum
30 minutes (or as directed by the cleaning
solution’s instructions). After soaking, the
cartridges should be thoroughly rinsed using a
water hose with pressure nozzle. The frequency
of soaking required varies with amount of spa
use. The more the spa is used the more often the
filters should be cleaned.
4) If your spa is fitted with a Purezone micro filter,
this does not require cleaning. However, this filter
should be replaced at least every 3 - 4 months,
or as required dependant on amount of spa use.
Note: Do not add any Spa Shock chemical to your
spa water if using the Purezone micro filter, only use
spa sanitiser and pH balancers.
5) Keep the spa water level at least 50mm above
the skimmer at all times. Never allow the
water level to drop below the bottom of the
skimmer opening. If the water level is too low,
the skimmer will allow air into the water lines
of the pump, causing it to lose its prime (water
-flow). Running the pump without water flow
will damage the pump seal assembly and could
result in further equipment damage, which will
not be covered by the product warranty.
6) It is your responsibility to regularly check and
maintain the chemical water balance of the spa
pool to ensure it remains within reasonable pH
(acid/alkaline) limits (7.4 - 7.6 pH). Unbalanced
water chemistry greatly accelerates corrosion
and may lead to early product or component
failure. Product or component failures caused as
a result of poor water chemistry maintenance
will NOT be covered by the product warranty.
7) 7. Your spa may be equipped with an ozone or
uv sanitiser and a Purezone micro filter to assist
with water sanitization and filtration, however
your spa water will still require regular treatment
with some form of chemical spa sanitiser.
Consult your local spa dealer for advice on
regular water testing and treatment procedures.
8) 8. You should empty and clean your spa at least
every 3-4 months. Performing a pipe and jet
degrease before draining is recommended. Drain
the spa water and use a liquid cleanser free of
abrasives to clean your spa. Fill with regular tap
water and chemically treat the water before use,
for a clean and healthy spa.
Caution: Cover must be kept on spa at all times
spa shell is empty, direct exposure to sunlight can
damage plastic parts and interior surface, jets, or any
other interior components. Damage resulting from
the above will not be covered under warranty.

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Basic Installation Information
Initial start up procedure
1) 1. 15 amp spas are supplied with a power cord
but must be connected to a weatherproof
15A outlet. 32 amp – 60 amp spas must be
hardwired directly to your house supply. All
electrical connections must be performed by
a licensed electrician and must confirm to all
national, state and local electrical codes in eect
at time of install.
2) DO NOT turn power ON to the spa until it is
filled with water.
3) Remove the cabinet door panel on the electronic
keypad side of the spa and check that the
pump(s) and heater barrel unions are tightened
(Note: It is possible for these connections to
become loose during transportation). Also check
that all T-handled gate vales are pulled UP in the
open position.
4) Ensure that the external drain valve is firmly
tightened and the jets are in the open position.
5) Remove each filter from the spa and insert your
garden hose down the filter lines for at least 5
minutes each. This will flood the pipework of the
spa and help prevent air locks in the pipework.
6) Your spa should be filled until the water level is
at least 50mm above the skimmer (a water fill
level is marked on the side of the filter area).
Your new portable spa must be placed on a
uniformly flat and level surface. A concrete pad
100mm thick is recommended. We recommend
you contact your local council for up to date
7) Once spa has been filled with water to the
correct level, plug the power cord into the power
point and switch the power ON. If the spa is
hardwired, switch the spa ON at the isolation
switch. Any switches should be located within 3
metres of the spa.
8) The filtration pump will start immediately
after the power is turned on. ENSURE YOU
SEE WATER CIRCULATING. If water is not
moving, switch the spa o and refer to the
troubleshooting guide in this manual: PUMPS
RUN BUT NO WATER MOVING.
9) Once you have the water circulating, adjust the
water temperature to the desired level and set
the time (please refer to separate instructions
provided for the control panel).
10) Add and adjust your chemicals to the spa water
following the chemical start up procedure
supplied to you by your spa dealer.
11) Ensure that the hard cover is fitted to the spa as
this will greatly reduce heat up time.
Your new portable spa must be
placed on a uniformly flat and level
surface. A concrete pad 100mm thick
is recommended. We recommend
you contact your local council for
up to date fencing regulations and
requirements. If your spa is located
near sprinklers, adjust or cap them so
as not to hit the siding of the spa.
300mm

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Liing Instructions
We recommend using a crane to set your IKON in place. Straps with a spreader bar must be used to avoid damage to the deck. If
moving your IKON by hand, do not li your IKON by the decking as it can damage the decking. Instead the cabinet panels must
be removed and liing carried out using the steel frame.
Spreader MINIMUM width 8 feet ALWAYS li with internal steel frame

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Installation and Set-Up
Instructions
Startup Directions
All Vortex Spas require a solid, flat
surface.* This is to ensure that the spa
cabinet is not exposed to a pressure
stress condition that may result in
cabinet damage and shell cracking.
A 100mm thick concrete pad is the
best example of a solid, flat surface,
however, wood decking is suitable,
provided it can withstand 415Kg per
square meter without deflection.
Failure to provide a proper, solid flat
surface may damage your spa and
void your warranty.
Please check with a licensed
contractor and local codes prior to
any construction.
It is very important to make sure that
the spa is filled at least 3/4 way up the
skimmer opening. Make sure the gate
valves are in the open or up position.
Warning: Do not run spa with gate
valves closed or run pump with no
water circulating in spa for long
periods. Damage could occur to the
spa equipment.

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Remove spa cabinet side panel (on keypad side) to
access equipment bay.
1) Check Barrel Unions are tight
Barrels unions are the connections between the
pumps and heater and the plumbing of the spa.
If they become loose, this can cause water loss.
It is important to check the tightness of these
unions periodically, and especially when spa is
first delivered. The unions are designed to be
re-tightened by hand. Rotate the locking nut
clockwise to tighten.
Note: If you see water escaping from beneath your
spa, the barrel unions should be the first thing you
check. Leaks from barrel unions are not covered by the
spa’s warranty.
2) Check valves are open
T-handled valves enable the water flow to be
closed to allow removal of spa equipment for
servicing without the need to empty the spa
water. The T handles must be pulled UP to be
OPEN and allow water flow, and they should be
secured open with clips.
3) Check drain valve is closed and firmly
tightened
See steps 6 - 8 on the illustration on page 15.
4) Check all jets are open
Water flow to most jets can be turned on or o
by rotating the jet face clockwise (on) or anti-
clockwise (o). Check to ensure all jets are open
before filling with water.
5) Fill water to correct level in spa
The spa should be filled until the water level is at
least 50mm above the skimmer. A water fill level
is marked on the side of the filter area (refer
picture below).
Spa Draining
Every 90 days, depending upon water condition, you
may need to renew the spa water. To drain your spa,
power must be disconnected at the circuit breaker.
Locate the drain inside at the bottom end of the spa
cabinet.
Note: the drain will not remove all of the water in the
spa. You may have to remove a small amount of water
by hand.
Valves
(Open)
Barrel
Unions
On
Off
Startup or Refill Checklist
Note: Always remember to remove the filters and fill
spa through filter pipes.

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Drain Instructions
1) Inset closed position 2) Extended closed position (pull
out to fully extended position
and remove cap); place cap in
safe place.
3) Full extended closed position
(attach garden hose in the full
extended closed position).
4) Open position for draining
(turn hose and fitting 1/4 turn
clockwise and insert 1/2 way to
open position for draining).
5) Open position for draining (turn
hose and fitting 1/4 turn counter
clockwise and pull out to full
extended closed position).
6) Full closed extended position
(remove hose and replace cap).
7) With replaced cap screwed on,
turn 1/4 turn clockwise and push
in all the way to inserted closed
position.
8) Closed inserted position.

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Spa Pool Maintenance
If you own a spa pool or hot tub, it is important to
understand that it requires a certain amount of owner
maintenance to ensure it operates properly and
that the water remains clean and healthy. The water
treatment requirements for a spa pool dier from
those for a swimming pool, because you are dealing
with hot water. Hot water requires dierent treatment
to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae.
The correct use of chemicals will maintain the water
in a clean and healthy condition. The parameters that
need to be regularly checked are, total alkalinity, pH
and sanitiser level. Your local spa retailer should be
able to supply a suitable test kit and advise on its
correct use. It is advisable to test the water on a daily
basis.
Special Note: Do not mix chemicals. Do not add water
to the chemicals, only add chemicals to the water.
Special Note: Not maintaining your water chemistry
can void parts of your spa warranty.
Changing the water
The spa water should be changed every three to four
months, or remove and replace approx 30% or 1/3 of
the volume of water every three to four weeks.
Total alkalinity
The total alkalinity should be in the range of 90 - 150
ppm (parts per million). A spa or hot tub with low
total alkalinity would require constant adjustment
of the pH. To raise total alkalinity, add sodium
bicarbonate in small quantities. To lower the total
alkalinity, add acid (Dry Acid – Sodium Bisulphate) in
small quantities. Test in one hour.
The pH level
pH is the measure of the acid/alkaline level of the
water. It is important to maintain the correct pH level
as it eects the action of other chemicals. The pH is
measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Seven is neutral, below
seven is acidic, and above seven is alkaline.
Incorrect pH levels can cause poor sanitiser eciency,
eye and skin irritations, corrosion of metal fittings,
cloudy water and formation of scale on the pool
walls and fittings. The pH should always be above 7.0
(measured at room temperature, not hot) to avoid
possible corrosion of equipment. However, it should
not be higher than 7.8, as this would reduce the
eciency of the sanitiser.
If the pH level needs to be increased, add soda ash; to
reduce the pH level, add dry acid. Wait for one hour
and test again.
Sanitising the spa
Sanitising your spa is essential for safe, healthy water,
free of harmful micro-organisms. The most commonly
used sanitiser for spa pools is a form of chlorine
(Lithium Hypochlorite). Ozone or UV may also be
used, but because there can be no residual, a form of
chlorine must be used in conjunction with it.
The amount of disinfectant required depends on a
number of factors, including, water temperature, the
frequency of use and the number of people using the
spa. It is most important to always keep the sanitiser
level at 2.00 to 3.00 ppm. In very hot water the
sanitiser can be used up very quickly, and should be
checked regularly whilst the spa is being used.
After heavy use of the spa or on a weekly basis, the
water should be shock dosed with sanitiser. Be sure
to check the level again before use. If the spa or hot
tub is not being used, add sanitiser every second day
to prevent contamination.
Recommended Levels
Item Level
Santiser 2.0 - 3.0 ppm
Total Alkalinity 90 - 110 ppm
pH Level 7.4 - 7.6
Note: the right pH and sanitiser levels are maintained,
viruses and bacteria should not survive in the water. In
terms of general hygiene, it is important to keep the
filter and pump clean. Clean the filter regularly and
where ever possible always shower before spa use.

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Pump maintenance
The pumps in your spa are high performance motors
that require regular checking. It is a requirement of
your spa’s warranty to check the pumps every four
(4) months for signs of leaking or corrosion. Any sign
of leaking or calcium build up at the bottom of the
pump between the plastic wet end and metal part
of the motor indicates that the seals of your pumps
are worn and need replacing. It is recommended that
you contact your local spa dealer to arrange a service
of your pump before the motor develops further
problems. Pump seal corrosion and wear is generally
caused by incorrect pH and alkalinity levels within the
spa, or heavy use /excessive dosage of sanitisers such
as Chlorine or Bromine. In order to avoid problems,
please follow the water chemistry instructions
provided to you by your dealer.
Barrel union maintenance
Barrels unions are the connections between the
pumps and heater and the plumbing of the spa.
They are used to enable easy removal of the spa
equipment in the event of servicing. However over
time with vibration from pumps and water flow, and
ageing of o-ring seals, it is possible for the unions
to work loose.
If they become loose, this can cause water loss.
It is important to check the tightness of these
unions periodically. The unions are designed to be
retightened by hand. Rotate the locking nut clockwise
to tighten.
Note: If you see water escaping from beneath your
spa, the barrel unions should be the first thing you
check. Leaks from barrel unions are not covered by
the spa’s warranty.
Shuing down your spa
We firmly recommend that you never leave your spa
empty for a period of 2 weeks or more, leaving your
spa empty can cause damage to the pumps, heater
element and shell. In most cases you are better o
turning the temperature of your spa down to the
minimum setting and maintaining your PH & Alkalinity
levels to ensure they stay within recommended
readings.
If for some reason you need to empty your spa for
a period longer than 2 weeks we recommend the
following.
1) Empty your spa as per the drainage instructions
in the owner’s manual.
2) Once the spa is empty, open the cabinet door to
gain access to your controller and all pumps.
3) Undo the barrel unions that connect the
plumbing to the spa controller/ heater and
pumps. Undoing these unions will allow any
excess water in the pipework of the spa to be
drained. Without following this process stagnant
water will sit in the pipework and cause damage
to the seals in your pumps and your heater
element and control sensors. (Damage related to
incorrect water chemistry is not covered under
the manufacturers warranty)
4) Once the spa pipework is empty of water,
carefully re-connect and tighten the unions
ensuring that the O-ring seal is seated correctly.
5) Hop into the spa and using a sponge and bucket,
soak up any residual water remaining in the spa.
6) At this point it is a good time to clean the
water line on the spa if required, you can use a
nonabrasive cloth with some mild detergent. (Be
sure to rinse any detergent from the spa before
re-filling.)
7) Our recommendation is to leave the cover o for
a period of time to allow the shell to dry. (As per
warning instructions on the shell, do not expose
the acrylic shell to direct sunlight for extended
periods of time)
8) Once you are satisfied that there is no excessive
water in the spa and that it has been cleaned to
avoid bacteria growth, you can place the cover
on the spa for protection.
Note: It is recommended that you lift the cover from
time to time over the course of the shut down to
allow the spa to breathe.

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Troubleshooting
Situation Cause Solution
No power to spa
Power cord unplugged Check plug connection
Isolator switch OFF Check power switched ON
ELCB/RCD tripped Reset breaker in meter box
Faulty power point Test another appliance from the power point
Faulty control panel Contact spa dealer
Pumps run but no
water moving
Water level too low Add water to spa fill mark
Air lock in plumbing
Remove all filters and flush filter pipes with water from garden hose.
If unsuccessful turn power o and slightly loosen barrel union to
pump to release (bleed) air from pipes. Once air has been released
and water is flowing retighten union
Shut o valves closed Check all valves are open
ELCB/RCD tripping
Drawing excess current Heater load shed not configured, contact dealer
Spa not wired to dedicated circuit Spa pools must be supplied by a dedicated power circuit, not
through an extension cord
Water on electrical components Check water level, lower if overfilled. Power OFF, remove side panels
and allow time for equipment bay to dry out
Earth leakage problem Turn power o and inspect power cable for damage. Contact
electrician or spa dealer for advice
ER-3 Water Prime &
ER-4 Thermal Trip
Errors
Low water level Refill spa if necessary
Dirty filters Clean, soak or replace filters
Air lock in pipe work Bleed air from pipe work by loosening barrel unions
Fault with filtration pump Contact dealer for service
Note: If possible, please take a photo and send to the service department or technician, to assist with the speed of the repair.

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Situation Cause Solution
Will not heat
Time not set correctly Set the clock on control pad
Sleep timers or power save settings incorrect Read control pad manual & check timer settings, consult spa dealer
for assistance
Heating Mode set to Away or Weekend Check heating mode in control pad menu is set to normal (NORM)
Air blower ON all the time Turn air blower o. Heating is inecient when the blower is running
Thermostat turned down Check set temperature point and raise if needed
Excessive heat loss Fit hardcover to spa and ensure it is fitted correctly
Pumps run but no
water moving
Filter clogged or due for replacement Clean and soak filters, or replace Purezone micro filter
Poor water chemistry Check water balance and sanitiser levels. Refer to chemical
instructions
Filter duration not set high enough Increase daily filtration time in control pad setup menu
Water at base of
the spa
Check for condensation from spa cover
The wine cooler (if fitted) self drains which will create water at base
of spa. This is normal
Wait to see if moisture dries out
Remove cabinet panel under touch pad and inspect all barrel union
connections as per page 23 in this manual.
You have identified
a spa leak
If a barrel union connection is leaking, please tighten as per
instructions
If you have a leak from a jet body or plumbing, please call the
service department or your local dealer.
Note: Repairs are subject to warranty conditions, which have been provided with your spa. If you are unsure of your warranty coverage, please contact the service department
or your local dealer.

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Cover and Panel Removal
To remove the cover, simply unlock and turn the four
latches. Lift and fold the cover o of the spa.
The equipment bay can be accessed by removing one or
more cabinet panels. The spa controller is located under
the spa below the touchpad.
Caution: The cabinet panels can drop during removal. To
avoid pinching your fingers, the cabinet panels are best
removed by two people.
Each panel is held in place by industrial hook and loop
fastening and two large clips. The panels can be removed
by starting at the bottom corner of a panel and pulling the
panel out toward yourself. The panel can then be lowered
out pf the groove in the bottom of the spa deck.
Reverse this procedure for installing the panels.