In this article, we’ll guide you through Vortex™ spa laminar jet maintenance. After reading, you will know how to maintain and effectively clean them.
You will learn:
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your Vortex™ Spa laminar jets
Laminar jets are a key water feature of Vortex™ Spas. They are designed to create ambience and enhance relaxation. Keeping the Vortex™ spa laminar jets well-maintained allows this feature to perform at its best.
Vortex™ laminar jets play an important role in the in-spa experience; creating a mesmerizing stream of water that virtually makes no sound or bubbles when it hits the water.
To ensure laminar jets continue to provide that relaxing ambience spa users love, it’s important to clean and maintain them.
Keep reading to learn the step-by-step guide to looking after the laminar jets in your Vortex™ Spa.
What are the different types of Vortex Spas™ jets?
Mid-market and premium spas such as Vortex Spas™ offer added spa jet features that bring a much more relaxing spa experience.
You will find six different spa jets in a Vortex® Spa - rotational, directional, volcano, water, air, and laminar jets.
- Rotational Jets - Rotational jets are typically installed in lounge seats. It moves the water in a circular motion targeting the neck and back to release the tension on these body parts.
- Directional Jets - This jet type allows the bathers to direct the water flow and target certain body parts to provide stronger hydromassage.
- Volcano Jets - These jets release powerful and large amounts of water great for muscle tension including hamstrings, gluts, pecs, and lower back.
- Air Jets - Air jets release warm air and create thousands of tiny bubbles around the body to provide complete and vigorous hydromassage.
- Water Jets - As the name suggests, water jets release water that massages body parts and aids discomfort and chronic pain.
- Laminar Jets - Laminar jets are designed to provide a laminar fountain flow - a clear glass like spa water feature. This water fountain feature enhances in-spa experience and relaxation.
Why do laminar jets need to be cleaned?
Over time, organic and inorganic material can build-up and block the fine filters in the Laminar jets which can reduce or even stop the laminar jet flow. It's a good idea to check your laminar jet filters as part of the regular maintenance of your spa. We have videos below that show you how to remove the jet from your spa and clean the filters inside.
Watch: Guide to understanding, using and cleaning the jets
How do I clean the laminar jets in my Vortex™ Spa?
As mentioned above, there are different types of spa jets.
Before we explain how to clean your laminar jets, it’s important to know which version of the jet your spa has.
As of January, 2021, there have been three versions of Laminar jets.
- Version 1: Pre 2016 manufacture
- Version 2: Post 2016, pre-2018 manufacture
- Version 3: Post 2018 manufacture
Each version requires a different cleaning procedure and each procedure is detailed below. Once you’re worked out which version of jet you have, read the relevant instructions below for how to clean and care for them.
How to clean Version 3 Vortex™ Laminar Jets – A step-by-step guide.
- Step 1: Turn on the spa and identify which jets don’t function correctly.
- Step 2: Remove the nozzle or the jet face by turning it counter-clockwise.
- Step 3: Disassemble the nozzle by simply pulling the cap.
- Step 4: Once the nozzle has been disassembled, you’ll see the dirt inside which causes the jets to clog. Don’t use a sharp object to poke the dirt; use a soft toothbrush or towel to remove the dirt instead. Spa jets have screens inside, so be careful not to tear them.
- Step 5: After giving it a good clean, reassemble the nozzle and put it back in the spa.
- Step 6: Turn your spa back on to check if the jets are functioning properly.
Watch: How to clean Version 2 Vortex™ Laminar Jets with foam
How to clean Version 2 Vortex™ Laminar Jets – A step-by-step guide.
If your Vortex™ spa is older than three years, it might have the Vortex™ laminar jet versions 1 and 2. These are the older laminar jet style that can't be accessed from the front.
- Step 1: Turn on the spa and identify which jets don’t function correctly.
- Step 2: Unscrew the cabinet panel located parallel to the laminar jet (you may also use Philip #2 drill bit).
- Step 3: Gently remove the LED light connection from the socket, then unscrew the laminar back cap by turning it counter-clockwise.
- Step 4: Use an unsharp object to push out the filters from the laminar’s front face to the back. You’ll see that it has a backing plate and three filters inside.
- Step 5: Wash the filters using fresh water until all dirt comes off. Be careful not to damage the screen.
- Step 6: Place the filters and backing plate back into the laminar body. Make sure that they are placed properly before putting the cap back.
- Step 7: Re-install the light and screw the cabinet cover.
Watch: How to clean a Version 1 Vortex™ Laminar Jets with foam
How to clean Version 1 Vortex™ Laminar Jets – A step-by-step guide.
- Step 1: Turn off the spa to avoid the automatic filtration feature.
- Step 2: Unscrew the cabinet panel located parallel to the laminar jet (you may also use Philip #2 drill bit).
- Step 3: Remove the panel and set aside.
- Step 4: Locate the laminar jet socket.
- Step 5: Gently remove the LED light connection from the socket.
- Step 6: Remove the cap by turning it counter-clockwise. Be careful not to lose the red O'ring.
- Step 7: Pull out the laminar foam piece.
- Step 8: Rinse the foam using fresh water.
- Step 9: Mount the foam onto the laminar cap. Make sure the O'ring is in place.
- Step 10: Put the cap back and screw clockwise. Ensure the O'ring has no crimps.
- Step 11: Plug the LED light back and re-install the cabinet panel.
If cleaning the filters doesn't help with the flow issue, you can also check the Ball Valve located behind your laminar jets. You will need to remove the panel directly behind the jets, locate the ball valve and adjust.
Here is a picture of a Ball Valve to help you locate it.
Why are the laminar jets on my Vortex™ spa not working?
If the laminar jets in your spa are not working, there are easy to follow troubleshooting guide you may try to resolve the problem.
Please refer to the guide below.
One or more laminar jets not working
All laminar jets are not working
How to control Vortex Spas™ perimeter and jet back lighting?
For added tranquility and ambiance, you can adjust the jets’ perimeter and back lighting settings such as colors and transitions through the control keypad.
Depending on the spa model, the controller will be SV Mini 1™, SV Mini 2™, SV 1, SV2, SV3, and SV4. Please check your spa model’s tech sheet to determine which controller your spa uses.
Although SV 2, 3, and 4 are similar, you’ll see that the control keypad has different options depending on the functions and features the spa has.
Pro Tip:
The control keypad indicates which SpaNet™ controller your spa uses. You can also determine its controller by the number of pump buttons on the keypad. ( SV-2 has 2 pumps, SV-3 has 3 pumps, and SV-4 has 4 pumps)
Steps on how to control Vortex Spas™ perimeter and jet back lighting
- Step 1: Press the light button.
- Step 2: Use the up and down buttons to scroll through the choices of light modes. These light modes are white light, user color, fade effect and step effect.
Note: Depending on the light option you select the keypad will give you an option to choose further light mode such as color number, light transition speed, and light brightness.
- Step 3: Press the OK button to confirm your light mode selection.
In summary
To fully enjoy your spa, it’s important that it’s well cared for and maintained. Regular cleaning and paying attention to the signs that your laminar jets need cleaning is important.
We hope this article has helped you understand the importance of maintaining the Vortex™ spa laminar jet.
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