Using the Frog at ease System
In a previous post, What Is Frog @Ease, I explained what @ease is and why you would want to use it. In this follow-up post, I have written some basic instructions. This should help those who have had problems using this system. After reading online comments, in many cases, your dealer or retailer may not have given enough instructions or not have had the training to solve customers’ water issues.
Many customers use the system and have had great success with it. Here are a few significant things to remember.
@ease is a low chlorine system, so you are soaking in a less harsh environment.
Only use the Frog @ease test strip for this type of Chlorine. Other test strips will give you a false reading.
Startup and Water Balance are keys to success using the Frog @ease system.
Startup And Refilling
Day One
Before turning on the power, you first want to fill your hot tub by locating the filter compartment and removing the filter cap from the filter standpipe. The standpipe should be hollow to place your hose inside it and turn on the water. This step is essential to prevent airlocks. If you get an airlock, you can read my post “I Just Got my Hot Tub, and I Have Problems” and watch a YouTube video from my channel.
Note: Some hot tubs have more than one filter, but only one is generally hollow. If both are hollow, it will not matter which one you use. You can place the hose anywhere in the compartment if none are open.
Anytime chemicals are added, run your jets with the cover open for ten minutes. Chemicals are best added in or near the filter compartment when the water is 65 degrees or more.
Note: regular test strips read pH, Alkalinity, hardness, and standard chlorine. Only the Frog @ease test strip can read the @ease chlorine.
Once the tub is powered on, check your water balance with a test strip. Make sure your pH (7.2-7.8), Alkalinity (80-120), and water hardness (150-250) are in the proper range and adjust accordingly. All hot tub test strips can test the above water chemistry. You can click or download this Water Balance Guide for instructions on how to do this.
Add a Stain & Scale Product to prevent calcium build-up, especially if your water is high in minerals.
Once your Alkalinity, pH, and water hardness are in balance, you are ready to add the Frog Jump Start per the directions. Next, insert the Mineral and chlorine Cartridge into the tub filter compartment holder. Set the dial on the chlorine cartridge according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in the Frog @ease Manual. The mineral cartridge should be set to the Max Number. Cartridge placement is. Check the manual for the proper order on your model hot tub.
Weekly
Add Frog maintain or any standard Spa Oxidizing Shock one to three times a week, depending on your usage, to eliminate soaps/oils. Soaps and oils will cause cloudy and foamy water.
I recommend and use Natural Chemistry’s Spa Perfect. It is a more effective alternative to the oxidizing shock.
If you are experiencing excessive foam or the water looks cloudy, check out my blog post, “My water is cloudy and foamy.”
Next, check your Alkalinity, pH, water hardness, and chlorine using your @ease test strips. Reminder: Only the @ease test strip can read the level of @ease chlorine in your hot tub. Adjust accordingly if you want to be in the ‘Ideal’ range.
For the chlorine level, if it is high or low and you are using your hot tub just a few times a week, check the chlorine cartridge to be sure it has chlorine. If it does, adjust the dial up or down if you need more or less. If your dial is already set at four and your level is low, you probably use your hot tub a lot, or many people use it. This is more than the automatic system can handle, and additional granular chlorine should be added.
Monthly
Check your filters for debris and discoloration. If dirty, rinse them with a garden hose in your laundry sink or outside.
If you have a vinyl spa cover, it requires maintenance for a longer life. A cleaner/protector should be applied. Fabric Covers do not require any special care.
Change the Frog @ease Chlorine Pack. Add Jump Frog Start per the directions.
Every Four Months
Replace the Spa Frog Mineral Cartridge
Thoroughly clean the filters using a Filter Cleaner product per the directions on the packaging. I prefer filter cleaners that require long soaks rather than quick rinse solutions. Rinse thoroughly and let the filters air dry before returning them to the hot tub.
Yearly
I recommend Natural Chemistry’s Spa Purge or similar products for cleaner and healthier plumbing. Follow the directions on the packaging.
Drain and refill the spa.
Quick Tips
For the first few weeks, test often. Water chemistry levels can take a few weeks to settle and be consistent. As time passes, you will fall into a routine that works for your usage.
Before placing your @ease cartridge into its holder, submerge it about elbow deep to remove any air trapped inside. Air pockets may cause the system to be less effective.
Heavy usage. If you use your hot tub frequently and the @ease test strip does not read enough smartchlor, turn the dial on the chlorine cartridge up one number. Alternatively, use non-chlorine after each use if your dial is at the max. This would replace the 1-3 times per week as described previously.