Hotspring Hot Tub-New Owners
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Table of Contents
HOW TO VIDEOS
More Video Coming Soon
Highlife Hot Tubs Getting Started
Limelight Hot Tubs Getting Started
Hotspot Hot Tubs Getting Started
OWNERS MANUALS
Hotspring has prepared its own Pre-Delivery Guides to help their Customer’s Delivery to go as hassle-free as possible and may include information I have not included in any of my posts.
ELECTRICAL WIRING CODE
Be sure you check with your city or town for the most up-to-date information before attempting to do your electric installation.
Consult your owner’s manual for electrical hookups for your hot tub. See owners manuals links.
Caution be sure that you have the correct Make, Model, and Model Year when referencing an owner’s manual. Manufacturers make changes to the wiring of their products as features change.
Upstate New York Websites (permit information)
Need an Electrician
Dwight Knox at D & D Electric. Office 585-624-3868. Cell 585-729-0684. I have referred Dwight for over 15 years, and his company wired my personal hot tub at home.
It’s the middle of winter. You just got your new hot tub, and you are ready to turn it on for the first time, and it’s winter. Here are some of my recommendations for a trouble-free startup.
WATER CARE INSTRUCTIONS
HOT TUBS WITH THE FRESHWATER SALT SYSTEM
Setting up your Freshwater Salt System Correctly from day one is essential to minimize problems and frustration.
Unlike traditional water care, where you empty and refill every four months, you are preparing your water for entire years worth of use before you start over. At the end of my water guide, I have linked the Hotsprings Freshwater Startup Video and other Resources.
Freshwater Salt Water System Care Guide
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 gray filter cap. The standpipe should be hollow. Place your hose down inside the standpipe and turn on the water.
This step is essential to prevent air locks. If you get an airlock, you can read my post, “I Just Got my Hot Tub, and I have Problems.” You will see a video from my YouTube channel to help you solve this problem.
The preferred method to fill your hot tub is the Hotspring freshwater pre-filter hose attachment. This will remove minerals and other containments from your water without adding any phosphates.
Note: Only one filter standpipe will be hollow if you have multiple filters. Also, if you have a Mineral Stick, it is usually set inside the standpipe and should be done before replacing the filter cap. Mineral Sticks help kill bacteria, so your freshwater system does not have to work as hard when you have a lot of bathers in your hot tub.
If you have not checked or are doing a water change, ensure you have installed a freshwater salt cartridge, not the dummy plug that came with your hot tub. During this initial startup, the freshwater system should be set to Zero until the startup steps are completed. Reference the Hotsprings Freshwater Owners Manuel.
Note: If your Water is high in minerals, use a Stain & Scale Product to remove them per the directions. Rinse your filters after usage. Be sure to check the label to see if it contains any phosphates. Some stain & scale products will add phosphates to your hot tub and may cause problems with your water chemistry.
Do not add any other chemicals or make water adjustments for 24 hours. Some chemicals will react with your water’s minerals and can cause the water to change color. You will have to drain your tub and start over if this happens.
After the tub is filled, run the jets to purge the line and move the diverters from side to side.
Now you can add the salt for your size hot tub per the manual. Ensure the water temperature is at least 95 degrees, as it dissolves faster in warm water. Start by adding half the recommended amount with your jets running.
After five minutes, use the test button on the topside control to check the amount of dissolved salt. Continue with one cup at a time and test until you reach the proper reading. Your goal is 1750 ppm. The topside control test button checks if you have over or under-salted the system and verifies the proper operation of the system.
Using a test strip, check your water balance to ensure your pH (7.2-7.8), Alkalinity (80-120). Use a separate Phosphates test kit to check that you are under (300 ppb) and adjust accordingly. If Your logo light is flashing, this is normal and will continue to flash until all steps are completed.
Note: High Phosphates will consume the chlorine produced by your freshwater system and, if left unchecked, can also cause a green tint to your water. My blog post has more about this subject and the other causes of Cloudy And Foamy Water.
Anytime chemicals are added, run your jets for ten minutes with the cover open. Most chemicals are best added in or near the filter compartment when the water is 65 degrees or more. Anytime you make a phosphate adjustment, set the system to zero and rinse the filter after treatment.
If your water hardness is above 75 ppm. Use the vanishing act calcium bag per the instructions on the box. Your goal is 50 ppm. Be sure to rinse the vanishing act bag per the directions.
If you don’t use it, keep it for future use, as water calcium hardness can change over time as you use your hot tub. A high calcium level will shorten the life of your salt cartridge.
If you need help with any adjustments, Call or text Clover at 585-342-9787. You can also call or text me at 585-708-2081. We can guide you on what to add for any of these adjustments.
Next, Establish a chlorine level of 5 ppm with granular or liquid chlorine, wait for Five, then test. Add more if needed and test again until you reach 5 ppm.
You can use your hot tub at this time but keep in mind the chlorine level you are trying to establish will go down or back to zero. Thirty minutes after using your hot tub, check your chlorine level and adjust it back to 5 ppm.
Day Two
Set the output level to 10 using the topside controls. Reference the Hotsprings Freshwater Owners Manuel. Note: level 10 is the same as using the boost function.
Test your Water Chemistry and make any needed adjustments. If your chlorine is less than 3 ppm, add more until you reach 5 ppm.
Days Three and Four
Test Daily and Maintain 3ppm of chlorine. Lower the Output Level to the level listed in the Owners Manual.
Day Five Plus
Once spa water is holding a 3 ppm chlorine residual, stop adding additional chlorine, adjust the output level as required, and use the Boost function as needed.
Water chemistry levels can take up to 30 days to settle and be consistent. As time goes on, you will fall into a routine that works for your usage.
Weekly Maintenance
Test for Chlorine. Adjust your output using the topside control to adjust your chlorine if it is high or low. You should not have to use any other chlorine to make these adjustments.
Note: It is not recommended to overuse granular chlorine with your freshwater system as it can actually cause chlorine lock from cyanuric acid in dichlor.
Using test strips check your Water’s Alkalinity and pH. Adjust accordingly.
Test your water hardness and phosphate levels. It is essential to keep these in check as they do interact with each other.
Your goal is to be in the ‘Ideal’ range. Once you get past the 30-day mark, you can test less often. Keep on an eye on the pH level. With salt systems, it tends to drift to the high side.
Use a Spa Oxidizing Shock Once to Three times a week (to eliminate soaps/oils), depending on your usage. Soaps and oils will cause cloudy and foamy water.
I recommend and use it myself. Natural Chemistry’s Spa Perfect 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.”
Monthly Maintenance
Check your filters for debris and discoloration. If dirty, rinse them in your laundry sink with our garden hose.
Your vinyl spa cover does require maintenance for longer life. A cleaner/protector should be applied. Fabric Covers do not require any special care.
Check your water level and top it off if needed. Check your hot tub with a Salt test strip. You want to be sure you have enough salt. If your Logo Light is flashing, it may be asking you to check the system for proper operation. Check your manual for more information.
Every Four Months
Change the Salt Cartridge. Ensure you turn off your hot tub or use the suspend mode accessed through the topside control per the manual.
Thoroughly clean the filters using a Filter Cleaner product, per directions on the packaging. I prefer filter cleaners that are long soaks vs. quick rinse solutions. You should rinse thoroughly and let them air dry before putting them back into the hot tub.
Don’t forget to change the Mineral Cartridge if you are using one.
Yearly Maintenance
I recommend Natural Chemistry’s Spa Purge or similar products for cleaner and healthier plumbing by following the directions on the packaging.
Drain and refill the spa.
Quick Tips:
Use the boost control 24 hours before and after a heavy bather load. It takes time for your hot tub to recover from heavy use.
For the first 30 days, test often. The spa size + frequency of use + the number of bathers, + usage time all contribute to the overall water condition.
10-Day Timer notification
After ten days, you will get a flashing water care icon on the tub’s topside control panel if the spa has had no interaction or the output level has not been confirmed. The level automatically will drop to Level 3 after 15 days. At 20 Days output level drops to one.
10-Day timer reset
Any Output Level change or pressing “Confirm” will reset the timer, and the “Later” command will postpone for 3 hours.
Hotspring Resoures
Freshwater Salt Startup Video
HOT TUBS WITH THE FROG @EASE SYSTEM
Frog @Ease Water Guide
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 so you can place your hose down inside the standpipe and turn on the water. This step is essential to prevent air locks. 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, and 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 down 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.
If you need help with any adjustments, Call or text Clover at 585-342-9787. You can also call or text me at 585-708-2081. We can guide you on what to add for these adjustments.
Once your Alkalinity, pH, and water hardness are in balance. You are now ready to add the Frog Jump Start per the directions. Next, Insert the Mineral & Chlorine Cartridge into your hot 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. The placement of the cartridge is critical. Check the manual for the proper order on your model hot tub.
Weekly
Add Frog maintain or any standard Spa Oxidizing Shock One to Threes times a week, depending on your usage, to eliminate soaps/oils. Soaps and oils will cause cloudy and foamy water.
I recommend and use it myself. Natural Chemistry’s Spa Perfect 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 & 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, try adjusting the dial-up or down if you need more or less. If your dial is already set at 4 and your level is low, you probably use your hot tub a lot, or many people are using 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 does require maintenance for 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 directions on the packaging. I prefer filter cleaners that are long soaks vs. quick rinse solutions. You should rinse thoroughly and let them 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 by following 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 pocks may cause the system to be less effective.
Heavy usage. If you are using your hot tub frequently and not reading enough smartchlor on the @ease test strip, turn the dial on the chlorine cartridge up one number. Alternatively, if your dial is at the max, use non-chlorine after each use. This would replace the 1-3 times per week as described previously.
@Ease Resorces
WATER CARE FOR CHLORINE ONLY HOT TUBS
Chlorine Water Care
Startup And Refilling
When you fill your hot tub, turn off the power and fill your hot tub through the filter compartment to prevent an airlock. Remove the standpipe cap the filter sits on and put the hose inside it. Note only one filter standpipe will be hollow if you have multiple filters. You can watch the video on my post if you get an airlock. I Just Got my Hot Tub, and I have Problems.
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.
Please check the water balance with test strips to ensure your Ph (7.2-7.8) and Alkalinity (80-120) is in the correct range and adjust accordingly.
Insert a Frog Mineral Stick into Filter Compartment. Any brand of Mineral Stick will also work.
Add One Tablespoon of Granular Spa Chlorine for Small tubs, Two for larger Tubs.
You are ready for a Soak when all levels on your test strip are in range.
After Each Use
Add one teaspoon of Granular Spa Chlorine per person after each daily use.
If the spa has been used for five days add one tablespoon of chlorine.
Weekly
Use a Spa Oxidizing Shock One to Three times a week (to eliminate soaps/oils), depending on your usage. Soaps and oils will cause cloudy and foamy water. See more in my Blog Post My Water is Cloudy and Foamy
I recommend and use it myself. Natural Chemistry’s Spa Perfect is a more effective alternative to the oxidizing shock.
A Stain & Scale Product is recommended to prevent calcium build-up, especially if your water is high in minerals.
Check your Alkalinity, pH & Chlorine by testing your strips. Your goal is to be in the ‘Ideal’ range. Adjust accordingly.
Monthly
Hose off your filters from top to bottom once a month (more often, depending on usage)
If you have a Vinyl type cover. Use a Spa Cover vinyl cleaner and protector on the spa cover. Fabric Covers do not require any maintenance.
Every Four Months
Drain and refill your hot tub using the above startup directions.
Replace Spa Frog Mineral Cartridge
Thoroughly clean filters using a Filter Cleaner per directions on the bottle
Yearly
Use Natural Chemistry’s Spa Purge or similar products. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Drain and refill the spa.