What is Frog at Ease
King Technologies, the same company that brought us the automatic frog system for swimming pools, has a new system for hot tubs, the frog @ease system. It works with many popular hot tub brands like Bullfrog, Hotsprings Hot Spot Spas, and many others. The manufacturer describes it as “a breakthrough in sanitizing that comes ready to use on your hot tub. With the built-in FROG @ease In-Line or floater system, you open your hot tub cover, snap in the conveniently adjustable cartridges, and enjoy weeks of cleaner, clearer, softer water. FROG @ease uses FROG Minerals and a SmartChlor® A Technology that creates Fresh Mineral Water® by killing bacteria two ways with up to 75% less chlorine and a lot less work!
The @ease System combines the proven FROG mineral formula with a new SmartChlor Technology that maintains a low chlorine level for weeks. Unlike standard chlorine that is used up while you are soaking. The SmartChlor maintains levels up to 75% less than hot tubs using standard Dichlor chlorine. That’s why it’s called self-regulating. It goes to work when the hot tub needs sanitizing, so there are no frustrating yo-yo chlorine levels. This time-released method is also why less shock is needed to maintain your hot tub. The SmartChlor floating Cartridge version will tell you it is depleted by flipping over as a visual reminder to replace the empty cartridge with a new one.
Why Should I Use The Frog @Ease
If you are new to hot tubs, water chemistry can be challenging. You are constantly adding chemicals every time you use your tub, continually testing to ensure your pH, alkalinity, and water hardness are correct. Plus, your tub is probably overflowing with foam. While the @ease system cannot do all of that for you, it can make hot tub life simpler. Not your first hot tub. Well, you may already know how to take care of a tub but would like more time to enjoy it instead of caring for it.
What Makes It Work
Before using the @ease system, you must ensure your water is balanced. I will discuss this as we get further along. Let’s first get familiar with the @ease system. It is made up of 6 parts. The cartridge holder, a mineral cartridge, chlorine cartridge, test strips, jump-start, and FROG® Maintain™, which is usually sold separately from the startup kit. The first three parts are the heart of the system. The holder, minerals, and chlorine. Before attaching each cartridge to the holder, check the instructions included in the system. Each cartridge has a dial on the bottom that needs to be set for your size hot tub. The cartridges are your primary sanitizer. Setting this correctly will make or break your chances of success. The Jump-start is essentially a shock treatment to establish SmartChlor®and will be needed during the startup process. The test strips will let you know everything is in balance. Most dealers and customers often overlook FROG® Maintain™. FROG® Maintain™ its job is to break down the soaps and oils that come off our bodies as we soak. Without it, your water will get foamy and cloudy.
How Simple Is It?
A good start-up is fundamental to any sanitizing system you use. If you start your hot tub with less than-ideal water, you will likely have problems maintaining proper water chemistry. You can download the frog @ease water balance guide by clicking this link before inserting the cartridges or using the jump start. My tip would be after you balance the water, use the @ease guide. I would add granular chlorine and establish a 3-5ppm for 24 hours. You can use a regular test strip to check your levels. As I mentioned, a good start-up is a key to good water chemistry. You never know what might be in your water source or what is lurking inside the plumping, so I think a good dose of chlorine should be applied.
Now that your water is clean and balanced, you are ready to Jump Start your @ease system. Step one add the Jump Start pouch and run your jets for 10 minutes to establish a .05-1pmm level of SmartChlor®. Step Two- introduce the @ease cartridges to your hot tub. Step Three-Soak and Enjoy.
The Automatic Part
Now that your water is ready and your cartridges are installed. What comes next? With the @ease system installed, it practically takes care of itself. The mineral cartridge works as your water runs through it and will purify the water for four months before running out. This works out perfectly, as you should change your water after four months. The chlorine cartridge works the same way and will dispense for 3-4 weeks before running out. If you have followed all the steps, your water sanitation should be carefree without adding additional chlorine.
What Else Do I Need To Do?
For great-looking water. I recommend testing at least once a week and adjusting accordingly. To read the SmartChlor® level, you MUST use the Frog @ease test strip. A standard test strip will give you a FALSE reading. For clear water and to fight soaps and oils, the FROG® Maintain™ or an equivalent product should be used once or twice a week. No additional chlorine should be needed. The @ease is doing all the work. The Frog Company also has a water chemistry app for both apple and android devices to help you track and diagnose problems. You can download the app by Clicking Here
Troubleshooting
No water care system is perfect. Water from one end of the country to the other varies and is treated differently from state to area to area. If unsure about your water source, check with your local dealer for advice and often free water testing. Hot tub users’ most common problem is cloudy and foaming water. In previous articles, I have mentioned the steps to success in good water chemistry. Often new hot tub users have the most trouble with their water chemistry. Click here for my guide for fixing cloudy and foamy water.
Wrapping Up
The @ease system may not be for everyone. At the end of the day, if you are looking for simplicity and less maintenance, this system is for you. If you are looking for an alternative to your current system, give this a try. The great thing about frog @ease is that you don’t have to install expensive equipment or alter your hot tub. For more information, check out the @ease Website at frogproducts.com
Already have Frog @ease?
I have a complete setup and usage guide to help you get more out of your @ease System. You can go to my all about water page, “How To Use The Frog @Ease System,” for information and Spa Brand Specific Manuals.