hot tub maintenance

The hot tub care and maintenance program you develop will ultimately determine how long your hot tub and its individual components will last. Regular maintenance following the advice in this section will help you to protect your investment.

Spa Shell

Your hot tub has a fiberglass reinforced, acrylic shell. Stains and dirt generally will not adhere to your hot tub’s surface. A soft cloth or sponge should easily remove most dirt. Most household chemicals are harmful to your hot tub’s shell. It is important that you do not use any abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or vinegar can also be used for minor surface cleaning. Always thoroughly rinse off any spa shell-cleaning agent with fresh water.

Your hot tub dealer will be able to supply you with the proper cleaning solution for your hot tub. After cleaning, make sure all residues are removed prior to filling the hot tub. This will help prevent sudsing and improper chemical balance.

Filtration System

Your filter canister is equipped with a vortex filter weir to skim the surface which is on the canister closest to the topside control which also houses the filter. As with any water filtering system, the filter cartridge may become clogged, resulting in reduced water flow. It is important to maintain a clean, unobstructed filter system.

Filter Cartridge Removal and Installation

1. Shut the hot tub down or set spa to standby.
2. Remove and set aside the filter cover.
3. Remove the filter basket by rotating the top outside ring counterclockwise and lifting.
4. Remove the filter cartridge.
5. Clean any debris out of the skimmer basket.
6. Rinse and soak cartridge.
7. To reinstall the filter cartridge, reverse the order of steps in which it was removed.

Jets

Your jets should be taken out and cleaned when you drain your hot tub. This is to clean the sand and grit from the bearings and remove any blockage from the entrance port. Cleaning should be done in hot soapy water or dishwashing detergent. Make sure that the jet is moving freely before reinserting it. You can turn the jet on or off by rotating the jet face clockwise or counterclockwise if it is a removeable jet.

To remove the jet inserts:

• Turn the jet to the off position until it stops.
• Turn the jet pass the stop point.
• Pull jet insert away from the hot tub.

When inserting a jet, match the opening on the jet housing wall to the U shaped cut out on the end of the diffuser and push the jet in flush until resistance is felt, then continue to push the Posiflow jet flush and forward until it snaps into place. Using this procedure will reduce the wear on your Posiflow jets and increase their longevity

Skirting

Wood skirting will lose its like-new appearance with time. Once a year, it is recommended to re-stain the hot tub’s skirting with a water-based sealant to keep the cedar skirting looking its best. Lightly sand the skirting surfaces to remove any dirt and to smooth rough surfaces. Do not use varnishes, shellacs or surface sealants. Contact your dealer to obtain an approved stain.

Synthetic wood skirting consists of a rigid polymer which combines the durability of plastic, with the beauty of wood. Synthetic shouldn't crack, peel, blister, or delaminate even after prolonged exposure to the elements. Cleaning of synthetic consists of simply spraying the cabinet with a mild soap and water solution to remove any stains and residue.

Note: Use caution when installing cover lifters. Ensure that the screw holes are pre-drilled and the supporting panels are adequately braced before mounting the cover lifter to avoid damage to the panel. When the panel has been removed, look for any plumbing lines that may be affected by the bracing screws to avoid potential leaks caused by the screws penetrating the plumbing. Do not allow the cover lifter to fall under it’s own weight as this may damage the side panel. Carefully brace the cover lifter when opening or closing the cover lifter.

Care of Spa Pillows

To extend the pillow’s life, whenever the spa shell is being cleaned, they should be removed and cleaned. Body oils can be removed with a mild soap and water solution. ALWAYS rinse off the spa pillows thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Remove the pillows from the spa for extended periods of non-use.

1. Do not sit on pillows.
2. Do not pull on pillows.
3. Proper water chemistry must be maintained.
4. Pillows should be washed when you drain your hot tub with a mild soap.
5. When you shock your hot tub, remove your cover, pillows and filter lid for a minimum of thirty minutes so excess gases may escape out of spa.

Pump Seal Your jet pump is built using a “wet end” pump, and a “dry end” motor, with a seal in the middle. Depending on use and chemical balance, this seal will eventually need replacing.  Check your motor monthly to ensure that there is no water leaking from the motor area. If you detect any signs of leakage, contact your dealer immediately.