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Maintenance & Operations Help

Maintenance & Operations Help

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Wondering where to put your spa chemicals in your Hot SpringĀ® spa?

This video shows you where to add spa chemicals to your hot tub for routine water care maintenance. Popular spa chemicals include liquid chlorine, chlorine granules, or bromine. Download this quick reference how-to tip sheet and keep it with your monthly hot tub maintenance log or owner’s manual.

The Tri-XĀ® filters on your Hot SpringĀ® hot tub have twice the cleaning area of other filter cartridges the same size and help your spa water stay cleaner longer. Even the best hot tub filters require regular cleaning. This video shows four ways to clean and maintain your Tri-XĀ® filters as part of a monthly hot tub maintenance routine.

Regular hot tub maintenance includes cleaning spa filters on a regular schedule. This will ensure the best performance and a clean spa. There are a few methods for cleaning your spa filter. This video shows you how to locate the hot tub filter in the filter housing and the three options for cleaning your Hot SpringĀ® spa filter. Download this quick reference how-to tip sheet and keep it with your monthly hot tub maintenance log or owner’s manual.

Hot SpringĀ® Spas offers four hot tub cover lifter options, from dual pneumatic shock to economical, easy-glide systems. To get the most use from your Hot SpringĀ® hot tub, be sure to add a cover lifter like the CoverCradleĀ® designed to work with your spa design and cover. Download this quick reference how-to tip sheet and keep it with your monthly hot tub maintenance log or owner’s manual.

The UpRiteĀ® hot tub cover lifter is ideal for tight spaces when your hot tub is installed near a fence, deck, or pergola. This cover lifter only requires a 7ā€ clearance and makes a great privacy screen. Download this quick reference how-to tip sheet and keep it with your monthly hot tub maintenance log or owner’s manual.

Hot SpringĀ® Spas offers four hot tub cover lifter options, from dual pneumatic shock to economical, easy-glide systems. For an economical cover removal system, get the Lift ā€˜N GlideĀ® that is designed to fit with your Hot SpringĀ® cover. This value hot tub cover lifter does the job of helping you remove your hot tub cover with ease. Download this quick reference how-to tip sheet and keep it with your monthly hot tub maintenance log or owner’s manual.

If you ever need to contact your local Hot SpringĀ® dealer about a warranty claim, the customer service representative will look up your spa by searching the serial number in their records system. We recommend that you write your serial number in your owner’s manual and keep it on file for easy reference. In this video, we will show you where to find the serial number on your spa. Download this quick reference how-to tip sheet and keep it with your monthly hot tub maintenance log or owner’s manual.

Welcome to Owner’s Resources

Click the name of the brand or the type of system that you own.

Turn off power to the spa at the breaker. Locate the drain valve on the lower front corner of the cabinet, attach a garden hose, and open the valve to drain. While the shell is empty, wipe it down with a spa-safe cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Close the valve, then refill through the filter compartment to prevent airlocks. Restore power, let the spa heat, then test and balance your water. Plan on a fresh fill every 3 to 4 months with regular use.

Check your control panel monthly for salt level prompts. If the panel calls for salt, add spa-grade salt directly to the water per the on-screen amount and allow it to circulate. When the panel indicates the cartridge is depleted, typically around 4 months, lift the old cartridge out of its housing near the filter compartment, snap in a new one, and confirm the panel recognizes it. Test your water after any cartridge change.

Tap the screen to wake the panel. Use the temperature arrows to set your preferred soak temperature, up to 104 degrees. Press the jets icon to cycle each jet pump on and off, and the light icon to control your spa lighting. Open the settings menu to adjust lock features, temperature ranges, and cleanup cycles. If a message appears on screen, note it before clearing it in case you need to reference it later.
Install the FreshWater IQ monitor in the filter compartment following the included mounting guide, then pair it with your spa per the setup prompts on your control panel. Once running, the system tests your water throughout the day and posts plain-language instructions on the panel, such as how much of which product to add. Follow each prompt as it appears, add the product to the water, and let the system re-test. Replace the test cartridge when prompted.
Once a month, remove the cover and rinse it with a garden hose. Clean the vinyl with mild soap or a vinyl-safe cleaner, never abrasives or solvents, and rinse well. Apply a vinyl protectant a few times a year to guard against sun damage. Unzip and check the foam cores annually; if a core feels waterlogged or heavy, it is time to plan a replacement. Always use your cover lifter rather than dragging the cover off.

For trips up to two weeks, balance your water and clean the filters a day before you leave. Add sanitizer per your normal routine, or verify your salt system cartridge has life remaining. Lower the set temperature a few degrees to save energy if you like, secure the cover with its locks, and leave power on so the spa continues to circulate and heat. For longer absences, ask our service team about a valet visit while you are away.

Drain the spa or work above the waterline. Wipe the shell with a soft cloth and a spa-surface cleaner or a mix of mild dish soap and water. For the waterline ring, use a designated waterline cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. Never use household cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasives, as they can damage the finish and disrupt water chemistry. Rinse any cleaned area thoroughly before refilling or soaking.

The ozone system runs automatically during circulation, so upkeep is simple. Watch for the small stream of bubbles from the ozone fitting during circulation cycles as a sign the system is active. Replace the ozone cell approximately every 3 years, or when your dealer’s water test suggests output has declined. If bubbles stop appearing during circulation, contact our service team to inspect the cell and check valve.

Check your water level weekly. The waterline should sit above all jets and about midway up the filter compartment opening, per your owner’s manual. If it drops below that point, top off with a garden hose through the filter compartment. Low water can cause heater and pump issues, so top off before extended hot weather or heavy use weekends when evaporation and splash-out run higher.
When a message appears, write it down or photograph it before clearing. For temperature-related messages, check that your water level is correct and your filters are clean, as restricted flow is the most common cause. Power the spa off at the breaker for 30 seconds and back on to reset. If the same message returns after a reset with clean filters and proper water level, call our service team and share the exact message.
Keep your spa powered and heated all winter; Hot Spring insulation is designed for it. Check your water level weekly, since heavy use in cold months increases splash-out. Keep the cover locked when not in use to hold heat, and brush off any debris or standing water after storms. Clean filters monthly, as winter soak frequency tends to rise. Never shut off power in freezing conditions without properly winterizing the spa first.
Grip the pillow firmly at both ends and pull straight out to release it from its mounting posts. Clean the mounting area with a damp cloth. Line up the new pillow’s fittings with the posts and press firmly until it snaps into place. To extend pillow life, rinse them monthly with fresh water to remove sanitizer residue, and remove them during shock treatments.
Remove the filter compartment lid and add sanitizer, shock, and balancers directly to the filter compartment while the jets run on low. This pulls product through the plumbing for even distribution. Run the jets for at least 10 minutes after adding chemicals, and leave the cover open for 15 to 20 minutes after shocking. Always add chemicals to water one product at a time, never mixed together.

Turn off the spa, remove the filter compartment lid, and unscrew the filter cartridges. Rinse between the pleats with a garden hose every month. Every 3 to 4 months, soak the cartridges overnight in a filter cleaning solution, then rinse thoroughly and let them dry before reinstalling. Keeping a second set of filters lets you rotate a clean, dry set in without downtime. Replace cartridges annually or when pleats fray.

Insert a SmartChlor cartridge and a mineral cartridge into the @ease system per the package dial settings for your spa size. When the floating system flips over, or your in-line indicator alerts you, the SmartChlor cartridge is empty; replace it with a fresh one. Replace the mineral cartridge every 4 months or at each drain and refill. Verify your water weekly with @ease test strips, which are calibrated for the system’s lower chlorine levels.

Follow your control panel’s salt prompts, adding spa-grade salt directly to the water when levels run low, then allow it to circulate before re-testing. Replace the salt cartridge when the panel indicates depletion, typically around 4 months: Lift out the old cartridge from its housing, snap the new one in place, and confirm on the panel. Test and balance your water after every cartridge change.

Power off the spa at the breaker. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the base of the cabinet and open it to drain. Wipe down the empty shell with a spa-safe cleaner and rinse. Close the valve and refill through the filter compartment to avoid airlocks in the plumbing. Restore power, heat, then test and balance. A fresh fill every 3 to 4 months keeps water care simple.

Wake the panel with a touch, then use the arrows to set your target temperature. The jets button cycles pumps, and the light button controls spa lighting. In the settings menu you can lock the panel, set filtration cycles, and adjust the temperature range. Note any on-screen messages before clearing them so you can reference the exact wording if you call for support.
Above the waterline, wipe the shell weekly with a soft, damp cloth. For the waterline ring, use a spa-specific surface cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. During each drain, clean the full shell with spa-safe cleaner and rinse thoroughly before refilling. Avoid household cleaners, which can damage the acrylic and throw off your water chemistry once the spa is refilled.
Wipe the cabinet down with mild soap and water and a soft cloth as needed, then rinse. Do not use pressure washers, solvents, or abrasive pads. Seasonally, check that the cabinet panels are secure and that vents are free of leaves and debris. Keep sprinklers aimed away from the cabinet to prevent hard water spotting.
Rinse the cover monthly and clean it with a vinyl-safe cleaner, avoiding abrasives and solvents. Condition the vinyl with a protectant a few times per year, especially before summer sun exposure. Check the foam cores once a year for waterlogging. Always lift the cover with its handles or your cover lifter rather than sliding it, which wears the vinyl and stitching.
Release the cover locks, fold the cover back onto the lifter bar, and guide it down behind the spa in one smooth motion. Reverse the motion to replace it, and always re-secure the locks. A couple of times a year, check the mounting hardware for tightness and apply a silicone lubricant to the pivot points to keep the action smooth.
Before a trip of up to two weeks, clean your filters, balance the water, and confirm your @ease cartridges or salt system have plenty of life left. Lock the cover and leave power on so circulation and heating continue normally. Lower the set temperature a few degrees for energy savings if you like. For longer trips, schedule a valet water care visit so your spa is fresh when you return.
Record the exact message before clearing it. Check the two most common culprits first: Water level and dirty filters, both of which restrict flow and trigger heater-related messages. Rinse the filters, top off the water, then power cycle the spa at the breaker for 30 seconds. If the message returns, stop using the spa and call our service team with the message wording ready.
Test your water two to three times per week with test strips or a liquid kit. Target the same ranges as a hot tub: PH of 7.2 to 7.8 and alkalinity of 80 to 120 ppm, with sanitizer per your system’s guidance. Because a swim spa holds far more water than a hot tub, follow the dosing charts for your model’s actual gallon capacity, add one product at a time to the filter area with pumps running, and re-test after 30 minutes of circulation.

Power down, open the filter compartment, and remove the cartridges. Rinse between the pleats with a hose monthly, and deep-soak the cartridges in filter cleaner overnight every 3 to 4 months, rinsing and drying fully before reinstalling. Swim spas work their filters hard, so keep a spare set to rotate and replace cartridges at least annually.

Start from the display by selecting the swim function, then choose a gentle current speed for your first sessions. Position yourself in the swim lane facing the current outlet, begin your stroke, and adjust the speed up or down until you can hold steady position while swimming comfortably. Increase speed gradually across sessions as your fitness builds. Always end the session at the display before exiting the swim lane.
Power off at the breaker. Connect a hose to the drain valve, or use a submersible pump to speed up the process given the larger water volume. Clean the shell with a spa-safe cleaner while empty and rinse well. Refill through the filter compartment, restore power, and allow extra heating time given the volume. Balance the water fully before your first swim. With good water care, plan on draining once or twice per year.
Clean the cover monthly with a vinyl-safe cleaner and rinse. Apply protectant before peak summer sun. Because swim spa covers are large and heavy, always use the cover system hardware rather than dragging sections, and clear standing water or debris promptly after storms. Inspect seams and hinges seasonally and address small tears early before moisture reaches the foam.
Start the treadmill from the spa-side control at the lowest speed setting. Step on holding the grab rail, find your footing, and increase speed gradually to a comfortable walking or jogging pace. The water supports your joints, so ease into longer sessions over time. Always bring the belt to a full stop before stepping off, and keep long hair and loose swimwear clear of the belt area.
Clean the cover monthly with a vinyl-safe cleaner and rinse. Apply protectant before peak summer sun. Because swim spa covers are large and heavy, always use the cover system hardware rather than dragging sections, and clear standing water or debris promptly after storms. Inspect seams and hinges seasonally and address small tears early before moisture reaches the foam.
Anchor the swim tether to its mounting point at the rear of the swim lane and clip the belt around your waist before entering the current. The tether holds your position so you can focus on stroke form. Mount the pace display at the front of the lane where you can see it mid-stroke, then use it to hold a target pace and track improvement across sessions.
Current quality depends on clean water and clear flow. Rinse filters monthly and deep clean quarterly, keep your water balanced, and make sure the swim machine intake grates are free of debris before each session. If the current ever feels weaker than usual, check the filters first, then contact our service team if performance does not recover.
Current quality depends on clean water and clear flow. Rinse filters monthly and deep clean quarterly, keep your water balanced, and make sure the swim machine intake grates are free of debris before each session. If the current ever feels weaker than usual, check the filters first, then contact our service team if performance does not recover.
Clean the filters, balance the water, and top off your sanitizer system the day before departure. Confirm the water level is correct, lock the cover, and leave power on so heating and circulation continue. For trips beyond two weeks, schedule a valet visit to check water care mid-trip. The larger water volume is quite stable, so a well-prepped swim spa handles time away gracefully.
Current quality depends on clean water and clear flow. Rinse filters monthly and deep clean quarterly, keep your water balanced, and make sure the swim machine intake grates are free of debris before each session. If the current ever feels weaker than usual, check the filters first, then contact our service team if performance does not recover.

Confirm the sauna room is clear of any items on or near the heater, then set your target temperature at the control panel, typically between 160 and 195 degrees for a traditional session. Allow 30 to 45 minutes of preheat time so the stones fully absorb heat. The room is ready when the thermometer holds your set temperature and the stones radiate steady heat.

Twice a year, let the heater cool completely, then remove the stones and inspect them. Discard any that are cracked, crumbling, or leaving grit behind, and rinse the rest with plain water. Restack loosely so air circulates between stones, with larger stones at the bottom, never packed tight against the heating elements. Replace the full stone set roughly every one to two years with regular use.
After the room cools, wipe benches and walls with a cloth dampened in plain water or a mild solution made for sauna wood. Never use household cleaners, varnish, or paint, as sauna wood must stay untreated to breathe. Vacuum or sweep the floor regularly. For stubborn marks on benches, a light hand-sanding with fine-grit paper restores the surface.
Sit on a towel during every session to protect the wood from oils and sweat. Wipe benches down with a damp cloth after use and allow them to dry fully. Once or twice a year, lightly sand the bench surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper to keep them smooth and fresh. If your benches lift out, occasionally remove them to clean underneath and check the supports.
Set your session temperature and duration at the panel before or at the start of your session; the heater shuts off automatically when the timer ends. Use the panel to adjust mid-session if you want more or less heat. If your model supports delayed start, you can program the sauna to be hot when you get home. Always confirm the room is empty of items before any remote or delayed start.
Keep the intake vent, usually low near the heater, and the exhaust vent, positioned higher on the opposite wall, unobstructed at all times. During sessions, proper airflow keeps heat even and air fresh. After each session, open the vents fully and prop the door open so the room dries completely. Good ventilation is the single best protection for your sauna’s wood.
Wipe the interior wood with a damp cloth after sessions and let the cabin air out with the door open. Dust the heater panels occasionally with a dry cloth once fully cool, and never spray liquids directly on them. Check that nothing rests against the panels before each session. Infrared cabins need no other routine service; if a panel stops heating, contact our service team.
Once the glass is cool, clean it with a standard glass cleaner applied to a cloth rather than sprayed directly, keeping the cleaner off the surrounding wood. Wipe the door frame and handle with plain water only. Check the hinges and door sweep seasonally and tighten hardware if the door begins to sag or drag.
After your final session of the day, in a traditional sauna, ladle a final light round of water on the stones if desired, then let the heater run 10 more minutes to dry the room. Switch off, open the vents, and leave the door ajar until the interior is fully dry. Towel off any visible moisture on benches. A dry sauna between uses prevents odor and protects the wood long-term.
Hydrate before and after every session. Start with 10 to 15 minute sessions and build up gradually as your comfort grows, stepping out any time you feel too warm. Cool down between rounds with fresh air, a cool shower, or a cold plunge if contrast therapy is part of your routine. Sit on a towel, keep sessions relaxed, and let the ritual find its own rhythm.
Place the plunge on a solid, level surface with clearance around the equipment side for airflow. Fill with a garden hose to the indicated water line, power on, and set your target temperature at the control. Allow the chiller several hours to pull the water down to your set point on the first fill. Balance and sanitize the water before your first plunge.
Use the control panel to set your target anywhere in the unit’s range, which reaches as low as the low 40s. If you are new to cold plunging, start near the top of the range, around 55 to 60 degrees, and lower your set point a degree or two each week as your tolerance builds. The chiller holds your set temperature automatically once reached.
Test your water weekly with test strips and keep pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Add sanitizer per your owner’s manual dosing for the unit’s water volume; cold water slows sanitizer consumption but does not eliminate the need. Rinse off before plunging to reduce the load on your water, and keep the cover on between sessions to block debris.
Power down the circulation system and remove the filter cartridge from its housing. Rinse thoroughly between the pleats with a hose every two to four weeks, more often with daily use. Deep clean with a filter soak quarterly, and replace the cartridge when pleats stay discolored or frayed after cleaning. Reinstall snugly and restore power.
Power off the unit. Attach a hose to the drain fitting and open the valve to drain, or use a small submersible pump. Wipe the interior with a spa-safe cleaner, rinse well, then close the valve and refill to the water line. Power on, reset your temperature, and balance the fresh water. Most owners refresh their water every one to three months depending on use.
Keep the insulated cover in place whenever the plunge is not in use; it is doing double duty holding cold in and debris out. Rinse and wipe the cover monthly with mild soap and water, and clear leaves and standing water promptly. Lift the cover on and off rather than dragging it, and inspect seams seasonally.
Keep the vents and equipment area clear of leaves, dirt, and anything that blocks airflow, checking weekly. Listen for changes; the circulation system should run quietly and consistently. If the unit struggles to hold temperature, check the filter and airflow first, then contact our service team if performance does not recover.

Start with 1 to 2 minutes per plunge and build gradually toward 3 to 5 minutes as your comfort grows. Control your breathing with slow exhales as you enter, and step out any time you feel you should. Many owners pair the plunge with a hot tub or sauna session for a contrast routine: Heat first, cold to finish, or alternate rounds. Consistency matters more than duration or extreme temperatures.

Before a trip, test and balance the water, top off sanitizer, and clean the filter. Confirm the cover is secured and leave the unit powered so filtration continues. For trips longer than two to three weeks, consider draining the unit or scheduling a valet check. Everything will be cold and ready when you get back.
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