Hot Tub

How to add chemicals: All spa water chemicals must always be added directly into the filter compartment while the jet pump is running in its high-speed mode, and it must run for a minimum of ten minutes. After administering a super chlorination treatment or nonchlorine shock to your spa, leave the cover open for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the oxidizer gas to vent. Adjust water components in this order:

(1) Hardness (calcium): If too high, lower it with the Vanishing Act Calcium Remover.

(2) Alkalinity: If too low, use Freshwater pH / Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen carbonate). If too high, use Freshwater pH / Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate). Raising/lowering alkalinity may cause the pH readings to fluctuate widely. Ignore the pH readings on the test strip while you are balancing the alkalinity. Once alkalinity is balanced, it normally remains stable until the next drain/ refill.

(3) pH: To lower the pH level, use Freshwater pH / Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate). To raise the pH level, use Freshwater pH / Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen carbonate).

(4) Chlorine: If too low, “shock” the water by adding FreshWater Concentrated Chlorinated Granules. You can also increase chlorine by using the Boost Function on the Output Level. You can reduce the chlorine level by allowing time to pass or adding hydrogen peroxide.

(5) Salt: With jets running, add salt to the filter compartment one cup at a time, and allow 5 minutes to dissolve. Estimated increase in ppm: 4 cups (1150 grams) = 360 ppm.

Adjust Output level as needed: The recommended output level is 3 to 5. If spa is not used for an extended period of time, set to 1.

Filter cartridges - Removal and cleaning

(1) Disconnect the spa from the power supply by tripping both of the GFCI breakers located in the subpanel. Unplug power cord for 115V models.

(2) Remove and carefully set aside the filter compartment cover.

(3) Remove any floating items from within the filter compartment.

(4) Turn the filter retainer handle (located on the top of the filter cartridge) counterclockwise until the retainer can be removed from the filter standpipe.

(5) Remove the filter retainer and cartridge. IMPORTANT: Never remove the filter standpipes when debris is present in the filter compartment. Debris may find its way into the internal plumbing which may result in blockage. NEVER REMOVE SUCTION FITTINGS.

(6) Always clean standard filter using a filter degreaser, such as FRESHWATER Filter Cleaner, to remove mineral and oil buildup. Simply soak the filter in the degreaser according to the package directions, then place the filter on a clean surface and spray until clean using a garden hose. It may be necessary to rotate the filter while spraying to remove any debris lodged between the filter pleats. The Tri-X ® filter can be cleaned in the dishwasher using no soap and no dr cycle. Please contact your HOT SPRING dealer for details.

(7) To reinstall the filter cartridge, reverse the order of steps in which it was removed. Do not overtighten!

ACE Cell cleaning

The cell should be cleaned a minimum of every 3 months. Prevent Cell Damage: NEVER insert anything into the cell or pressure wash it. This will damage the electrodes.

1. Turn off the power to the spa. Open the spa cover and remove the filter lid.

2. Unscrew gray filter cap and gently pull the cell out of the filter.

3. Inspect the cell for scale by looking between the electrodes.

4. Unscrew the lid to the ACE Cell Cleaner (or create a cleaning solution by following the instruction on the cell cleaning bottle included with the ACE system.) NOTE: A stronger cleaning solution of 1 part muriatic pool acid and 10 parts water, or a commercial cell cleaner, can be used if scale is excessive.

5. Remove the lid and place the ACE cell in the solution, ensuring that the bottom of cell is floating.

6. Soak the cell for 10 minutes or until bubbles stop coming from the cell. If bubbles are still releasing from the cell after 10 minutes, continue soaking until the cell is clean and all scale is removed.

7. Rinse cell and inspect for cleaning completion. Repeat as needed.

8. Replace cell into the filter standpipe. Screw on the gray filter cap, replace the filter lid, and power up the spa. Ensure that the cell is at the bottom of the filter standpipe by feeling for the pull of the pump’s suction.

Water components

The following three water components must be kept in balance to avoid damage to the spa. Do balance these components in the order they are listed here as each will help you balance the water using a minimum amount of chemicals.

(1) Calcium Hardness (CH)

CH is the measure of the amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Low levels can make the water corrosive and high levels cause scale formation of spa components.
For the ACE System, the recommended CH target is 50 (acceptable range = 25 to 75).
If the CH level is too high, lower it with the VANISHING ACT calcium remover per instructions. Once in balance, the CH reading normally remains stable until new water is added. Great care must be taken when filling the spa from a water softener to ensure that the calcium remains in balance and avoid damage to the spa.

(2) Total Alkalinity (TA)

TA is a measure of the water’s ability to resist changes of pH or buffer capacity. A low TA allows the pH to fluctuate easily.
The recommended TA target is 40 (acceptable range = 40 to 120).
We recommend you check the TA reading once per month. Raising/lowering the TA may cause the pH readings to fluctuate widely. Ignore the pH readings on the test strip while you are balancing the TA.
To raise the TA, use FRESHWATER pH/ Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen carbonate). To lower the TA, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate). Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable until the next drain/ refill.

(3) pH

pH is the measure of the acidity and alkalinity. Maintaining the proper pH level will optimize the effectiveness of the sanitizer, preventing damage to the spa and physical discomfort for spa users. A low pH dissipates sanitizer, causes corrosion, and irritates spa users. A high pH level will neutralize sanitizer, promote scaling and cloud water.
The recommended pH reading is between 7.2 - 7.8 (target = 7.4).
To lower the pH level, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate). To raise the pH level, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium carbonate).

Chlorine

The recommended chlorine level is between 1 and 5 ppm.
Add FreshWater Concentrated Chlorinated Granules to supplement the system as needed. (Is this the same thing as granular sodium dichlor?). You can reduce the chlorine level in the spa water by adding hydrogen peroxide.

Adjust Output level as needed

To maximize cell life, keep the output level set as low as possible to meet your needs. The recommended output level is 3 to 5, depending on spa size. If your use pattern changes you will need to adjust the output level up or down accordingly. The boost function or Freshwater Concentrated Chlorinating Granules can be used on occasions when more chlorine is needed.

HOW TO ADD CHEMICALS TO THE WATER

IMPORTANT: All spa water chemicals must always be added directly into the filter compartment while the jet pump is running in its high speed mode, and it must run for a minimum of ten minutes.

IMPORTANT: After administering a super chlorination treatment or nonchlorine shock to your spa, leave the cover open for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the oxidizer gas to vent.

Ongoing maintenance

Test water weekly

Add pH down if needed.
Use the Vanishing Act calcium remover to reduce hardness to 50 ppm as needed.
Adjust output setting to maintain 1-5 ppm chlorine.

Monthly

Test the water, shock & confirm output level - Ensure water is balanced. Confirm/adjust output setting via the control panel. - Shock the water with granular chlorine to 5ppm and flush all jet systems. - Inspect Cell.

Clean filters every 30 days to ensure optimal ACE system performance. 30-day check-up. Every 30 days test and balance spa water, confirm your output setting, rinse filters, and shock with FreshWater Concentrated Chlorinating Granules.

Clean the ACE Cell (at least once every 90 days)

Visually inspect the ACE cell for calcium scale between the plates (if fill water has hardness over 50ppm inspect cell monthly). - Clean the cell as needed, or at least once every three months following instruction on the cell cleaning solution or cell cleaning bottle.

Clean the ACE cell. The cell should be cleaned at a minimum of once every 90 days. High levels of hardness in the water will mean the cell should be cleaned more frequently.

Annually

Change water

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