Why is my spa overheating?

If the spa is located in an area that is experiencing hot weather, it is normal to have the spa water temperature rise. To help keep your spa cooler, adjust the spa’s filtration cycles to no more than three hours per day, and only one hour per day during the warmer summer months. Set the cycles to run during later evening or early morning hours when the outside air temperature is cooler. During the summer, set only one filter cycle per day. Open the cover for several minutes, long enough to allow the water to cool down. Repeat a couple times weekly as necessary. For safety reasons, never leave your spa unattended with the cover open. If OHH is displayed on the control panel, this means that the thermometer has detected spa water temperature above 110 degrees F. Do not use the spa at this temperature. Take the advised steps above to cool your spa water to below 106 degrees F before use.

Why won't my spa heat?

If your spa temperature is low, first check the thermostat to see if it has been turned down or set to low heat range. Adjust the thermostat to desired temperature or set to high heat range. Another common reason for your spa temperature to be low is because the high limit sensor has tripped. Press any button on your control panel to reset the system. If neither of the above steps works, your heating system may be defective. Contact your authorized Bullfrog Spas Dealer for further diagnosis.

Why is my GFCI breaker tripping?

Warning: You must be a qualitied electrician and or service technician to perform diagnosing or serial injury or death can result: High voltage components are in use. If the spa was recently installed, the most common reason the GFCI would trip is the Load Neutral (white wire) between the spa and GFCI which must be connected to the Load Neutral port in the GFCI breaker. If the neutral wire is connected to the neutral busbar, the breaker will trip during startup. The neutral connection must not have contact to the ground on the load side of the breaker or it will trip. If the spa is not tripping immediately upon startup, a process of elimination should be used to identify the problem. Disconnect one component at a time from the control board and try restarting the spa. If the breaker trips, reconnect the component then try again by disconnecting a different component. Continue repeating this process until the breaker does not trip. Components include pumps, heaters, lights, stereos, ozone, etc. If the breaker does not trip after disconnecting the component, then the disconnected component is the source of the problem. Once you have determined which component is at fault, replace the component. If you have not found the source of the problem after disconnecting each spa component individually, disconnect all components from the control board and try starting the spa. If the breaker still trips, a certified electrician will need to inspect the breaker and wiring.

Why is my spa making a vibration noise?

A light vibration noise is normal while the spa pumps and motors are running. If your spa’s vibration noise level seems excessive, the first thing to check for is the spa motor’s shipping bolts. Each spa motor has a shipping bolt that can contribute to the vibrating noise and can be removed once your spa is delivered and installed. The bolts have tags with red lettering for easy identification. If the bolts have been removed and your spa still makes an excessive vibration noise, contact your spa dealer for further assistance.

Why is my spa pump creating a burning smell or making excessive noise?

If your spa pump is creating a burning smell or making excessive noise, the pump motor is defective. This can happen when running the pump during high ambient outside temperatures or due to excessive run times. Please contact your authorized Bullfrog Spas dealer for replacing the pump.

Why are my control pad and spa equipment not operating?

If your hot tub control pad and spa equipment are not operating, that means you have no electrical power to the spa. Turn on or reset the GFCI circuit breaker to supply the spa with power again. If this does not solve the problem, have a qualified Electrician check the electrical service for issues. Another reason your control pad and equipment won’t work is if the fuse (20 or 30A depending on the system) has blown. Contact your authorized Bullfrog Spas Dealer for repair/replacement.

Why are my hot tub jets not working?

If your hot tub jets are surging on and off, the first thing to check is your water level as it might be too low. Adjust water to the water level indication mark on the faceplate of the filter assembly. Next, check your filters as they may be dirty. If so, clean or replace them. If your spa’s jets seem weak or are not working, first double-check to make sure that the valves are open. JetPaks have valves at the bottom that open and close by turning the valve. Adjustable jets on M Series, A Series, R Series, and STIL spas open and close by turning the jet face. Adjustable jets on X Series spas open and close by turning the outer ring. The next thing to check is the suction fitting(s) normally located at the bottom of your spa shell to see if they are blocked. Remove any debris you find by hand or with a spa vacuum. If your jets are not working after filling your spa, you most likely have an airlock in the pump. Follow the directions in the “how do I fix an airlock in the pump” section below.

Why won’t my spa won't work after draining and refilling it?

If your spa pumps/jets are not working after filling your spa, you most likely have an airlock in the pumps. Follow the directions in the “how do I fix an airlock in the pump” section below.

How do I fix an airlock in the pump?

To prevent airlocks when filling your spa, be sure to open all valves in the JetPaks and all other jets in the spa before filling to allow as much air as possible to escape from the system during the filling process. Fill your spa through the filter by taking the filter cap off and put the hose directly in the filter. Detailed instructions for filling each spa series are found in your owner’s manual. Your hot tub’s pumps must be primed directly after filling to ensure correct operation of your spa and get rid of any airlocks. After initial startup, verify that the home status screen appears on the panel. Depending on your spa model, your spa has either 1,2, or 3 pumps. To prime the pumps, press the “Jets 1” button once to prime in low-speed. After the pump turns on and water is visibly flowing from the jets wait a few seconds and then press “Jets 1” again to initiate highspeed operation of Pump 1. The pump has primed when water is flowing from the jets. If your spa is equipped with a second jet pump, repeat the priming process for Pump 2 by pressing the “Jets 2” button once to turn on low speed and then a second time to turn Pump 2 on high. If your spa has a 3rd pump, press the “Jets 3” button to prime the third jet pump. All pumps will have primed when water is observed flowing from the jets associated with each pump. On rare occasions, priming the pumps will not get rid of an airlock. The next step is to remove the front panel and locate the pump with an airlock. The wet-end of the pump has a bleed valve—loosen this until all the air escapes and water starts to drip out, or loosen the union on the pump to let the air out until you see water. Do not attempt this while the spa pump is running. If you need help doing this or this does not resolve the problem, please contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa Dealer.

Why do my spa jets turn off during operation?

If your jets turn off automatically after either 30 or 60 minutes, this is completely normal. The automatic timer has completed its cycle. Simply turn the pump back on to start a new cycle. Another reason your jets can turn off unexpectedly is if the pump has overheated due to the vents on the equipment door being blocked. Clear away any items from the vents and wait a while to see if your jets work again. The last reason your spa jets can turn off is if the pump motor is defective. In this case, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spas dealer for service.

Why are my hot tub jets/pump not turning off?

If you are trying to turn off the pump for jets 1 on your spa and it appears that they are not turning off, your spa is in the middle of a filtration cycle. Spas not equipped with a dedicated filtration pump will turn on automatically, using jet pump 1 on low speed, to filter and/or heat. This is normal spa operation.

What do I do if my spa is leaking?

If you notice your spa is losing water, check all fittings and equipment in the equipment compartment for the source of leakage. If a leak is detected, tighten the fitting by hand. If the leak persists, you cannot find the source of the leak, or the leak is coming from the shell, contact your authorized Bullfrog Spas Dealer.

Draining, Cleaning, and Refilling your Bullfrog Spa

08 August

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A woman touching the water in her bullfrog spa

Draining, Cleaning, and Refilling your Bullfrog Spa

Bullfrog Spas | Maintenance & Water Care, Ownership | No comment

Ever wondered how often you should give your hot tub or swim spa water a refresh? Maintenance is key to a well-taken care of hot tub. Let’s dive into the details of why it’s important, how often you should do it, and how to clean your spa before refilling.

How Often to Drain and Refill Your Spa

The frequency of draining and refilling a hot tub or swim spa can vary depending on several factors, including usage, water quality, and maintenance practices. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to drain and refill your hot tub or swim spa approximately every three to four months. However, here are some considerations that might affect the frequency:

Reasons to Drain Your Hot Tub or Swim Spa

Water Quality

As you use your spa, soap and detergent residues from your skin and bathing suits, along with other substances from maintaining the spa’s water chemistry will accumulate in the spa water and make maintaining the water more difficult. Rinsing your bathing suits and showering without soap prior to entering your spa will increase the life of your spa water.

Chemical Balance

Regularly draining and refilling the hot tub or swim spa allows you to reset the water’s chemical balance. Over time, chemicals used for water sanitation can accumulate and become less effective, affecting water quality and user safety.

Deep Cleaning

While regular chemical maintenance helps keep the water sanitized, draining the tub periodically allows you to thoroughly clean and disinfect all the surfaces, including the shell, jets, and plumbing lines. It will also help prevent bacteria growth and calcium buildup.

Winterizing

Although in most cases winterizing your Bullfrog Spa is unnecessary, there are times when you may consider doing so if you will not be using your spa for 6 weeks or longer. You will need to drain your spa and get rid of all water by following the instructions in the linked article or contacting your local authorized dealer for assistance.

How to Drain Your Bullfrog Spa

Note Before Starting

Drain your spa to an area that can handle a large quantity of water. Avoid drainage that can lead into basement window wells or any other area where damage could occur. If draining water onto vegetation, make sure that the water’s sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine) is less than 0.5 PPM.

Steps To Drain Your Spa:

Step 1: Turn off The main electrical breaker to the spa.

Step 2: Locate the drain below the equipment compartment door.

Step 3: Pull the drain out with a slight clockwise turn. Use pliers if needed. The drain is fully extended at approximately two inches (five centimeters).

Step 4: Remove the drain cap. Note that the drain spout will not drain when fully extended.

Step 5: Attach a standard garden hose. Push the drain spout in halfway to actuate the drain. The spa will drain about 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters) per minute. Ensure that the drainage is in an area safely away from window wells or basement entrances.

TIP: Use a sump pump to remove water faster from your spa.

Step 6: Once the spa is fully drained, pull the drain spout out all the way, remove the hose, replace the drain cap, and push the drain in all the way.

TIP: If any water remains at bottom of spa, use a wet/dry vac to remove all water. Rags or towels may also be needed.

Cleaning the Spa

Once your spa is drained, you are ready to clean areas of the spa that are not normally accessible when filled with water.

Warning: An empty spa without water in it must not be left exposed to sunlight as shell damage may occur. Shade the spa while cleaning and then fill back with water immediately when done.

Shell Surface Care

For normal cleaning of a dry spa, use a mild, diluted, dishwashing soap, window cleaner, or specific spa surface cleaning products recommended by your local authorized dealer. For stubborn stains, use a mild acrylic cleaner or a mild detergent. To apply these cleaners, use a soft, damp cloth or sponge. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.

Avoid using cleaning agents that leave soap residue in the water. Never allow your spa surface to be exposed to alcohol, acetone (nail polish remover), nail polish, dry cleaning solution, lacquer thinners, gasoline, pine oil, abrasive cleaners, or any other household chemicals other than those listed. These chemicals void the warranty.

JetPak Plumbing Care

For optimum spa care, each time the spa water is changed, remove all JetPaks. Clean the back manifold area with a spa surface cleaner and a long, soft bristle brush. For cleaning the JetPak acrylic surface, follow the same instructions above for Shell Surface Care.

Filter Cleaning or Replacement

Now is also a good time to check your filters to see if they need to be replaced or cleaned. Refer to this article about filter maintenance for further instructions.

Pillows

With all the relaxation they provide, it’s no wonder hot tub pillows may require a periodic cleaning. To do so, you simply wipe dirt and grime off with a cloth and mild soap. Non-petroleum based protectant products that maintain water resistance and appearance are also available and are good to use about once a month.

Spa pillows can be prone to discoloration if exposed high sanitizing levels. To minimize discoloration risk, it’s best to take pillows off when shocking your hot tub’s water and leave the cover open for at least 30 minutes afterwards.

Refilling Your Spa

Once your spa is clean, you are ready to refill the water. Make sure to follow the instructions in the linked article or your owner’s manual for proper filling and startup of your Bullfrog Spa.

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AUTHOR - Bullfrog Spas

Bullfrog Spas is a premier brand of personalized premium hot tubs. With proprietary hydromassage technology and an eye for contemporary design, Bullfrog Spas is revolutionizing the concept of the portable hot tub and providing a relaxation experience unlike any other. Discover the award winning spa of the future today.

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Draining, Cleaning, and Refilling your Bullfrog Spa

How Often to Drain and Refill Your Spa

Reasons to Drain Your Hot Tub or Swim Spa

Water Quality

Chemical Balance

Deep Cleaning

Winterizing

How to Drain Your Bullfrog Spa

Note Before Starting

Steps To Drain Your Spa:

Cleaning the Spa

Shell Surface Care

JetPak Plumbing Care

Filter Cleaning or Replacement

Refilling Your Spa

Additional Resources

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