Owner`s manual
34
Maintenance
Water Chemistry
Tap water that is safe to drink is not always safe for a spa.
Normal tap water is usually lled with minerals and micro-
contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye. Properly
testing and treating your spa water is essential for the health
of the spa as well as the people using it. Proper chemical
maintenance will help control and prevent the following:
• Bacteria, algae, and fungi, which can spread disease and
infection to humans
• Staining and scale build-up on the spa shell, equipment,
and piping
• Clogged lters
CAUTION: Important Instructions. Always:
• Follow chemical manufacturers’ instructions
• Use an accurate test kit to perform all chemical tests
• Never mix chemicals
• Add chemicals directly to the spa, evenly spreading the
chemicals over the surface of the water or use an
appropriate feeding or metering device
• Run the lter pump on high speed for at least 15 minutes
after applying chemicals
• Check chemical levels often
• Note that names of spa chemicals will vary from one
manufacturer to another
• Contact your authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer with questions
Overview of Water Chemistry
Water Quality Maintenance
Maintaining the quality of the spa water within specied limits
will enhance your enjoyment of the spa and prolong the life
of its equipment. It is a fairly simple task, but it requires regular
maintaining because the water chemistry involved is a
balance of several factors. There is no simple formula and
there is no avoiding it. A careless attitude regarding water
maintenance will result in poor and potentially unhealthful
conditions for bathing and possible damage to your spa. For
specic guidance on maintaining water quality, consult your
authorized Bullfrog Spa dealer who can recommend
appropriate chemical products for sanitizing and maintaining
your spa.
Sanitation
Sanitizers kill bacteria and viruses and keep the water clean.
A low sanitizer level will allow bacteria and viruses to grow
quickly in the spa water. To raise the sanitizer level, simply add
an approved sanitizer. A high sanitizer level can cause
discomfort to eyes, lungs and skin. To lower the sanitizer level,
simply wait – the sanitizer level will naturally drop over time.
Effective and safe sanitizers include Granular Chlorine
(Dichlor-type only) and Granular Bromine.
NOTE: Increased use of the spa (or in the number of users of
the spa) will result in the need to increase the amount of
sanitizer required to maintain the recommended sanitizer
level.
NOTE: Ozone purication is recommended only as a
supplement to the above sanitizers. The Bullfrog WellSpring
™
Ozone Puriers greatly enhance the quality of the spa water
when used in conjunction with an industry standard spa
chemical maintenance program.
CAUTION: Never use ozone as a single-source sanitizer,
water clarifer, stain & scale inhibitor or foam inhibitor.
WARNING: Trichlor Chlorine tablets should never be used in
a portable spa. Dissolve rate, potency and the extreme low
pH of this chemical can cause severe damage to the spa
surface and components. Use of Trichlor Chlorine tablets will
void the warranty.
WARNING: Bromine and Dichlor tablets are also not
recommended as an acceptable sanitizer in a Bullfrog
Spa or Tadpole Hot Tub unless in an appropriate feeding
or metering device. Inconsistency in its application and
excessive Bromine or Chlorine in the spa can cause surface
damage and component failure. Use of either of these
sanitizer tablets in any automatic “oating-type” tablet
feeder will require more frequent monitoring and testing.
Misuse of Bromine or Dichlor tablets will void the warranty.
WARNING: Products containing Baguanide (Baqua) are
also not recommended for use in your spa. These products
are known to deteriorate light lenses, pump seals and other
spa components. Misuse of Baquanide products will void the
warranty.
Super Sanitation
Normal sanitation does not eliminate Chloramines (trapped
Chlorine), Bromamines (trapped Bromine), along with other
non-lterable wastes, such as perspiration, oils, hair sprays,
etc. that can build up in the water. These substances make
the water unattractive in appearance and odor, and can
interfere with sanitizer effectiveness. Super Sanitizing (or
“shocking” or “Super Chlorinating”) the spa water is achieved
when the sanitizer level reaches or exceeds 10.0 PPM with
granular Chlorine (Dichlor), or 22.0 PPM with granular
Bromine (Bromine concentrate). Super Sanitation can also be
achieved with a non-Chlorine shock (Potassium
Maintenance