NEW HOT TUB FAQ'S
My new hot tub just arrived. Now what? Unwrapping it, removing stickers, checking unions, drain bib, electrical, product warranty, etc.
Be careful when unwrapping your new spa. While the protective cover is very durable, it is thin and a blade can damage the spa. Use scissors and trim up along the corners carefully to loosen the bag and remove it.
When you receive your spa, the electrical GFCI should already be in place. Please refer to the Owner’s Manual for more information on the GFCI.
It is a good idea to have the electrician onsite at the time of spa delivery to address any problems or concerns that may arise. The electrical connections to the spa can be made once the spa is set in the desired location.
The electrician will need to access the equipment area to hook up the spa. The Owner’s Kit will be found in the equipment area. Take a minute to go through the kit, verifying its content including the Owner’s Manual, Water Care Guide, Spa Warranty registration and hose bib.
How do I locate my spa’s serial number?
You can find your serial number on a tag in the bottom left-hand corner of the spa’s base.
I want to get my new hot tub ready for first use. Now what? Filling it with water for the first time, adding chemicals, etc.
Read through your Water Care Guide and the start-up section of your Owner’s Manual. It will explain important steps to be taken before filling the spa.
Verify you have the necessary chemicals for a proper “first start-up.”
Confirm with your dealer that your local water source does not need any special pre-treatment prior to normal start-up.
Fill the spa with water.
The pH affects the chlorine level and alkalinity affects the pH. Therefore it is important to adjust the total alkalinity first, then the pH and then the chlorine level, in that order. After each use, add two tablespoons of Dichlor (the chlorine additive for your spa) and run the spa for 10 minutes.
With the pumps running, check and adjust:
- Total Alkalinity between 125 and 150 parts per million
- pH level between 7.2 and 7.6
Now “super-chlorinate” your spa. Super-chlorinating means that you need to add Dichlor to the water until your chlorine indicator gets up to 10 parts per million (Do not use Bromine with a D1 supplied Vision cartridge!). You can also use any “Flush” products to ensure your spa is clean on startup. Follow the instructions on the Flush product of your choice. This step is only necessary for first time fill-ups or for spas that have been shut down for a period of time. You do not need to do this during regular refills.
Operate your spa’s circulation system for at least two hours
Dimension One recommends that you drain your spa and re-fill it. This will make sure that you are off to a clean start with your new hot tub!
Rinse out your Vision cartridge to remove any loose dust or fragments that may have been created during shipping.
When installing your Vision cartridge (48 hours after adding Sequestrant is strongly recommended), be sure to adjust the reminder date ring on top.
Once the spa is filled, be sure to check the box containing your spa’s cover. Verify the warranty is in the box as well as the clips that are used to secure the cover straps to the spa.
SEASONAL CONCERNS
If I’m not going to use my hot tub in the winter, what is the best way to store it so that I don’t have problems in the spring when I start using it again?
You have two options when considering how to manage your spa in the winter. Most people buy their hot tub with the intention of using it when the outside temperature is coldest. This is when it is the most enjoyable! Also, keeping hot water in your tub is the safest way to prevent freezing damage.
If the outside temperature is just too cold, or if the spa is not in use in the winter months, then the best option is to drain and winterize your hot tub. We recommend that you work with your dealer on winterizing your spa to insure that it is done properly. Improper winterization is not typically covered under your warranty.
I won’t be using my hot tub in the summer because it is too hot. Is it best to drain it or keep the water in my hot tub and continue my normal water maintenance?
As with winter use, the safest situation for the longevity of your hot tub is to leave the water in it and keep it running at optimal levels. The difference with summer is that you can turn the temperature down, save energy, and enjoy a “cool tub” in the summer months.
WATER CHEMISTRY
How do I manage my water chemistry in my spa?
When you first install your hot tub, it is a good idea to bring in a sample of your water to your hot tub dealer. Chemical balance is not difficult, but you first want to find out the hardness, mineral, and calcium levels of the water in your area. It may be necessary to initially treat your water to take care of these problems. Once your dealer has helped you to prepare your water, balancing your Alkalinity, pH, and chemical level is as easy as purchasing a chemical kit from your dealer and following the directions. Water maintenance should not take more than a couple minutes a week, and should become an afterthought with a month of ownership.