Beatrice Lang
Cal Spas are luxurious hot tubs that require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. While Cal Spas are designed to be user-friendly, it is important for owners to be mindful of potential issues and perform routine checks to maintain water quality and the overall functioning of the spa. This includes regularly checking water chemistry and pH levels, as well as keeping an eye (and nose) out for any unusual debris, smells, or water discolouration. In addition, understanding the heating modes and their functions can help users troubleshoot potential issues and maintain the desired water temperature. With proper care and maintenance, Cal Spa owners can relax and enjoy their investment for years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water appearance | Clear, no debris, no scale |
| Water smell | No unusual odours |
| Water pH | 7.2–7.8 |
| Water acidity | Alkalinity increasing agent to be added if too acidic |
| Water alkalinity | Acid agents to be added if too alkaline |
| Water chemistry testing | Test strips or pH test kit |
| Water replacement | Quarterly |
| Filter cleaning | Bi-weekly |
| Filter deep cleaning | Every 3 months |
| Filter replacement | Annually |
| Heating mode settings | 3 modes: default, filtration cycles, sleep mode |
| Error messages | Safety Suction Switch to be replaced |
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What You'll Learn
Check water chemistry and pH balance
Checking the water chemistry and pH balance of your Cal Spas hot tub is a simple process that is essential to maintaining the longevity and performance of your spa. Understanding the chemistry of your spa water can be intimidating at first, but it comes down to understanding three basic concepts: alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer levels.
The alkalinity of your water measures its capacity to neutralize acids. This is the first component of caring for your spa. You can test the alkalinity by dipping a test strip into the hot water. Ideally, your hot tub's alkalinity should fall between 80 and 120 parts per million. If your water is above or below this range, you can increase or decrease the levels using alkalinity-specific chemicals.
The pH balance of your spa measures the water's acidity. A high pH level indicates more acidic water, while a low level indicates more basic water. You can test the pH level with a simple test strip. The ideal pH range for your hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.8, with 7 being the neutral point. If your pH drops below 7.2, the water becomes corrosive and unsafe, potentially causing irritation to the eyes and skin. On the other hand, overly basic water can cause cloudiness and reduce the effectiveness of sanitation.
It is important to check and adjust your pH and alkalinity levels regularly, especially after heavy use. The frequency of use and the number of people using the spa will influence how quickly the pH levels change. After balancing these levels, you can add sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine to keep the water clean and free of bacteria. Always follow the instructions on chemical containers for safe use, and consider consulting spa experts to determine the best type of sanitizer for your water.
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Clean filters regularly
Cleaning your Cal Spas filter regularly is essential to ensure your spa is well-maintained and long-lasting. The filter plays a crucial role in removing debris, dirt, and oil from the water, and regular cleaning maximizes filtering performance and heating efficiency. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your Cal Spas filter regularly:
Bi-Weekly Filter Cleaning
It is recommended to clean your Cal Spas filter every two weeks to ensure minimal blockages and prolong the life of the filter. Start by shutting off the power to the spa before removing the filter to prevent debris from being sucked into the plumbing. Then, use a soft brush and a hose to remove any large particles from the filter. You can also spray the filter weekly to remove surface debris.
Deep Cleaning (Every 3 Months)
A deep clean of your Cal Spas filter is suggested every three months, preferably when you are replacing the water in your spa. First, remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise and then pulling it out. Place the filter in a bucket or a plastic food storage bag filled with enough water to cover the filter. Soak the filter overnight in cleaning agents to thoroughly clean it. Finally, rinse the filter with water and ensure it is completely dry before reinstalling it.
Annual Replacement
With regular spa usage, it is recommended to replace your Cal Spas filter annually. Over time, the filter media breaks down, and a new filter will ensure optimal water filtration and spa performance.
By following these steps and maintaining your Cal Spas filter, you can maximize your spa experience and keep your investment in top condition.
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Drain and refill the hot tub quarterly
While a hot tub is great at keeping itself clean, the water will need to be changed every three to four months. This process involves draining and refilling the hot tub, which should take about two and a half hours.
Step 1: Drain the Hot Tub
First, turn off the power at the breaker. Then, remove all filters and open the drain valve. Place a garden hose into the drain valve and direct the other end to where you want the water to drain. Open the hose to start the water flow and let the hot tub drain completely. Once it's empty, turn off the hose and remove it from the drain valve.
Step 2: Clean the Hot Tub
Before refilling, it's a good idea to clean your hot tub. Use a soft, damp rag to wipe down the shell's interior. If you want to use a cleaning product, check your owner's manual first to ensure it's safe for your hot tub. Finally, rinse the shell with clean water.
Step 3: Refill the Hot Tub
When you're ready to refill the hot tub, simply fill it with fresh tap water. To prevent air bubbles from forming, fill the spa from the correct fill pipe instead of putting the hose directly into the spa shell. Refer to your owner's manual to locate the fill pipe. Depending on the size of your hot tub and hose, it should take about as long to refill as it did to drain.
Water Chemistry
It's important to regularly check the pH level of your water using test strips or a pH test kit. The ideal pH balance for a hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the water is too acidic (below 7.2), add an alkalinity-increasing agent. If it's too alkaline (above 7.8), add an acid agent to lower the pH.
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Replace filters annually
Cal Spas offers replacement cartridge filters for hot tubs and spas. These filters are designed to provide a balance of simple operation, maintenance, affordability, and quality. The filters effectively remove accumulating bacteria, mould, and algae, and prevent potential contaminants from seeping out during the filtration process.
It is recommended to replace spa filters annually, as suggested by manufacturers. However, with proper care, some users have reported longer lifespans of up to 5-7 years. It is important to regularly clean the filters to maintain their effectiveness. The cleaning process involves soaking the filter cartridge for a day and then allowing it to dry thoroughly for up to three days. This ensures the proper opening of the filtering pores. Additionally, products like Pleatco FilterWash, a fizz cleaning tablet, can be used to deeply penetrate and clean the filter cartridge.
To ensure continuous filtration and water purity, it is advisable to keep a spare filter on hand while cleaning. Spa-Daddy.com offers a range of Cal Spas replacement spa filters and provides convenient searching options by manufacturer name, model number, or filter size. They cater to international clients and deliver products directly to their customers' doors.
By replacing filters annually and maintaining proper cleaning practices, Cal Spas users can optimise the performance and longevity of their hot tubs and spas, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
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Check heating mode settings
Checking and changing the heating mode settings on your Cal Spa is a straightforward process. Firstly, it is important to note that the heating mode settings will differ depending on the model and age of your Cal Spa. For example, older models may have very basic controls, with just a thermostat to set the desired temperature and a pump control with low and high-speed modes. Newer models, on the other hand, may have multiple heating modes.
If you have a newer model, your Cal Spa may have a Ready mode, which is an excellent option for the winter months. In this mode, your spa will circulate water and check its temperature every 30 minutes. If the temperature falls below the set level, the heater will turn on. During the summer, you may prefer to switch to Rest mode, where the spa will only heat during the filtration cycle. This can be manually overridden by activating the jets, which will heat the water to the set temperature. To switch between these modes, follow these steps:
- Press either the "Temperature Up" or "Temperature Down" button.
- While the temperature is flashing, press the "Lights" button.
- Keep pressing "Lights" until you reach the "MODE" setting.
- Press the "Temperature Up" or "Down" button to toggle between "SET READY" and "SET REST".
- Press the "Lights" button to confirm your selection.
If your Cal Spa has three heating modes, you can change between them by pressing "TEMP" followed by "LIGHT".
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Frequently asked questions
If your Cal Spa electric system is working, it should heat up to the set temperature and maintain this when heat is needed. If your spa is not heating up, check your water level and clean your filters. Make sure all jets are open as older filters can restrict water flow.
You should clean your filters bi-weekly to ensure minimal blockages and maximise the life of your filter. A simple cleaning can be done with a soft brush and hose to dig out any large particles and clear the filter for better flow. You should also do a deep clean of your filter around every three months, pairing this with a routine water replacement. It is recommended to do a full filter replacement annually.
If there is insufficient water detected in the heater, this may be indicated by the spa only heating within 20 degrees of the set temperature. Check your water level and clean your filters. Make sure the pump is primed.
