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Arctic Spas Manuals

A01 – Owners Manual

15. Spa Care and Maintenance

Spa Care and Maintenance

 

Your Arctic Spa® is manufactured from the highest quality, most durable materials available. Even so, the spa care and maintenance program you develop will ultimately determine how long your spa and its individual components will last. Regular maintenance following the advice in this section will help you to protect your investment.

IMPORTANT: Before performing any maintenance on your spa, make a visual inspection of the spa to get an understanding of what condition it may be in and if anything looks out of the ordinary. If any part appears to be damaged, loose or missing, do not proceed. Contact your Factory Authorized Dealer immediately

IMPORTANT: : If using traditional chemicals remember to change your water every three to four months. If using SpaBoy you can get 6 months to two years in between water changes.

Custom and Classic Series Draining the Water

Detergent residues and dissolved solids from bathing suits and chemicals will gradually accumulate in your spa’s water. Normally, in about three to four months the water will become difficult to balance and should be replaced. Showering without using soap prior to entering the spa or using only the rinse cycle when laundering your bathing suit will help to reduce detergent residue in the spa water. However, foam problems are more likely to be caused by a build up of organic pollutants in the spa, mostly from body oils. If you’re using your spa frequently with a high bather load the water will need to be replaced more often. Spa water gradually loses quality because of buildups of unfilterable pollutants.

To Drain Your Spa:

  1. Shut off the GFCI /RCD breaker located in the sub panel or the quick disconnect.
  2. Locate the hose adapter and thread on to your garden hose.
  3. Remove the drain plug, and thread in the adapter.
  4. When the adapter is threaded all the way in the drain will automatically open and begin draining.

Note: All Arctic Spas® models will drain through the floor drain. Equipment such as the pump(s) and heater will drain. All models will leave a small amount of water in the foot well. Any water remaining in the plumbing or equipment after draining will only need to be removed if the spa is being winterized.

  1. When empty, inspect the spa shell and clean as required.
  2. Close the drain valve.
  3. Refill the spa BEFORE restoring power.

To Drain Your Spa

 

Core Series Draining the Water

To Drain Your Core Spa:

  1. Shut off the GFCI RCD breaker located in the sub panel or the quick disconnect.
  2. Locate and remove the drain plug.
  3. Thread your garden hose in the adapter.
  4. When the Hose is threaded in, pull the hose and the drain will open and begin draining.

Core Series Draining the Water

Custom Series Filtration System

Filter Cartridge Removal and Installation For Custom

  1. Put the Spa in Standby mode using sds button on the topside control panel.
  2. Remove the telescoping filter Insert.
  3. Remove Pre-Filter.
  4. Grab handle and pull up sharply to remove filter cartridge.
  5. Insert new Filter cartridge

Custom Series Filtration System

The use of Clarifiers and Foam inhibitors is not recommended with disposable filters!

Arctic Spas® are equipped with balanced filtration, meaning that the filter cartridges are sized to meet the needs of the pump system. As with any water filtering system, the filter cartridge may become clogged, resulting in reduced water flow. It is important to maintain a clean, unobstructed filter system.

Classic and Core Series Filter Cartridge Removal and Installation

  1. Put the spa in Standby mode using the on/off button on the topside control panel.
  2. Remove the telescoping filter cylinder
  3. Unscrew the filter cartridge and either clean the reusable filter or discard the disposable filter.
  4. Re-thread the clean or new filter.
  5. Slide the telescoping filter cylinder back into the filter bucket.
  6. We recommend that your filter cartridge be replaced with an Arctic Pure® disposable filter cartridge every three (3) months.

IMPORTANT: With reusable filters, it is necessary to rinse the filter cartridges weekly. Every month, and each time the spa is drained for cleaning, clean the cartridges in filter cleaner. (With Arctic Spas disposable filters, simply replace the cartridge whenever the spa is drained, or about every three months).

Care of Spa Pillows

The spa pillows used in many of the Arctic Spas® models will provide years of comfort if treated with care. They have been positioned above the water level to minimize the bleaching effects of chlorinated water and other spa water chemicals. To extend their life, whenever the spa shell is being cleaned, the spa pillows should be removed and cleaned. Body oils can be removed with a mild soap and water solution. ALWAYS rinse off the spa pillows thoroughly to remove any soap residue. The pillows can be conditioned with Arctic Pure® Cover and Cabinet Renew after cleaning. If the spa is not going to be used for a long period of time (that is, during a vacation or if the spa is being winterized), or when the spa water is being super-chlorinated, the spa pillows should be removed until the next use of the spa.

To remove and adjust the Custom spa pillows:

  1. Pull the pillow directly upwards until it is fully extended. Next to the acrylic of the shell, there is a button that you press to allow you to pull the pillow upwards and out completely.
  2. To reinstall the spa pillow, push the button and carefully insert pillow.

Removing the Custom spa pillows

To Adjust the Core Spa Pillows:

  1. Pull up on the pillow to extend to its highest level
  2. Push down for its lowest level

Adjust the Core Spa Pillows

Care of the Spa Shell

Your Arctic Spa® has a fiberglass reinforced, Aristech® cast acrylic shell. Stains and dirt generally will not adhere to your spa’s surface. A soft cloth or sponge should easily remove most dirt. Most household chemicals are harmful to your spa’s shell. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or vinegar can also be used for minor surface cleaning. Always thoroughly rinse off any spa shell cleaning agent with fresh water.

Service Notes:

  1. Iron and copper in the water can stain the spa shell if allowed to go unchecked. Your Arctic Spas® Dealer stocks Arctic Pure® Best Defence to use if your spa water has a high concentration of dissolved minerals.
  2. The use of alcohol or any household cleaners other than those listed to clean the spa shell surface is NOT recommended. DO NOT use any cleaning products containing abrasives or solvents since they may damage the shell surface. Damage to the shell by the use of harsh chemicals is not covered under the warranty.

 

MANUAL SAFETY COVER

manual safety cover

 

Care of the Spa Cover

WARNING: The cover is a manual safety cover that meets or exceeds all prevailing requirements of ASTM Standards for spa safety covers when installed and used correctly as of the date of manufacture. Nonsecured or improperly secured covers are a hazard. Open the cover to its fully open position before use. Be sure to inspect the cover for premature wear or deterioration. Over time, with use, there is a chance of normal cover wear and deterioration. To properly maintain your cover see directions below.

Vinyl Cover

The vinyl spa cover is an attractive, durable foam insulation product. Monthly cleaning and conditioning is recommended to maintain its beauty.

To clean and condition the vinyl cover:

  1. Remove the cover from the spa and gently lean it against a wall or fence.
  2. With a garden hose, spray the cover to loosen and rinse away dirt or debris.
  3. Using a large sponge and/or a soft bristle brush, and using a very mild soap solution or baking soda, scrub the vinyl top in a circular motion. Do not let the vinyl dry with a soap film on it before it can be rinsed clean.
  4. Scrub the cover’s perimeter and side flaps. Rinse clean with water.
  5. Rinse off the underside of the cover with water only (use no soap), and wipe it clean with a dry rag.
  6. To condition the cover after cleaning, apply a thin film of Arctic Pure® Cover and Cabinet Renew to the vinyl surface and buff.

 

Weather Shield Care and Cleaning

Weather Shield The material used to make covers is a solution dyed polyester fabric designed to be flexible and easy to maintain. Its urethane coating enhances the stability of the weave and allows for greater water resistance, while also minimizing shrinkage and stretching. Weather Shield features a high UV, water, mold and mildew resistance and has excellent tear and abrasion resistance.

  1. Care and Cleaning: Weather Shield is designed to be easy to maintain. It can be washed, or brushed off and rinsed. Proper care and cleaning is important to maximaize the life of all fabrics.
  2. For normal Care and Cleaning: Add 2 ounces of mild soap such a Woolite or Dawn dishwashering liquid to a gallon of lukewarm water. Clean the fabric with a “soft bristle brush”. Rinse thoroughly cold water and air dry.
  3. For Stubborn Stains: Make a mixture of bleach and water by adding a maximum of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Spray the mixture on lightly to the fabric face (non-coated side). Do not soak the fabric. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can damage the coating. Rinse immediately. Do not leave on for more than 2 minutes. Cleaning with harsh cleaners such as bleach will require a retreatment like 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.

Care of the Spa Cabinet

Cedar Cabinet: When properly cared for, the wood cabinet of your spa will maintain its beauty for many years. Your Arctic Spa cabinet has been specially treated with Olympic Maximum Wood Stain. Use this stain or a similar product on a regular basis to protect the wood of the cabinet and keep your spa looking great for years to come.

The easiest method of maintaining your cedar cabinet and to keep your cedar cabinet looking as good as the day your spa was first delivered, is to apply one coat of oil to your cedar cabinet twice a year. Just before summer and again at the end of summer are the best times. In between oiling your cedar cabinet you can also clean and rejuvenate your cedar cabinet with Arctic Pure Cover and Cabinet Renew.

No Maintenance Cabinet:

Hot soapy water is the best choice for cleaning the NOM cabinets. The NOM cabinets are a hard material with a non-porous surface, therefore it does not readily stain and most spills do not stick. Any water- based household cleaner can be used to clean the surface, including Windex, 409, Pledge, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Simple Green and citrus cleaners. Avoid any cleaner that contains solvents or harsh chemicals. If unsure of the cleaner, test on a small area before cleaning. Although not commonly necessary, the NOM cabinets can be pressure-washed.

Winterizing Your Spa

If you plan to leave your spa unused for a long period of time in severely cold weather, you should drain the spa to avoid accidental freezing due to a power or equipment failure.
We recommend your local authorized dealer winterize your spa. Freezing can severely damage your spa. Improper winterizing of your spa can void your warranty.