Owners

Most spas on the market today do not have a full support floor on them and do require a slab to be poured. Many warranties will be voided if your spa does not have this support beneath. All Arctic Spas have full support floors. The tubs come standard with a pressure treated pedestal floor which allows you the luxury of using sidewalk blocks or patio stones as well as an existing patio etc. There is also an optional “Forever Floor®” available on an Arctic Spa. This floor is constructed of high pressure stamped fibreglass and gives you the option of placing the hot tub on the grass or level section of your yard.

Here’s the thing, many people do not stay in the same home for 10-20 years. If you’ve done your homework, you’ve probably purchased a mid to high end spa and will take it with you, when or if you move. Be prepared to explain to the prospective buyer of your home why there’s a 8′x 8′ concrete slab in your backyard! Something else to think about, maybe you’re not moving and you do stay in the same home for decades, what if you want to move the tub to a different location? What if your yard has matured and maybe adding a new deck, a fish pond, a tree; well, you can see where this is going. If you’d like to move your Arctic Spa, move it!

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 Renew™ to the vinyl surface and buff.

There are a lot of variables that determine monthly operating costs. Some of these variables include climate, bather load (how often the spa is used), filtration cycles, cost per kilowatt hour in the area, is it a 110v or 220v system and whether or not the spa is foam filled or recovers the waste heat off of the motors.

As you can see there are many factors in determining your monthly costs. Most spas monthly costs are about a dollar a day which is pretty reasonable considering the benefits. Now, if you can recover the heat produced by the motors to heat the water is that going to cost less? It’s certainly not going to cost more, is it?

The dollar a day figure is based on using the spa 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week in a cold Canadian climate.

Typically, a hot tub under normal use needs to be flushed with Fresh Start and drained once every 3-4 months. This is just a guideline as this will depend on volume of water in the spa, as well as bather load.

To best determine when a spa needs to be drained, use either a TDS meter or test strips that read TDS (TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and is the concentration of chemicals or solids in the water). Some spa dealers will have a TDS meter at their shop, and most will carry a good range of test strips. If not, both the meter and the strips are readily available from online suppliers. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the test equipment.

There will be instances when you may need to change the water regardless of the TDS reading or calendar schedule.

• The water may become too foamy, usually a result of either detergent remaining in swimwear after laundering, or cosmetic products.
• The water has become cloudy.
• The water has a noticeable odor or color

These conditions can sometimes be remedied but it usually takes more time and chemicals than draining and starting over. IMPORTANT: be sure to flush your spa with Arctic Pure Fresh Start before draining the water.

First of all, you should prepare yourself for a lot of different theories and views from each manufacturer’s product. There are varying schools of thought on the best way to build a hot tub. You need to listen carefully to these reasons on why to buy that particular product, listen to the salesperson but allow your common sense to be your guide. Arm yourself with questions that are important to you, bring a pad and pencil and make sure you get the answers. Don’t be afraid to interupt during a sales presentation if you didn’t understand something and remember to use your common sense. Make sure to check your local newspapers for sales in your area and keep your ear to the radio and the ads on television. Home and Garden Shows, carnivals, State Fairs, etc. are great ways to cut down on time spent shopping around as most hot tub and spa companies will attend the bigger events.

It’s not!

Like your car, your hot tub needs regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. But it’s not a tough job. Your dealer has all the products and tips you need to make maintaining your Arctic or Coyote spa simple and easy.

Water Maintenance:

Once a week, using test strips or a test kit, check the sanitizer level and pH level in your spa. That takes about 2 minutes. Then make any adjustments required. If the pH is low add pH increaser; if the pH is high add pH decreaser. If the sanitizer (chlorine or bromine) level is low add more and if it is high open the cover and let some of it burn off. Simple?

Once a month bring in a bottle of your spa water to test for other factors. Any dealer should be able to help and explain to you what needs to be added after their test.

Every three months (on average; sooner with heavy bather loads), run some Arctic Pure Fresh Start through your spa, then drain and refill following the instructions in your Owner’s Manual.

Cabinet Maintenance:

Once a month, wipe down the cabinet with Arctic Pure Cover and Cabinet Renew. Once or twice a year, restain the cabinet (search the FAQ for ‘stain’ to get details).

Cover Maintenance:

About once a month, more or less, clean the cover using warm soapy water and Cover and Cabinet Renew. Search the FAQ for ‘cover’ for more details.

Shell Maintenance:

Whenever you add chemicals, be sure to wipe up any spills; it’s important not to leave chemicals in direct contact with the shell, as they may damage the acrylic, and such damage is not covered by warranty.

At every water change, wipe out the shell with Arctic Pure Reflection to keep it sparkling.

Internal Maintenance:

Not really necessary. Still, some owners like to check “under the hood”, and Total Access makes it easy. Once a year, you might take a flashlight and give everything a quick once-over. Also, we offer an annual 21 point inspection service

Each tread on the steps is 11″ deep, so a 2-tier step extends 22″ out from the side of your spa, and a 3-tier step is 33″. The steps are available in 36″, 64″, and 72″ lengths (side to side) to match the size of your spa, or to arrange with planters or corner steps.

If you plan to be away from home for 7-14 days, follow these instructions to ensure that the water quality of your spa is maintained.

1. Adjust pH as needed.
2. Ensure you have sufficient sanitizer to last until you return.
3. Shock the spa with Spa Boost or Refresh.
4. Reduce the temperature setting if you wish.

Upon Your return:

1. Shock the spa with Boost or Refresh.
2. Ensure you have sufficient sanitizer for regular use.
3. Return the temperature to its original setting.

You can use your spa once the residual sanitizer level falls within the ideal range.

Note: If you will not be using your spa for more than 14 days and a neighbor, friend or an outside maintenance service is not available to check and balance the water chemistry, draining or winterizing the spa is recommended.

You need a level surface in order to have an even water level in your tub. This surface has to be firm and solid to prevent uneven settling that can damage the spa. Most hot tub warranties require a 4″ reinforced concrete pad.

With an Arctic spa, the base preparation is quite simple. You just need to be sure that the site is sufficiently firm and level. Our spas have a pressure-moulded fiberglass “Forever Floor” that gives you the option of placing the spa on the lawn or even right on the ground.

Note that a Coyote Spa does require a base or pad of some type. Popular options for both Arctic and Coyote include pavers, sidewalk blocks, timbers, washed rock, and commercial spa pads. Any of these will provide a level, solid, well-drained surface for your new spa.

If the letters “flc” or “FLC” appear on your topside display, this indicates a malfunction with the pressure switch. It could be anything from a loose connection to a failed switch. This is a minor component but requires an authorized technician to repair. Please contact us if this error message appears on your display.

For other error messages, you can refer to the Quick Reference Card (QRC) that came with your hot tub.

The cover of an Arctic Spa is tough and durable marine grade vinyl, but even so, we don’t recommend using a snow shovel with a metal edge. Any of the following should be fine:

• An ordinary push-broom (preferably a clean one with no mud or pebbles embedded in the bristles from sweeping the driveway)
• A plastic snow shovel. Some owners report that a child’s light plastic shovel works well
• A rubber squeegee designed for windows or shop floors – or a specialty product such as the One Sweep
• Many of the snow-removal products recommended for autos work fine for your hot tub cover. Some dealers may carry a product such as the Sno-Brum or the snow rake designed for this purpose.

Probably the most convenient way to keep snow off your hot tub is to cover it with a beautiful Arctic Gazebo as shown here or in our photo album.

Notes:

1. Arctic Spas neither endorses nor recommends the products mentioned. These products are listed for information only.
2. Damage from snow removal, using these or any other methods, is considered normal wear and tear and is not covered under warranty.

Always look for quality. You can find (or not find ) quality in every area of a spa.

Here is a checklist:

• Does it have a full floor? If yes, is it pressure treated wood, fibreglass or a thin plastic sheet?
• How thick is the cabinet? Some are very thin!
• How is the spa insulated? Most spas on the market are what’s commonly called foam filled, meaning the spa cabinet to the underside of the shell is filled with foam insulation. The density of the foam may vary but they all operate on the same principle. The problem with this design, we feel, is the fact that there is no access to any of the plumbing under the shell, not to mention leaving all your expensive equipment to the mercy of Mother Nature. You see, with your pumps, heaters etc. on the wrong side of the insulation, they will not be protected during a power outage or extreme temperatures. We all know that heat travels upwards so why is it so important to have so much insulation down below? We know, most manufacturers are using the foam to support flimsy spa shells. What we do at Arctic Spas, is insulate our floor and walls with a high density foam insulation and do not foam our spa shell. This allows us to utilize the heat generated naturally by the motors to help heat your spa water. We also have access to everything underneath the “hood”. Would you buy a new vehicle if the hood was welded shut? The most vital place to have insulation in your home is in the walls and the attic. Not in the basement, correct? So, let’s make sure we put a nice thick quality spa cover on top!! We’ll get to that later. Ask yourself how many spas you plan on purchasing over the next 20-25 years. Is your answer, one? So let’s make sure we can access the plumbing for future problems 10-20 years from now or, more importantly for future upgrades when the new “gotta have it” spa technology comes out. Common sense.
• What are the capabilities of the jets? Do they turn on and off individually? Do they adjust and can you remove them for service?
• Is the filter easy to remove for cleaning? Is the filter cartridge a readily available universal style? Some manufacturers have created a monopoly on their cartridges as you can only purchase their filters at their price.
• How are the pillows secured? Suction cups tend to tear out. Some are actually screwed into your shell making it tough to get behind for cleaning.
• What type of covers are there? Remember that heat rises and the most important place to insulate your home, as well as a spa, is on top. Most manufacturers offer a standard 3″ flat cover or a 4″x 2″ tapered top. At Arctic Spas we offer the thickest most durable cover in the industry. Our covers are a 5″x 4″ tapered cover. They come with a 3 year warranty. A cover will not last as long as the spas so make sure that you purchase a cover that’s going to withstand snow loads, heavy pets, children and repels moisture. Covers cost between $300.00 – $900.00 so make a wise decision. How many times do you want to replace a cover?
• What’s the warranty? Be very careful here! Many manufacturers warranties are very creatively written using fine print to their advantage. Most warranties are pro-rated, use deductibles or have a standard flat fee before charging you for parts and labor. Always ask for copies of the fine print warranties before signing a deal and study them carefully.

The most common ozone generator on the market is the ultraviolet (UV) lightbulb. UV light naturally converts O2 to O3. The ozone gas created is introduced into the spa water, using the venturi system, via a small jet usually located in the footwell of the spa. Being a lightbulb, this system will last approximately 1 year before it no longer produces ozone gas. As you can see, over time this system will continue to deteriorate.

Another system available, is what’s called a corona discharge (CD) ozonator. Lightening naturally converts O2 to O3. A CD unit creates ozone by arcing, therefore simulating lightning, inside an enclosure. CD ozonators will create ozone for usually 2 to 5 years. The ozone gas itself is again brought in to the spa using the venturi system. Something to think about with both of these systems, using venturi to move the ozone into the spa means this will only be accomplished when the spa pump is running. So either the tub has to be in a filtration cycle, requiring heat or someone has turned on the jets manually. Therefore, ozone will be pumped into the water approximately 8 hours per day.

Either of these systems is better than none at all and each has a different price tag, so ask yourself which one is best for your spa.

No hot tub in North America has such a rating, and to claim one is illegal. If you find an ad or website claiming one of these ratings, it is a trademark violation and you should report the company to the appropriate agency.  And of course, we recommend that you shop for your spa somewhere else.

In Canada, Energy Star is at energystar.gc.ca and EnerGuide is at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energuide/

For violations, please send all relevant details (a scan of the ad, or the URL for a web site) to

Kim Paquette  kpaquett@nrcan.gc.ca

Equipment Labelling Program / Programme d’étiquetage au secteur de l’équipement

Office of Energy Efficiency / Office de l’efficacité énergétique

Natural Resources Canada / Ressources naturelles Canada

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

1 Observatory Crescent, building/édifice # 1, 2 floor/étage

Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E4