Video FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Brand New Hot Tub
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- 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.
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- 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 you're 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.
Filters
How and when should I clean my filters?
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- Your spa will prompt you to clean your filters on a monthly basis. The prompt will indicate whether to clean your filters by rinsing them with a garden hose or by cleaning them in a special filter solution. If you are a new spa owner, you should visually inspect your filters as they may need more or less care, depending on the degree of actual spa use: the more you use your spa, the more frequently you'll need to clean your filters.
- First, make sure the spa is in "Standby mode" or turned off at the breaker.
- Locate the filters and remove the skimmer basket and filter covers.
- Turn the filter counter-clockwise to release it from the filter screen.
- Lift the filter slowly from the spa. This is a good time to check the amount of debris. If there is always a large amount of debris on the filters when you remove them, it is better to rinse them with the hose more often. If there is very little debris, they can endure more use before being cleaned.
- At this point it is also advised that the inner filter screen be cleaned. Please refer to the FAQ instructions on the inner filter.
- Place the filter upright in an area accessible via the garden hose and rinse the pleats under moderate pressure. Go around the entire filter, sweeping the hose from top to bottom, then turn it upside down and repeat. You should see the dirt rinse away.
- If it is time to soak the filter in a solution, rinse the filter as already noted. Now follow the directions on the filter cleaning solution, which is often called "Filter Cleaner" or "Filter Degreaser." Note that during a spa drain and refill, soaking the filters is recommended.
- D1 recommends having a spare set of filters clean and ready to go to avoid any spa use downtime. The newly cleaned filters can be set aside for the next scheduled swap out.
- After one year of service, D1 recommends replacement filters be purchased and installed in your spa.
How often should I replace my filters?
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- After one year of spa usage, D1 recommends that you purchase new replacement filters and discard the old ones.
How and when should I remove the filter's inner screen for cleaning?
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- The inner filer screen should be checked for debris each time the spa asks you to soak your filters in filter cleaner solution or about every 2 months.
- To remove the filter screen, first remove the UltraPure filter. This filter sits under the flat cover, not the skimmer basket.
- Then locate the E-Z lock screen that the filter attaches to. Notice the two tabs that hold this E-Z lock to the filter plate bottom. To remove it, squeeze the E-Z lock on the sides adjacent to the tabs noted before and pull it straight up. This squeeze should push the holding tabs outward and allow for easier removal.
- Once the E-Z lock is detached, the inner screen can be removed from it, cleaned with the hose and replaced.
- Refer to photos and instructions in your Owner's Manual also.
Jets
- The jet insert can be turned clockwise to allow more water flow or counter clockwise to reduce it. You can also increase pressure to a specific set of jets via the selector knob on select spas.
How and when should I remove the jets for cleaning?
- One or two jets should be removed and checked during each drain and refill, which should occur about every four months, depending on how much you use your hot tub.
- If there is sign of calcium or mineral build-up, all of the jets should be removed and cleaned. There is clear evidence of build-up if it's difficult for you to adjust your jets or if jets are stuck completely. Scrubbing with a 3M pad on both the jet insert and inner jet body should remove the build-up.
- Be sure that if you are scrubbing many jets that the water is completely flushed from the spa.
- Calcium and other metals do not disappear over time and will reattach to spa surfaces if not removed completely.
Cleaning Hot Tub Shell, Cover & Cabinet
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- The spa shell should be cleaned when the spa is drained and refilled. Use a "cheesecloth" rag or other soft rag to clean the spa surface while the spa drains. Be sure to rinse all of the excess water in the spa completely so that any deposits or minerals removed from the shell won't have a chance to adhere to the shell again after you refill the spa with water. You can do this by leaving the spa drain open while you rinse.
- Some dealers will carry shell cleaning products such as Waterline cleaner that may also be used to clean the spa shell.
- For more difficult to remove stains on the UltraLife shell, Soft Scrub with bleach can be used along with a gentle to moderate sponge or 3M pad to scrub the area clean. Be sure to test in an inconspicuous area and avoid scrubbing so hard that the you scratch the shell. Rinse the Soft Scrub completely from the spa before refilling.
- Your dealer can also provide a shell polish to restore luster, used after the shell is cleaned.
- Refer to your Owner's Manual or consult with your dealer for more information on cleaning your spa's shell.
How and when should I clean the spa's cover?
- D1's Envirotect spa cabinets should be cleaned with soap and water as needed.
- The Terracina Oak (simulated woodgrain) cabinet can be cleaned periodically with any non-abrasive household cleaner. To remove stains, use the 3M Graffiti Remover system.
- The Terracina Stone cabinet should be cleaned with soap and water using a soft cloth to wipe the surface. Do not use abrasives. In addition, the Stone surface can be waxed after cleaning. D1 recommends using Simonize, Aero Wax or Glo-Coat. Before using these waxes, however, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions before starting.
Replacing Parts
How and when should I replace my ozone generator or bulb?
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- The ozone generator lamp has an effective life of 18 to 24 months. Although the lamp may still glow, it is no longer producing enough ozone to be effective. Contact your dealer to have the ozone generator replaced.
How and when should I replace my Vision Cartridge?
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- The Vision Cartridge should be replaced every 6 months.
How and when should I replace any of the spa LED or other lights?
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- D1 includes a light tool and instructions in your Owner's Kit, which was included inside of your new hot tub when it was first delivered.
- This tool can be used to replace any burnt out light bulbs. Please follow the instructions for removal and replacement.
- Please note the spa must be drained to access the underwater light. Also take care not to allow the outer portion of the light body to turn (i.e., use the light tool to hold this in place) since this is a critical water seal. Access to the inner portion only is needed in order to access the bulb.
How do I order hot tub supplies and parts?
- Parts and accessories for D1 hot tub and AFS products can be ordered through your nearest D1 dealer. Use the "Dealer Lookup" function on the www.d1spas.com to find the dealer nearest you.
- You can also order many such items online at www.d1spas.com.
Key Maintenance Qs & As
How and when should I change my hot tub's water?
- Refer to the Water Care Guide for more information on draining your spa if you reside in a region that exhibits adverse water conditions.
- Before draining the spa, be sure the power is turned off at the breaker.
- Locate the hose bib which was attached to your spa during your initial spa set-up.
- Unscrew the cap to the bib and thread on the female end of your garden hose. Place the other end of the hose in a location safe for water drainage.
- To start the water flow, turn the valve on the hose bib 90 degrees. Remember to close this once the spa is drained completely.
- While the spa is drained, it is a good time to perform other spa maintenance duties, such as:
- Cleaning the shell (please see the FAQ that addresses this subject; and see your dealer for a list of recommended cleaning products).
- Cleaning the cover (see the FAQ that addresses this subject; and see your dealer for a list of recommended cleaning products).
- Cleaning the filters (see the FAQ that addresses this subject).
- Drain and refill your spa about every 3 to 4 months as long as water quality, cleanliness and clarity are being maintained. Your spa will show a maintenance reminder when it is time to drain and fill it.
- Once the spa is filled, perform any pre-treatment that your dealer has recommended for your local water. This might include adding stain and scale control and removing metal.
- 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 and run the spa for 10 minutes.
- Using the appropriate test strips, test and adjust your spa's:
- Total alkalinity, which should be between 125 and 150 parts per million
- pH, which should be between 7.2 and 7.6
- Chlorine, which should be approximately 1-3 parts per million
- Add your new Vision cartridge to the appropriate filter. For Reflections or Bay spas, add it to the filter with the cap on it. For @Home hot tubs, add the Vision cartridge to the filter with the basket.
How do I properly maintain my spa's water chemistry and balance over time?
- 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 and run the spa for 10 minutes.
- Regularly checking the chemistry of your spa water is an important component of a sound spa care program. We recommend the use of Dimension One Spas' Vision cartridge along with low levels of chlorine to maintain correct chemistry levels. Other ways of managing your water are available, but we are going to cover this method in depth, as it is the best way to keep your spa water clean, clear and safe while minimizing the chemical levels in your water.
- What is a Vision cartridge? Inside the cartridge is a silver ionizer that kills bacteria and reduces (not eliminates) the need for a chemical sanitizer such as chlorine. It also softens the water, which, with less chemical in the water, makes your water feel great!
- Again, the 3 most important things to check and adjust in this order are:
- Total alkalinity
- pH level
- Chlorine residual
- Maintaining proper levels of these key items will make your spa's water clear, comfortable and safe, and will help protect the spa's shell surface and equipment.
- Test the alkalinity, pH, and chlorine residual to ensure proper levels. If you are using your spa very frequently, you may have to test your spa more often to keep the measurements at the recommended levels. Remember, alkalinity should be 125-150ppm; pH should be 7.2 - 7.6; and chlorine residual should be 1-3ppm. You will start to get a feel for what to add and how much during the few months of owning a spa, and soon this procedure will be second nature for you.
- If foaming occurs, don't be alarmed. Foaming usually occurs from soap residue in bathing suits or hair and can be easily removed. Use the recommended dosage of Anti-Foam, which breaks the soap bubbles and eliminates the foam on contact.
- Add shock to your Dimension One Spa every week to 2 weeks to keep the water clear. Read the instructions on the shock product you are using to determine how much to add to the spa water.
- You'll want to test the calcium hardness of your spa's water on a monthly basis. The ideal level of calcium hardness is 100 to 200 parts per million or ppm. The only way to reduce the concentration of calcium is to dilute it with water or empty your spa and refill it with new water. Calcium levels build up over time and can damage equipment in your spa. If you are over the 200 ppm mark, it's probably time to change your water.
- You should also clean your filters (and inner filter screens) on a regular basis. See the filter cleaning instructions for more information. Also consult your owner's manual to make sure your spa control has the filter replacement times set correctly. Then your spa will remind you when it's time to clean or rinse your filters.
- Every 4 to 6 months, you'll want to completely drain and refill your spa according to the refill section of your Water Care Guide. You can also clean and polish your spa's shell during this process. This may need to be done more or less often, depending on other factors, such as your level of use. See your Owner's Manual or contact your authorized Dimension One dealer for more details.
- Depending on your spa model, you probably have an ozone generator. The great part about ozone is that it is another non-chemical way to reduce the use of chemical sanitizers in your spa.
- Ozone is part of Dimension One's UltraPure Water Management System. To learn more about this fabulous system, make sure to consult with your dealer or read up on it on the D1 Website. Note that the ozone generator, much like a light bulb in your house, starts to lose its effectiveness over time and eventually stops producing ozone.
- The ozone generator's replacement bulb can be found at your local dealer. Please talk with your local dealer to select the right replacement part and determine whether or not you need your dealer's help to do the replacement.
- We recommend you replace your ozone generator every 18 months to ensure proper function.
- The Dimension One UltraPure Water Management System gives you the cleanest water in the industry. But like your car, it needs regular maintenance. Take care of it, and it will take care of you!
Weekly Care
Monthly Care
Every 4-6 Months
What Else You Should Know
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- No spa is chemical-free. Auxiliary sanitizers such as ozone and Vision reduce the usage of chlorine or bromine but don't entirely eliminate their need for their use.
Can I buy an extended warranty?
- Extended warranties are not available from Dimension One Spas
- Please contact the D1 dealer who you purchased your D1 spa from to arrange a service visit. Use the "Dealer Lookup" function on the www.d1spas.com to find the dealer nearest you.
Why, when and how do I prime either the circulation or jet pumps?
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- After the first-ever filling of your spa with water and after every drain-and-refill, the pumps should be cycled to ensure that they are primed.
- Running pumps dry will damage the pumps. Be sure to remove the two "bleeders" next to the filters when filling the spa. After the spa is filled and the power restored, turn on each pump. If it does not pump water after a few seconds, turn it off.
- Usually repeated starts and stops will cause the pump to prime. Severe cases may require loosening a fitting. Be sure to check that the circulation pump is primed. You can tell it is primed by observing the bubbles from the ozone jet.