Hot Spring Limelight Collection Quick Start Guide
Your guide to quickly and easily setting up your new Hot Spring Limelight Collection spa.
Getting Started with Your Hot Spring® Spa
Congratulations on your new Limelight Collection spa! This guide helps you set up your hot tub quickly and easily. For a digital copy of your full owner's manual, safety and electrical guides, and the FreshWater® Salt System start-up guide, scan the QR code or visit www.hotspring.com.
Follow these 9 steps to experience the rejuvenation a Hot Spring spa offers.
Here's What You'll Need
Required:
- Your chosen water care start-up kit (FreshWater Salt System or other water care system)
- FreshWater 5-Way Test Strips
- FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up
- FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down
- Garden hose
Recommended:
- FreshWater Clean Screen® Pre-Filter and/or On The Go®
- FreshWater Mineral Spa Sanitizer
- FreshWater Concentrated Chlorinating Granules
- FreshWater Vanishing Act® pillow or Vanishing Act XL
- FreshWater Cover Shield
Follow These 9 Simple Steps
1. Safely Connect Your Spa
Hire or consult an electrician to safely connect your spa. Your local dealer can suggest vendors or assist with installation.
2. Test Your Fill Water
Before filling, take a water sample to your local dealer for testing to identify high levels of metals, phosphates, and/or calcium. Your dealer can recommend an appropriate water treatment program.
3. Fill Your Spa
A. Close the spa's drain (located at the bottom front).
B. Flush your garden hose before filling.
C. Fill the spa through the filter compartment, ideally using the Clean Screen pre-filter hose attachment, until the water level is one inch (2.5 cm) above the highest jet.
D. Replace the filter compartment cover.
[Diagram: Spa drain located at the bottom front of the spa. Fill through the filter compartment.]
CAUTION: Filling through the basin can cause an airlock and difficulty starting the spa.
4. Power On Your Spa
After filling, turn on the power at the breaker panel.
- 115-volt models: Connect the GFCI to the waterproof receptacle and push the RESET button.
- 230-volt models: Open the electrical subpanel and switch on the GFC breakers.
B. Close and secure the subpanel door.
5. Set the Water Temperature
A. Use the control panel to set your desired temperature, at least 95°F (33°C). Recommended temperatures are between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C).
B. Place the cover on the spa and allow the water to heat up for approximately 24 hours.
[Icon: 24 hours clock]
6. Set Up Your Watercare System
If using the FreshWater® Salt System, open the starter kit and follow setup instructions or scan the QR code. Note: The Salt System activates at 95°F (35°C).
Alternatively, follow your dealer's directions for your chosen water care system.
7. Test the Jets
Check jet operation and purge air from the heating system:
- A. Ensure all diverters are set to the middle position.
- B. Turn on all jet pumps via the control panel (refer to "Using the Control Panel" section).
- C. Verify each jet's function at low and high speeds. Strong, non-surging water flow indicates proper operation. If surging occurs, turn jets off for five seconds, then back on.
- D. Cycle through all diverter valves to flush systems.
- E. Turn off all jets.
[Diagram: Illustration showing diverters in the center position for testing.]
8. Balance Your Water
A. Dip a FreshWater® 5-Way Test Strip into the water for two seconds, shake once, and compare to the scale on the bottle to test pH, alkalinity, calcium, and chlorine levels.
[Diagram: Hot Spring 5-Way Test Strip with color comparison chart.]
B. Adjust levels to meet target ranges. Refer to your owner's manual or the FreshWater Salt System owner's manual for detailed balancing information.
C. Target levels:
- Total alkalinity (TA): 40-120 ppm
- pH: 7.2-7.8
- Calcium hardness: 25-75 ppm for salt spas; 50-150 ppm for non-salt spas
- Free chlorine: 1-5 ppm
9. Sanitize Your Water
A. Add the recommended amount of sanitizer based on your chosen water care system.
B. Sanitizer ranges vary by system. For specifics, consult your dealer or the instructions included with your water care system.
Now You're Ready for Your First Soak!
Using the Control Panel
Touch the screen to activate the control panel.
Key Controls:
- JETS: Hard button to turn all jet pumps on. Use soft buttons to adjust jet functions (high/low speed, off).
- LIGHTS: Hard button to turn all lights on or off. Use soft buttons to change light functions and switch between interior/exterior lights.
- OPTIONS: Hard button for temperature settings and other functions. Use soft buttons to adjust temperature up or down.
- BACK: Hard button to return to the previous screen.
[Diagram: Hot Spring spa control panel showing JETS, LIGHTS, OPTIONS, BACK buttons, temperature display, and indicator icons.]
For other functions like system mode, cleaning, tool menu, locking, sleep mode, filter cycles, and audio, refer to your owner's manual.
Maintenance Tips
Protect your investment with these important tips: [Diagram: Illustration showing a hair dryer being used to heat spa sensors.]Care for Your Spa Shell and Cover
Protect Your Spa Against Sun Damage
Filling Your Spa With Cold Water
Important Safety Instructions
Safety Information
DANGER - RISK OF CHILD DROWNING: Exercise extreme caution to prevent unauthorized access by children. Ensure children are supervised at all times.
WARNING: Lower water temperatures are recommended for young children. Wet surfaces are slippery.
- DO: Lock child-resistant covers, test water temperature, remind children about slippery surfaces.
- DON'T: Allow children to climb on the cover or have unsupervised access.
Avoiding the Risk of Electrocution
DANGER - RISK OF ELECTROCUTION: Connect only to a grounded source. Do not bury power cords. Ensure proper grounding with a minimum No. 8 AWG copper conductor. Do not operate audio controls while in the spa. Do not connect unauthorized audio components. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Do not attach external antennas unless installed by a licensed electrician.
WARNING: Replace damaged cords immediately. Test the GFCI before each use by pushing the TEST button, waiting 30 seconds, and then pushing RESET. If the GFCI fails, disconnect power and have it serviced. For 230V models, ensure proper bonding to local ground points with a No. 8 AWG copper wire and use a properly rated circuit breaker.
Risks to Avoid
- DANGER - RISK OF INJURY: Do not remove suction fittings. Ensure fittings are not broken or missing. Keep clothing, hair, and jewelry away from rotating jets.
- People with infectious diseases should not use the spa.
- Be aware of slippery surfaces.
Increased Side Effects of Medication
Alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can cause drowsiness or affect vital signs, increasing the risk of drowning or other accidents. Consult a physician if using medications.
Health Problems Affected by Spa Use
Pregnant women, individuals with obesity, or those with heart disease, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician before using the spa.
Unclean Water
Keep water clean and sanitized. Refer to the Owner's Manual for water quality and maintenance. Turn on jet pumps for at least ten minutes after adding chemicals. Clean filter cartridges monthly.
Avoiding the Risk of Hyperthermia
Prolonged immersion in hot water can lead to hyperthermia. Symptoms include unawareness of danger, inability to exit the spa, and potential fetal damage in pregnant women.
WARNING: Alcohol, drugs, or medication can increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia.
- Keep water temperature below 104°F (40°C). 100°F-104°F (36°C-40°C) is safe for healthy adults. Lower temperatures are recommended for extended use and children.
- Pregnant women should limit temperatures to 100°F (36°C).
- Do not use the spa immediately after strenuous exercise.
Avoiding the Risk of Skin Burns
- Measure water temperature with an accurate thermometer before entering.
- Test water temperature with your hand to ensure comfort.
Safety Sign
A safety sign is included and should be permanently installed where visible. Contact your Hot Spring dealer for additional signs (Part #70798).
Important Spa Instructions
- DO: Use and lock the cover when the spa is not in use. Follow Spa Care and Maintenance recommendations. Use only approved accessories and chemicals.
- DON'T: Expose the spa to sun without the cover. Roll or slide the spa on its side. Lift or drag the cover by the straps. Attempt to open the electrical control box, as this voids the warranty.
Spa Shell Care
Your spa has an acrylic shell that is easy to clean. A soft rag usually suffices. Avoid harsh chemicals. Rinse any cleaning agents with fresh water.
IMPORTANT: Approved cleaners are plain water, Hot Spring FreshWater Spa Shine, or Soft Scrub®. Do not use alcohol, solvents, or abrasives. Harsh chemicals are not covered by warranty.
Iron and copper in water can stain the shell. Ask your dealer about a Stain and Scale Inhibitor, like FreshWater Stain & Scale Defense.
Keep all cleaners out of reach of children.
Electrical Information
Electrical Requirements
IMPORTANT: Fill the spa with water before turning on power. Improper wiring can lead to electrocution, fire, or injury. Follow all electrical installation requirements. Spas must be wired according to local electrical codes by a licensed electrician. Use appropriate conduit, fittings, and wire. A subpanel with two GFCI breakers is typically included. The subpanel requires a 50 amp, single phase, 230 volt, four-wire service. The grounding conductor must be at least #10 AWG. Mount the subpanel within sight of the spa, at least 5 feet away. Testing GFCI Breakers: Push the "TEST" button on each GFCI breaker; it should click OFF. Wait 30 seconds, then push the breaker to OFF, then ON. If it fails to operate correctly, disconnect power and seek service. Bypassing GFCI breakers voids the warranty. [Diagram: Electrical wiring diagram for 230V permanently connected models (e.g., Grandee, Envoy, Vanguard, Aria, Prism, Pulse, Flair & Flash), showing connections to a subpanel with GFCI breakers, main service panel, and control box. Includes wire gauge specifications and placement requirements.] WARNING: Connecting hot wire to the neutral terminal can cause irreversible damage to the control box. The Prism model requires an additional 20 amp breaker for simultaneous heater and jet pump 3 operation. This configuration needs a 70 amp service and specific wiring, including a minimum #6 AWG copper bond wire. IMPORTANT: Service technicians must reconfigure spa jumpers for concurrent heater and jet pump operation. Long wiring runs may require larger gauge wire. [Diagram: Electrical wiring diagram for 230V converted Prism models, showing subpanel connections and requirements.] These models use a GFCI safety device that detects small current leakage. Test the GFCI monthly: push "TEST", wait 30 seconds, then push "RESET". If it fails, disconnect power and seek service. Never use the GFCI to disconnect power; always unplug the spa. 115 Volt Operation (60Hz Only): The spa requires a dedicated 115 volt, 20 amp, GFCI-protected, grounded circuit. Do not share the circuit with other appliances. Ensure proper wiring, including a 20-amp GFCI breaker, #12 AWG or larger wire, and correct polarity. NEVER CONNECT THE SPA TO AN EXTENSION CORD! A pressure wire connector is provided for bonding the spa to nearby metal equipment, enclosures, concrete pads, pipes, or conduits within 5 feet, using a #10-AWG solid copper wire, as per local codes. [Diagram: Illustration showing the 115V power cord connection to a dedicated GFCI-protected outlet, with distance recommendations.] Advantage to Having Your Spa Converted (115V to 230V): A 230V configuration allows the heater and jet pump to operate simultaneously, and the heater operates at a higher wattage (6000W vs 1500W), leading to faster heating. 115/230 Volt Convertible Model: Conversion to 230V requires a subpanel and control box wiring change, performed by a dealer or qualified electrician. Improper conversion is not covered by warranty. [Diagram: Electrical wiring diagram for 115V Jetsetter & Beam I models and 230V converted models, detailing connections and requirements.] IMPORTANT: Fill the spa with water before turning on power. Test all circuit breakers before each use. General Wiring Notes:230 Volt Permanently Connected
230 Volt Converted Prism
115 Volt Jetsetter & Beam I Models
Wiring Connections
Limited Warranty
Watkins Wellness warrants Hot Spring Limelight Collection spas to the original consumer purchaser from the date of installation.
Warranty Coverage:
- 7-Year No Leak Shell Warranty: Against water loss due to shell defects.
- 5-Year Shell Surface Warranty: Against leaks and defects in acrylic surface material.
- 5-Year No Leak Plumbing Warranty: Against leaks from fittings, plumbing, and bonded parts.
- 5-Year Component Warranty: Covers electrical components, pumps, jets, valves, etc. (Excludes consumables like filter cartridges).
- 5-Year No-Fault® Heater Warranty: For the heater against defects.
- 5-Year Cabinet Warranty: For cabinet structural integrity and assembly.
- 3-Year Light Assembly Warranty: For factory-installed light assembly.
Warranty Performance: Contact your dealer for claims. Provide written notice with proof of purchase within 30 days of discovering a claim. Watkins reserves the right to inspect the defect.
Limitations: Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper installation, alterations, misuse, abuse, commercial/industrial use, or use of unapproved accessories. Implied warranties are limited to the statutory period or the duration of the applicable warranty, whichever is shorter.
Disclaimers: Incidental or consequential damages are excluded to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Legal Remedies: This warranty provides specific legal rights that may vary by location. The warranty is not transferable.
For detailed information, contact your Hot Spring dealer or visit www.hotspring.com.