Care and Maintenance


How to make your hot tub winterproof

How to make your hot tub winterproof (not in use for at least six weeks) 
When you are not planning to use the spa for six or more weeks, or when someone is not able to maintain the spa on a weekly basis, you should use Away mode. For extended absences you may also choose to winterize the spa. To winterize, follow these steps:

Winterization

WARNING: Prior to winterizing your spa, it will be necessary to super sanitize the spa water as per the instructions in the Water Chemistry section. This procedure will help prevent the growth of bacteria, algae and fungi in any areas of plumbing that may not be fully free of water after you drain your spa for its period of winterization.

NOTE: Your spa is equipped with a freeze protection mode. When potentially freezing outside temperatures are detected your control system will turn on to check the water temperature. If heating is necessary to protect from freeze conditions your spa may turn on and heat to a safe temperature. A notification will display on the main control screen indicating this mode is engaged.

Step 1: Drain the water.

Step 2: If your spa is equipped with JetPaks, open all lower valves to allow the water to drain from each pak as you drain the spa. Once the water is completely out of the spa then close each valve before proceeding to step 3.

Step 3: Use a shop vacuum to vacuum the plumbing lines by placing the vacuum nozzle over each of the lower jet faces in the spa. Lower jets are any jets located at or below the bench seat area.

Step 4: Remove the drain plug from the pump(s) and loosen all PVC pipe unions in the equipment compartment. Do not replace the plugs or tighten the unions until the spa is de-winterized.

Step 5: Clean the spa shell and JetPaks (if equipped).

Step 6: Remove filter cartridge(s), clean, and reinstall.

Step 7: Secure the cover to the spa utilizing the tie downs and locking system. In areas where heavy snow is anticipated, place a large piece of plywood (or its equivalent) on top of the spa cover to assist in supporting the cover with the added weight of the snow. Remove snow off the cover following each snow storm.

WARNING: To avoid water from becoming trapped between the floor suction fitting and the filter pipe . Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the remaining water out of pipe by placing the vacuum end over the filter hole. In a two-pump spa, first plug off one filter using a tennis ball then vacuum out the water. Or pour ½-1 gallons (2-4 liters) of RV antifreeze into the filter hole. 39

NOTE: RV antifreeze is nontoxic and does not require evacuation at start-up.

Low use or no use of the hot tub

Low use or no use of the hot tub over a longer period
There may be certain times of the year when you rarely use the hot tub. For these low-use or no-use periods, please proceed as follows: 

No or low use for less than two weeks 
No need to make any changes. 

No use for two to six weeks
If the spa will not be used for at least two weeks, lower the temperature to the lowest setting of 80 F (26°C) or place in Away heat mode. Lowering the temperature will cut the cost of operation, however; you will need to adjust the temperature setting approximately 4 hours before use in order to heat the spa to 100 F (38°C).

IMPORTANT: During all low and no-use periods, be sure to maintain the spa water as per the instructions in the Water Chemistry section.

IMPORTANT: For all no-use periods, and on a weekly basis, be sure to have someone visually check that the spa is functioning correctly and to also maintain the spa water as per the instructions under the Water Chemistry section. Not doing so may lead to corrosion, staining, and/or scaling to the spa and its equipment. During periods of freezing temperatures, a spa that has malfunctioned may be subject to damaged plumbing or equipment as a result of ice buildup within the spa. If the spa cannot be checked and maintained on a weekly basis, then consider winterizing the spa.

Anti-freeze

In regions where the temperature can fall to -15 °C, we recommend attaching a 5 cm thick insulating board or cover on the back of the equipment compartment door. 

IMPORTANT: When the outside temperature reaches 15.6 °C during the day, then this insulation has to be removed in order to prevent the equipment from overheating.

Miscellaneous care

Cleaning and Protecting the Pillows
Regularly clean all pillows with mild soap, water, and a clean cloth. Monthly, treat pillows using a non-petroleum-based conditioning product as recommended by your Villeroy & Boch dealer. This will maintain water resistance and luster of the product.

IMPORTANT: Remove the pillows when shocking the spa or when sanitizer levels are high. Leave cover open for at least 30 minutes after shocking to ensure pillows are not affected.

NOTE: Pillow discoloration is accelerated by high sanitizer use and is not covered by the Villeroy & Boch Warranty.

Vacuum the Spa
Debris from wind, trees, and users will occasionally accumulate on the bottom of the spa. The filtration system will remove the smaller debris. Large or heavy debris can be removed with a hand held spa vacuum available at your Villeroy & Boch dealer.

Hot tub cover care

WARNING: A non-secured, improperly secured, or damaged cover may pose a safety threat to children and may also cause damage or injury if blown off by wind. Always remove entire cover before using the spa.

IMPORTANT: Do not stand, sit, or place any item on the cover that could damage it. Gently remove any snow accumulations over 2 inches (5cm). Always secure the cover with all of the cover locks when not in use, whether the spa is empty or full of water.

Cleaning the Spa Cover At least monthly, clean the spa cover.

Step 1: Use a garden hose to spray entire cover down with water.

Step 2: Rinse all traces of dirt, sand, and debris from cover.

Step 3: Try not to touch cover or rub anything on it while it is wet.

Step 4: Let cover air dry.

Step 5: Make sure the cover clips are secured. 38

NOTE: If water doesn’t bead on cover when spraying with water and cover looks darker in some areas, use a spa protectant (never petroleum based) to condition the area per your Villeroy & Boch Dealer’s instructions.

NOTE: To remove tree sap, use lighter fluid (the type used in cigarette lighters). Use sparingly. Immediately apply a spa cover protectant to the area.

NOTE: If more cleaning is required, add 2 ounces of mild soap to 1 gallon of warm water. Clean the fabric with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and air dry. Use a spa protectant (never petroleum based) to condition the area per your Villeroy & Boch Dealer’s instructions.

Hot tub panelling care

The EternaWood™ cabinet components are made to provide many years of maintenance-free service. For normal cleaning, use a mild dish washing soap. For stubborn stains, contact your authorized Villeroy & Boch dealer.

Cleaning the JetPak™ piping

For optimum spa care, each time the spa water is changed, remove all JetPaks. Clean the back manifold area on with a spa surface cleaner and a long, soft bristle brush. For cleaning the JetPak acrylic surface, refer to Spa Shell Care.

Hot tub care

The spa cover is an essential part of the spa system. It will both protect the spa and help provide the highest possible efficiency. To ensure you have the best experience possible, ensure the cover is in place except during spa use. The best protection for your spa is when the cover is on the spa with the skirt covering the entire shell.

General Cleaning
For normal cleaning, use a mild dish-washing soap, window cleaner, or other products recommended by your local authorized Villeroy & Boch Dealer. For stubborn stains, use a mild acrylic cleaner or a mild detergent. To apply these cleaners, use a soft, damp cloth or sponge. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth. To clean hard water stains, remove light scratches and protect your spa shell, contact your authorized Villeroy & Boch Dealer.

Cleaning a Surface Buildup Line
With normal use of the spa, oils, lotions, and hair products can build up on the surface of the water in small amounts. This could leave a line around the perimeter. This buildup can be easily removed using a spa surface cleaner or its equivalent. Avoid using cleaning agents that leave soap residue in the water.

WARNING: Never allow your spa surface to be exposed to alcohol, acetone (nail polish remover), nail polish, dry cleaning solution, lacquer thinners, gasoline, pine oil, abrasive cleaners, or any other household chemicals other than those listed. These chemicals void the warranty

Replacing the ozone system

Your Villeroy & Boch spa may be equipped with an optional WellSpring High Output ozone purification system. Contact your authorized Villeroy & Boch dealer for information on periodic maintenance or replacement.

Your Villeroy & Boch spa may be equipped with the EOS enhanced ozone purification system. Long term maintenance of this system requires the replacement of the O3 Filter Cartridge approximately every 2 years. Contact your authorized Villeroy & Boch dealer for replacement cartridges and more information.

Replacement of LEDs and lamps

Contact your authorized Villeroy & Boch Dealer for repair

Cleaning the filter

It is recommended that pleated filter cartridge(s) be cleaned every 3-6 weeks or as needed. Spas equipped with the optional circulation pump system may require increased cleaning intervals based on use and local water conditions.

Replace the filter cartridge(s)
After multiple cleanings, worn filter cartridges will need to be replaced. To maintain warranty protection, use only genuine Villeroy & Boch filter cartridge replacements. To clean or replace your filter cartridge(s), complete the following:

CAUTION: Never operate spa with the filter(s) removed.

Step 1: Turn off main power to the spa.

Step 2: Remove filter cap and filter plate.

Step 3: Remove the pleated cartridge(s) by turning the filter core cap(s) counter clockwise then sliding the cartridge(s) upward from the filter core. 37

Step 4: Using a garden hose with a nozzle or other highpressure device, clean cartridge(s). Work first from the inside, top to bottom on each pleat then from the outside, top to bottom on each pleat.

  • To remove collected lotions or body oils, soak cartridge(s) in warm water with a filter cleaner or detergent.
  • To remove calcium deposits, soak cartridge(s) in a plastic container using a 1:10 ratio of muriatic acid to water solution. Calcium deposits indicate a high spa pH, which should be corrected.

NOTE: Filter(s) must be cleaned with a filter cleaner/ degreaser before attempting to remove calcium and mineral deposits with any acidic based product

Step 5: Reinstall cartridges(s) by aligning the cartridge slot with the filter core fin; reinstall the filter core cap(s), filter plate, and filter cap.

Step 6: Restore main power to the spa.

IMPORTANT: Using a brush to clean a filter cartridge could cause damage to the filter media.