You are currently:
Master Spa Parts Home /
Master Spas Care Guides | Master Spa Parts

Master Spas Maintenance & Care Guide

To help you keep your Master Spa sparkling all year round, we’ve outlined our best Master Spa hot tub maintenance tips and guidelines below.
If you have additional questions, please call our Customer Service team at (855) 308-2149. We’re happy to help!

Six Steps to Starting Up Your Master Spa

Step 1

Fill your spa with hard water.

You never want to use more than 50% softened water when filling your spa.

Tip: You may want to use a pre-filter when filling your spa. It’ll make adjusting the water balance easier after a new fill!

Step 2

Add a sequestering agent.

During your initial fill, add a sequestering agent (e.g. SpaBoss Prevent II) to control suspended minerals in the water. Allow the water to circulate and filter until the water temperature reaches 80 degrees before adding any other chemicals.

Step 3

Test your hardness levels.

Test your water for hardness with the test strips provided in your start-up kit. Your calcium hardness levels should be maintained between 150-250 PPM (parts per million).

Tip: Use SpaBoss Cal-Rise to increase the hardness level

Step 4

Test for alkalinity.

Test your water for alkalinity using the test strips provided in your start-up kit. The total alkalinity should be 80-150 PPM.

Tip: If your alkalinity is higher than 150 PPM, use SpaBoss pH Minus to lower the level. If your alkalinity levels are low, use SpaBoss Alka-Rise.

Step 5

Test your pH levels.

Test your water for pH using the test strips provided in your start-up kit. The pH should be 7.2-7.8 PPM.

Tip: If pH is low, add SpaBoss pH Plus. If your pH is high, add the SpaBoss pH Minus. Keep in mind that SpaBoss pH Minus also lowers alkalinity, so you will want to re-check alkalinity levels after you use it.

Step 6

Add SpaBoss Chlor-Aid to begin sanitizing the water.

Lastly, add 2 tbsp. of concentrated SpaBoss Chlor-Aid per 500 gallons.

Tip: Do not add the SpaBoss Chlor-Aid until the alkalinity and the pH levels have been properly adjusted. Do not enter the spa when chlorine levels are above 5 PPM.

Ideal Water Balance for Your Master Spa

Test:	Ideal Range:	Associated Product:
pH	7.2-7.8 PPM	SpaBoss pH Minus,
		SpaBoss pH Plus
Total Alkalinity	80-150 PPM	SpaBoss pH Minus,
		SpaBoss Alka-Rise
Calcium Hardness	150-250 PPM	SpaBoss Cal-Rise
Chlorine	1.0 – 3.0 PPM	SpaBoss Chlor-Aid

Master Spas Chemical Guide

Based on Master Spas’ Eco Pur filtration system

Test Strips*	Checks for recommended level of chemicals
Cal-Rise	Raises calcium hardness
Alka-Rise	Raises total alkalinity
pH +*	Raises pH; helps prevent eye and skin irritation
pH -*	Lowers pH and total alkalinity
Chlor-Aid*	Chlorine sanitizing agent
Spa Shock*	Oxidizes organic contaminants
Defoamer	Temporarily removes foam
Spa Clear	Helps combine small particles for clear water
Descummer	Enzyme that helps break down oils
Prevent II*	Sequestering agent that prevents staining and scale formation
Filter Free	Filter cleaner and performance improver with pH indicator
ProLine Dual Action Cartridge Cleaner
	Restores filter efficiency. Use as spray on or soak.
ProLine Jet Line Cleaner
	Clears spa and jetted tub plumbing

*Items are included in your Spa Start-Up Kit.

Important Master Spa Safety Tips

Chemical Safety Tips

Maintain a proper sanitizing level.
Do not mix chemicals before adding to the water. Add each chemical separately.
Always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.
Always store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep them out of reach of children.

General Safety Tips

Never heat your spa above 104°F.
Do not drink alcohol while using your spa.
Stay out of the hot tub during rainstorms and lightning.
Always shower with soap before entering the spa.
Limit your time in the spa to 15 minutes.
Prevent slips and falls by installing anti-skid treads and rubber mats around your spa.

Master Spa Maintenance Schedule

Each Use:	Before… check spa water with a test strip for sanitation levels and adjust accordingly. After… add 1 tbsp. of non-chlorine shock (e.g. Spa Shock) per person.
Once a Week:	Add 2 tbsp. of chlorine (e.g. Chlor-Aid) to spa per 250 gallons. Remove filters and hose them off with plain water. Run your finger through the pleats to remove any debris. Test water using chemical test strip. Adjust alkalinity, pH and sanitizer accordingly.
As Needed:	If water looks hazy, treat with 1 tbsp. of (e.g. Chlor-Aid).
Every 90 Days:	Soak your filter elements overnight in a container with cartridge cleaner and then rinse with clean water before re-inserting. (Note: Eco Pur mineral element should never be cleaned in a filter cleaner. Just rinse with water.)
Every 180 Days:	Drain and refill your spa. Replace with a new Eco Pur element, and repeat the start up procedure.

Problem	Possible Causes	How to Fix It
"It smells like chlorine!"	Excessive Chlorine	Shock water with Spa Shock shock treatment
"It smells like chlorine!"	Low pH	Adjust pH if necessary
"The spa water smells bad!"	Low levels of sanitizer	Adjust sanitizer level with Chlor-Aid
	pH out of range	Adjust pH level if necessary
	Bacteria or algae growth	Adjust sanitizer level with Chlor-Aid
"I have cloudy water."	Dirty filters or inadequate filtration	Clean filters with Cartridge Cleaner and adjust filtration
	Water chemistry not balance	Adjust chemistry levels
	Suspended particles or organic materials	Add Spa Clear
	Old water	Change spa water
"The water is irritating my eyes and skin."	Unsanitary water	Shock spa with Spa Shock
	Free chlorine level above 5 PPM	Allow levels to drop below 5 PPM
	Poor sanitizer/pH levels	Adjust according to spa test strip results
"I’m getting an LF (Low Flow) error message."	Dirty,clogged filters	Clean or change filters
My water keeps foaming!	High levels of body oils, lotions, soap, etc.	Add small amount of Defoamer and check water chemisry
"I have scum deposit at the waterline."	Body oil and dirt	Use multi purpose cleaner to clean spa surfaces and add Descummer to water
"My water has chalky, white scale deposits."	Minerals in the water	Add Prevent II

Still have questions about Master Spa hot tub maintenance?

Call us today at (855) 308-2149!

Master Spa Maintenance Schedule

Every time you change the water, clean the underside of your cover with clean water.
Always keep the vinyl spa cover clean and treat it with a cover treatment every 2-3 months.
Always leave your cover open for at least 10 minutes after adding Chlorine to the spa water.