Skip to content
Water care guide

Step-by-Step

How to Care for Your Water In 5 Steps

This page will teach you how to keep your water clean, clear and healthy, so you can relax and enjoy your spa.

01 - Balance

To ensure your sanitizer works effectively and to prolong the life of your spa you must balance your water’s pH and Alkalinity

Balancers

02 - Sanitize & Oxidize

To keep your water free of contaminants and organic matter, you must choose an EPA approved sanitizer and pair that with the appropriate oxidizer.

Sanitizers & Oxidizers

03 - Filtration

Cleaning or replacing your filter regularly keeps your water clear and physically removes contaminants from your water.

Filters

04 - Enhance

Enhancing products can be added to help the water stay clearer and cleaner and more enjoyable to use.

Enhancers

05 - Drain, Clean & Refill

It’s recommended every 4 -6 months to completely drain and refill the water in your spa so that the sanitizer remains effective.

Water care subscriptions
ClearTub

Balance your water

Keeping the pH and alkalinity levels of your spa water in balance is essential not only for your comfort, but for the protection of your spa and its components.

ClearTub
01 - Balance

Water testing

Test Strips are a quick and easy way to determine if your spa water needs some attention.  They will tell you if  your sanitizer level is sufficient and if your pH, alkalinity and calcium need to be adjusted.  Keeping everything in balance ensures that your water will stay clear and enjoyable.  If any of these are out of balance for too long, your water will not look right, and can also cause long term problems.

Test your water with a test strip:

1. Dip the entire strip into the water and remove immediately. 

2. Hold the strip level for 15 seconds and allow the water to soak into the pads on the strip.

3. Compare the strip with the chart on the bottle to determine your levels.

Balance your water using these products:

BioGuard 5-way Water Test Strips

Type: Chemicals

BioGuard 5-way Water Test Strips

Regular price $12.99
Sale price $12.99 Regular price $19.99
SpaGuard pH Decreaser 22oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard pH Decreaser 22oz

Regular price $11.99
Sale price $11.99 Regular price
SpaGuard pH Increaser 18oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard pH Increaser 18oz

Regular price $10.99
Sale price $10.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Total Alkalinity Increaser 2LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Total Alkalinity Increaser 2LB

Regular price $15.99
Sale price $15.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Calcium Hardness Increaser 12oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Calcium Hardness Increaser 12oz

Regular price $9.99
Sale price $9.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve pH Decreaser Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve pH Decreaser Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Regular price $13.99
Sale price $13.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Alkalinity Increaser Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Alkalinity Increaser Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Regular price $16.99
Sale price $16.99 Regular price
Bioguard Lo 'n Slo 3lb

Type: Chemicals

Bioguard Lo 'n Slo 3lb

Regular price $18.99
Sale price $18.99 Regular price $21.99
Bioguard Lo 'n Slo 8lb bag

Type: Chemicals

Bioguard Lo 'n Slo 8lb bag

Regular price $22.99
Sale price $22.99 Regular price
Balance Pak 100

Type: Chemicals

Balance Pak 100

Regular price $17.99
Sale price $17.99 Regular price
Balance Pak 200

Type: Chemicals

Balance Pak 200

Regular price $19.99
Sale price $19.99 Regular price
Balance Pak 300

Type: Chemicals

Balance Pak 300

Regular price $24.99
Sale price $24.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 6LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 6LB

Regular price $89.99
Sale price $89.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 2LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 2LB

Regular price $31.99
Sale price $31.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 4.5LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 4.5LB

Regular price $107.99
Sale price $107.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 1.5LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 1.5LB

Regular price $38.99
Sale price $38.99 Regular price
Floater

Type: Chemicals

Floater

Regular price $17.99
Sale price $17.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 6LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 6LB

Regular price $60.99
Sale price $60.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 2LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 2LB

Regular price $24.99
Sale price $24.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 7lb

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 7lb

Regular price $78.99
Sale price $78.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 35oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 35oz

Regular price $32.99
Sale price $32.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Chlorinating Concentrate 5LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Chlorinating Concentrate 5LB

Regular price $77.99
Sale price $77.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Chlorinating Concentrate 2LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Chlorinating Concentrate 2LB

Regular price $33.99
Sale price $33.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 35oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 35oz

Regular price $32.99
Sale price $32.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 7lb

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 7lb

Regular price $78.99
Sale price $78.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 2LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 2LB

Regular price $24.99
Sale price $24.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 6LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Enhanced Shock 6LB

Regular price $60.99
Sale price $60.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Shock Oxidizer Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Shock Oxidizer Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Regular price $26.99
Sale price $26.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Chlorinating Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Chlorinating Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Regular price $37.99
Sale price $37.99 Regular price
ClearTub

Sanitize & Oxidize your water

There are several options for sanitizers.  While the Frog @Ease system is our clear choice, we will explain the benefits of each one to help you choose the right one for you.

ClearTub
02 - Sanitize & Oxidize

Keep your spa’s water clean by using a Sanitizer & Oxidizer

Hot water is relaxing for our muscles, but can also be conducive to the growth of bacteria. Sanitizing is essential to control any bacteria and keep the water suitable for you and your family. Oxidizing, sometimes called shock, helps to eliminate body oils, perspiration and other undesirable compounds that can be introduced into the water. Sanitizer and oxidizer work together to maintain healthy water for your enjoyment. 

Choose a sanitizer:

Chlorine

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 35oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 35oz

Regular price $32.99
Sale price $32.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 7lb

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Spa Shock-Oxidizer 7lb

Regular price $78.99
Sale price $78.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Shock Oxidizer Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Shock Oxidizer Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Regular price $26.99
Sale price $26.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Chlorinating Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Rapid Dissolve Chlorinating Tablets for Spas and Swim Spas

Regular price $37.99
Sale price $37.99 Regular price
Chlorine Chemical Kit

Type: Chemicals

Chlorine Chemical Kit

Regular price $169.91
Sale price $169.91 Regular price $169.91

Bromine Kit

SpaGuard pH Decreaser 22oz

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard pH Decreaser 22oz

Regular price $11.99
Sale price $11.99 Regular price
BioGuard 5-way Water Test Strips

Type: Chemicals

BioGuard 5-way Water Test Strips

Regular price $12.99
Sale price $12.99 Regular price $19.99
SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 1.5LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 1.5LB

Regular price $38.99
Sale price $38.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 2LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 2LB

Regular price $31.99
Sale price $31.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 4.5LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Tablets 4.5LB

Regular price $107.99
Sale price $107.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 6LB

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate 6LB

Regular price $89.99
Sale price $89.99 Regular price
Close Out 5-way Water Test Strips- expire 5/25

Type: Chemicals

Close Out 5-way Water Test Strips- expire 5/25

Regular price $12.99
Sale price $12.99 Regular price $19.99
ClearTub

Filter your water

Keeping your filters clean and fresh will help to ensure your water is also clean and fresh.

ClearTub
03 - Filter

Regular Filtration Means Cleaner Water

Your hot tub’s filtration cycle helps to remove dirt and debris that can quickly cause issues with your water. The more water you can pump through the filtration system the cleaner it will be.

Keeping your filters clean and fresh will help to ensure your water is also clean and fresh. If your filters have not been cleaned, you may get a low flow error on your spa controls. You should also verify that your filtration cycle is active for the appropriate amount of time.

Common Questions

Filters for Bullfrog Spas

WellSpring 282 Filter-2 Pack

Type: Filters

WellSpring 282 Filter-2 Pack

Regular price $98.99
Sale price $98.99 Regular price
Simplicity™ Flat Filters, 4 pack

Type: Parts

Simplicity™ Flat Filters, 4 pack

Regular price $79.99
Sale price $79.99 Regular price

Filters for Bullfrog Spas:

Filters

WellSpring 282 Filter-2 Pack

Type: Filters

WellSpring 282 Filter-2 Pack

Regular price $98.99
Sale price $98.99 Regular price
Simplicity™ Flat Filters, 4 pack

Type: Parts

Simplicity™ Flat Filters, 4 pack

Regular price $79.99
Sale price $79.99 Regular price
Utilicirc Filter 814 4 Pack (Simplicity Alternative)

Type: Filters

Utilicirc Filter 814 4 Pack (Simplicity Alternative)

Regular price $59.99
Sale price $59.99 Regular price
Filter-10-2870

Type: Filters

Filter-10-2870

Regular price $59.99
Sale price $59.99 Regular price
4CH-949 Filter

Type: Parts

4CH-949 Filter

Regular price $64.99
Sale price $64.99 Regular price
Natural Mineral Cartridge, Single

Type: Filters

Natural Mineral Cartridge, Single

Regular price $42.99
Sale price $42.99 Regular price
Filter Cage

Type: Filters

Filter Cage

Regular price $36.99
Sale price $36.99 Regular price
C-4950

Type: Filters

C-4950

Regular price $52.99
Sale price $52.99 Regular price
WellSpring 281 Filter-2 Pack (STIL)

Type: Filters

WellSpring 281 Filter-2 Pack (STIL)

Regular price $97.99
Sale price $97.99 Regular price
6CH-940 Filter

Type: Parts

6CH-940 Filter

Regular price $59.99
Sale price $59.99 Regular price
Prefilter/Garden Hose Filter CP

Type: Accessories

Prefilter/Garden Hose Filter CP

Regular price $29.99
Sale price $29.99 Regular price
Prefilter Hose Attachment

Type: Filters

Prefilter Hose Attachment

Regular price $15.99
Sale price $15.99 Regular price
ClearTub

Enhance your water

If your routine water care needs some extra help, these products may be your answer.

These are products that can enhance the water care experience and help with specific problems when needed:

SpaGuard Anti Foam

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Anti Foam

Regular price $16.99
Sale price $16.99 Regular price
SilkBalance Gems

Type: Chemicals

SilkBalance Gems

Regular price $179.00
Sale price $179.00 Regular price
SpaGuard Water Clarifier

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Water Clarifier

Regular price $15.99
Sale price $15.99 Regular price
SilkBalance 38oz

Type: Chemicals

SilkBalance 38oz

Regular price $99.99
Sale price $99.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Natural Spa Enzyme

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Natural Spa Enzyme

Regular price $31.99
Sale price $31.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Phosphate Remover

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Phosphate Remover

Regular price $27.99
Sale price $27.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Water Freshner

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Water Freshner

Regular price $23.99
Sale price $23.99 Regular price
Aqua Finesse Swim Spa Water Care Tabs

Type: Chemicals

Aqua Finesse Swim Spa Water Care Tabs

Regular price $80.00
Sale price $80.00 Regular price
Balance Pak 100

Type: Chemicals

Balance Pak 100

Regular price $17.99
Sale price $17.99 Regular price
Balance Pak 300

Type: Chemicals

Balance Pak 300

Regular price $24.99
Sale price $24.99 Regular price
Balance Pak 200

Type: Chemicals

Balance Pak 200

Regular price $19.99
Sale price $19.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Anti Foam

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Anti Foam

Regular price $16.99
Sale price $16.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Water Clarifier

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Water Clarifier

Regular price $15.99
Sale price $15.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Stain & Scale Control

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Stain & Scale Control

Regular price $25.99
Sale price $25.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Natural Spa Enzyme

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Natural Spa Enzyme

Regular price $31.99
Sale price $31.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Phosphate Remover

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Phosphate Remover

Regular price $27.99
Sale price $27.99 Regular price
SpaGuard Water Freshner

Type: Chemicals

SpaGuard Water Freshner

Regular price $23.99
Sale price $23.99 Regular price
ClearTub

Drain, Clean & Refill your spa

ClearTub
05 - Drain, Clean, & Refill

How often do I need to drain my hot tub?

Every 4 months it’s important that you drain, clean, and refill your spa with fresh water. Over time, the total dissolved solids (tds) in your water build up, decreasing the effectiveness of your sanitizer and making it difficult to keep the water clean and balanced. This is also a good time to clean the cover and the interior plumbing of your spa.

How do I drain my hot tub?

Step 1. Flush the system: Before draining, you should use a system flush such as Clean Start to remove any build up in the plumbing lines.  

Step 2. Drain your spa: After running the system flush through the jets, you then turn off the power to the spa at the breaker box, and begin to drain the water. You can connect a hose to the drain on the bottom of the spa and/or add a pump into the spa to make the job go faster. In most cases, this water is safe to drain onto your landscaping or grass.  

Step 3: Clean your spa: Once empty, you can use the products on this page to clean the shell and the cover and cabinet.  

Step 4:Refill with clean water: Replace the drain cap on the spa, and with a prefilter installed on the hose fill the spa with your primary water source bypassing all water softeners. Once the water level is above the highest jet, turn the power back on.

We recommend setting a timer to make sure you do not overflow the tub!

Products you may need:

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner

Type: Chemicals

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner

Regular price From $16.99
Sale price From $16.99 Regular price
303 Aerospace Protectant

Type: Chemicals

303 Aerospace Protectant

Regular price From $18.99
Sale price From $18.99 Regular price
303 Fabric Guard

Type: Chemicals

303 Fabric Guard

Regular price From $24.99
Sale price From $24.99 Regular price
303 Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker

Type: Chemicals

303 Mold & Mildew Cleaner + Blocker

Regular price $16.99
Sale price $16.99 Regular price