Meet the FreshWater® Salt System
The simpler, cleaner, fresher way to hot tub.
The FreshWater® Salt System helps Hot Spring® spa owners spend less time managing water chemistry and more time enjoying their hot tub. Designed specifically for select Hot Spring models, the system automatically generates sanitizer from salt to help maintain clean, clear water with fewer manual adjustments than traditional water care routines.
At Spas Etc., we’ve helped homeowners throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, St. Johns, and Northeast Florida get the most from their Hot Spring spas for more than 40 years. Whether you’re setting up a new spa or learning how to maintain your FreshWater Salt System, our experienced team can help you understand proper startup, routine maintenance, replacement cartridges, and ongoing water care.
Follow the setup steps below to properly start your FreshWater Salt System and keep your spa performing at its best.
Ensure fill water is free of metals, phosphates and high calcium before getting started 24 hours in advanced. Consult your dealer on how to bring these levels within the recommended ranges.
Make sure your hot tub is turned off or unplugged. Check your Owner’s Manual for this information.
Insert your Salt System Water cartridge.
Fill your spa through the stand pipe with your garden hose until the water is 1 inch above the highest jet. Consult your Owner’s Manual to power on your hot tub.
Use the 5-Way Test strips to test the pH, alkalinity and calcium harness levels. Refer to your hot tub Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions on how to balance the water.
Check your Owner’s Manual for the water capacity and the salt bag to determine how much salt you need. Then, add the salt into the filter compartment with the jets running.
Use the FreshWater test strips in your start up kit to measure the salt level. The Recommended salt level should be 1750 ppm. Add more salt as needed but do not exceed the 1750 ppm of salt.
Refer to the dosage instructions on the chlorine bottle and add chlorine to the filter compartment. Allow the chlorine to circulate through the jets for 5 minutes.
Measure your chlorine level with a new 5-Way Test Strip. Your chlorine target should be 5 ppm. If it is less, repeat the process.
The desired calcium level is 50 ppm. If it is above 70 ppm, you need to use the Vanishing Act pillow. Wait 24 hours to check your water after use. If the calcium level is still above 70 ppm, you need to repeat the process again.
Activate the salt system by navigating to the water care menu on your control panel. Set the salt system output to the recommended level indicated in the FreshWater Salt System Owner’s manual. Check the water for the chlorine level to ensure a level of a least 3 ppm has been maintained in the last 24 hours. Repeat chlorine and boost process as needed.
Salt water hot tubs have become increasingly popular because they simplify routine water care while providing a comfortable soaking experience. The FreshWater Salt System continuously generates sanitizer from a small amount of salt, helping maintain balanced water with less day-to-day maintenance than many traditional sanitation methods.
Benefits of a FreshWater Salt System include:
When paired with regular water testing and recommended maintenance, the FreshWater Salt System can help make spa ownership easier throughout the year.
A salt water hot tub uses a salt system to generate sanitizer from dissolved salt in the water instead of relying solely on manually added chlorine. The FreshWater® Salt System is designed specifically for compatible Hot Spring® spas and helps maintain clean, balanced water with less daily maintenance.
The system uses a disposable cartridge that converts salt into sanitizer as water circulates through the spa. Once the system is properly set up and the output level is adjusted, it continually helps maintain sanitizer levels while reducing the amount of manual water care required.
Many Hot Spring® spa models are compatible with the FreshWater Salt System, while older models may not be. Our team can help determine whether your spa is compatible and explain the available upgrade options.
The FreshWater Salt System operates using a relatively low concentration of salt compared to swimming pools. Always follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual and the setup instructions to achieve the proper salt level.
Replacement intervals vary depending on spa usage, water conditions, and maintenance habits. Following the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule helps ensure consistent sanitizer production and optimal water quality.
Many owners find that salt water systems simplify routine maintenance because sanitizer is generated automatically. Salt water hot tubs still require regular maintenance, including water testing, filter cleaning, and periodic FreshWater cartridge replacement, to keep the spa operating properly.
Whether you’re setting up a brand-new Hot Spring spa or have questions about maintaining your existing FreshWater Salt System, Spas Etc. is here to help. Our knowledgeable team provides guidance on startup, water care products, replacement cartridges, and ongoing maintenance for Hot Spring spa owners throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, St. Johns, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.
Visit our showroom or contact us to speak with one of our water care specialists.
Hello! please let us know if you found a bug so we can fix this ASAP
