Everything you need to know about the FreshWater® Salt System
When daily life feels overwhelming, your Caldera spa offers a calming escape right in your backyard. Just a few minutes of soaking in the warm water can help you feel rejuvenated, recharged, and reconnected with loved ones.
We’re committed to helping you make the most of your spa experience with water that feels fresh, clear, and natural. Our innovative FreshWater Salt System minimizes the time spent on maintenance so you can focus more on enjoying your spa and less on upkeep.
Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the FreshWater Salt System.
How does the FreshWater Salt System work?
The FreshWater Salt System sanitizes your spa with fewer chemicals than traditional methods. It uses a disposable titanium cartridge to generate chlorine from salt, keeping water fresh with minimal additives. This means your water can stay clear for up to a year* without needing to drain and refill.
How do I add the FreshWater Salt System to my Caldera spa?
All Caldera® Utopia® and Paradise® Series spas from 2019 onward come FreshWater Salt System ready, so there’s no need for extra plumbing. Just order the start-up kit from your dealer to begin.
Getting Started
What if my home water has high calcium or metal content?
Before filling your spa, take a sample to your local dealer for testing. If metals, phosphates, or calcium levels are high, they’ll recommend products to help balance the water. This step ensures your spa water is balanced from the start.
How do I set up my FreshWater Salt System?
A detailed setup guide is available in the Salt System Startup manual.
Maintaining Your FreshWater Salt System
How do I replace the Salt System Cartridge?
The FreshWater Salt System manual includes instructions for replacing the cartridge, and your spa’s control panel will guide you through the process with step-by-step prompts:
- Press “Replace Cartridge” on the control panel or tap the cartridge icon in the Water Care section.
- Remove the housing cap.
- Press the button on top of the cartridge to remove it.
- Insert the new cartridge by pressing the button and securing it in the housing.
- Secure the housing cap and follow the control panel instructions to complete installation.
How often will I need to add salt?
The FreshWater Salt System continuously generates chlorine from the initial salt added. Refill with salt only when you drain and refill the spa or after topping off due to a significant splash out.
How do I test and balance the spa water?
Before each use, test your water with the FreshWater 5-Way Test Strips provided in the start-up kit, and adjust the chlorine output using the control panel. Monthly, use a colorimetric test kit to check for phosphates, especially if you notice changes in water color or difficulty maintaining chlorine levels. Your dealer can recommend a phosphate removal product if levels are above 300.
How often will I need to drain and refill the spa?
With the FreshWater Salt System, water can stay clean for up to a year* depending on factors like spa usage and water balance.
Why Choose the FreshWater Salt System?
What are the benefits of the FreshWater Salt System over traditional water care?
Beyond simpler maintenance and a superior wellness experience, saltwater hot tubs conserve water by reducing the need for frequent refills, making them more eco-friendly. Additionally, with fewer chemicals, the water feels and smells more natural, reducing skin, hair, and eye irritation.
How does the FreshWater Salt System give me “better water”?
The system produces just enough chlorine to maintain 3ppm based on your spa’s settings, which minimizes the number of added chemicals. This results in water that feels softer, smoother, and more natural.
How is bottled chlorine different from chlorine generated by the FreshWater Salt System?
While both bottled chlorine and the system-generated chlorine are sodium hypochlorite, bottled chlorine contains stabilizers like cyanuric acid that can build up, potentially causing skin and eye irritation. The FreshWater Salt System avoids these stabilizers, creating water that feels more natural and gentle.
What Owners are Saying
- “With the Salt Water system, it is always ready to use…and it is so nice to my skin.” — Martinique® owner
- “We love how the water feels…” — Niagara® owner
- “One of the best decisions we ever made. The FreshWater Salt System is easy to maintain and feels much better than a regular chlorinated spa.” — Cantabria® owner
If you’re a Caldera spa owner, these tips will help you get the most from your FreshWater Salt System. If you’re ready to purchase a new hot tub, consider a Utopia or Paradise Series spa equipped with the FreshWater Salt System. We’re ready to answer any questions and offer a model tour!
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