Tiger River spas, though no longer in production, were a part of the Hot Spring Spa family, and manuals are still available for servicing these spas. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the features, operation, water care, and maintenance of Tiger River spas, drawing from available owner's manuals and general hot tub knowledge. While electronic manuals for models made before 1999 are not available, this guide aims to provide valuable information for owners of both older and newer models.
Understanding Your Tiger River Spa
Like other spas in the Hot Spring family, Tiger River spas were designed with features to enhance the user experience. Owner’s manuals, such as those available for the 2020 Highlife Collection, 2020 Limelight Collection, 2020 Hot Spot, and 2019 Highlife NXT Collection, are invaluable resources for understanding these features. Although these manuals are not specific to Tiger River spas, they offer insights into similar spa technologies and functionalities.
Key Components and Features
Understanding the key components of your Tiger River spa is crucial for proper operation and maintenance. These components generally include:
- Jets: Strategically placed to provide targeted massage and hydrotherapy.
- Control Panel: Allows you to adjust temperature, jet intensity, lighting, and other settings.
- Filtration System: Essential for maintaining clean and clear water.
- Heater: Maintains the desired water temperature.
- Pump: Circulates water through the jets and filtration system.
- Ozone Generator (if equipped): Assists in water purification.
Refer to available manuals and resources for specific details about your Tiger River spa model.
Spa Operation
Operating your Tiger River spa involves several key steps:
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Filling the Spa
- Ensure the spa is placed on a level surface.
- Connect a garden hose to the spa's fill fitting.
- Fill the spa to the recommended water level, typically indicated by a waterline.
- Do not use hot water, as this can damage the spa's components.
Starting the Spa
- Turn on the power to the spa.
- The control panel should illuminate.
- Set the desired water temperature using the control panel.
- The spa will begin heating the water to the set temperature.
Using the Spa
- Before entering the spa, test the water with a test strip to ensure proper pH and sanitizer levels.
- Adjust the jets and other features using the control panel to customize your experience.
- Limit your soak time to 15-20 minutes, especially when first using the spa.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Draining the Spa
- Turn off the power to the spa.
- Locate the drain valve and attach a garden hose.
- Open the drain valve to drain the spa.
- Once the spa is empty, clean the interior surfaces.
Water Care
Maintaining proper water chemistry is essential for a clean, safe, and enjoyable spa experience. Regular water testing and adjustments are necessary to prevent issues such as cloudy water, skin irritation, and equipment damage.
Testing the Water
Use a reliable test strip or liquid test kit to check the following water parameters:
- pH: Maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Total Alkalinity: Keep total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm.
- Sanitizer Level: Maintain the recommended level of chlorine (1-3 ppm) or bromine (3-5 ppm).
- Calcium Hardness: Keep calcium hardness between 150 and 250 ppm.
Test the water at least twice a week, or more frequently if the spa is used heavily.
Balancing the Water
Adjust water chemistry as needed to maintain the recommended levels:
- To raise pH: Add a pH increaser.
- To lower pH: Add a pH decreaser.
- To raise total alkalinity: Add an alkalinity increaser.
- To lower total alkalinity: Add an alkalinity decreaser.
- To increase sanitizer level: Add chlorine or bromine granules or tablets.
- To increase calcium hardness: Add a calcium hardness increaser.
Follow the product instructions carefully and add chemicals in small increments, retesting the water after each adjustment.
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Sanitizing the Water
Sanitizers kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the water. Common sanitizers include:
- Chlorine: An effective and widely used sanitizer.
- Bromine: A gentler alternative to chlorine, with less odor.
- Ozone: An oxidizer that helps to purify the water and reduce sanitizer demand (if your spa is equipped with an ozone generator).
Maintain the recommended sanitizer level at all times.
Shocking the Water
Shocking the water involves adding a high dose of sanitizer to oxidize organic contaminants and restore water clarity. Shock the water:
- After heavy use.
- After adding fresh water.
- If the water appears cloudy or has an unpleasant odor.
Use a non-chlorine shock oxidizer to avoid unpleasant odors and irritation.
Water Replacement
Regularly replacing the spa water is crucial to prevent the buildup of chemicals and contaminants. How often you should replace the water depends on usage and water chemistry, but a general guideline is to replace the water every 3-6 months.
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Spa Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your Tiger River spa in good condition and extend its lifespan.
Filter Maintenance
Clean the filter regularly to remove debris and maintain proper water flow.
- Remove the filter from the spa.
- Rinse the filter with a garden hose to remove loose debris.
- Soak the filter in a filter cleaner solution to remove oils and minerals.
- Rinse the filter thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.
Replace the filter every 1-2 years, or as needed.
Jet Maintenance
Check the jets regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Remove any debris that may be blocking the jets.
- Clean the jets with a mild soap and water solution.
- Inspect the jets for damage and replace as needed.
Shell Maintenance
Clean the spa shell regularly to remove dirt and grime.
- Drain the spa.
- Clean the shell with a mild soap and water solution.
- Rinse the shell thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Dry the shell with a clean cloth.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the spa shell.
Cover Maintenance
The spa cover protects the spa from the elements and helps to retain heat.
- Clean the cover regularly with a mild soap and water solution.
- Rinse the cover thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Apply a vinyl protectant to the cover to protect it from UV damage.
- Inspect the cover for damage and replace as needed.
Plumbing Maintenance
Inspect the spa's plumbing regularly for leaks and damage.
- Check all fittings and connections for leaks.
- Repair any leaks as soon as possible.
- Inspect the plumbing for cracks or damage and replace as needed.
Troubleshooting
Even with proper care and maintenance, problems can sometimes arise. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:
- Cloudy Water: Check water chemistry and adjust as needed. Shock the water. Clean or replace the filter.
- Green Water: Algae growth. Shock the water and add an algaecide. Clean the filter.
- Foamy Water: High levels of dissolved solids. Drain and refill the spa.
- No Heat: Check the heater and thermostat. Check the circuit breaker.
- Jets Not Working: Check the pump and jets for obstructions.
If you are unable to resolve the issue, consult a qualified spa technician.
Safety Precautions
- Consult your physician before using a spa, especially if you have any medical conditions.
- Pregnant women should avoid using spas.
- Do not use a spa while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Limit soak time to 15-20 minutes, especially when first using the spa.
- Keep the water temperature below 104°F (40°C).
- Supervise children closely when they are near a spa.
- Always lock the spa cover when the spa is not in use.
- Never use electrical appliances near a spa.
Accessing Manuals and Support
While official owner's manuals for Tiger River spas made before 1999 are not available in electronic format, resources are available to help you maintain and repair your spa. Contacting Hot Spring Spas or authorized dealers can provide access to parts, service, and technical support. Also, manuals from similar Hot Spring Spa collections like the 2020 Highlife Collection, 2020 Limelight Collection, and 2019 Highlife NXT Collection Owner’s Manual, can offer valuable insights.