Visit the Master Spas website Visit the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas website Visit the H2X Fitness Swim Spas website Visit the Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Tub by Master Spas website
clean clear water in a hot tub clean clear water in a hot tub

Master Clear Salt System Quick Start Guide

Congratulations on your new saltwater hot tub! It's time to fill and set up your spa so that you can enjoy the first of many dips. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of filling and balancing your water, ensuring everything is ready for you to relax.

Before you get started

If your hot tub came with the Master Clear Salt System, you're almost ready to begin the start-up process. However, it's a good idea to double-check that everything is in place.

The Smart Cell should be securely locked into the base connection fitting at the bottom of the filter housing. You should also see two standard filter elements in position. This simple check will help ensure a smooth setup.

What you need to get started

We want you to feel confident as you set up your Master Clear Salt System. Knowing what you need to get started and having everything on hand will make for a smooth set-up process.

Included in the Master Clear Salt System Start-Up Kit

  • 1-micron filter
  • Metal Protect
  • Hot tub test strips
  • pH Increaser
  • pH Decreaser
  • Oxidizer
  • Fast & Clear Water Boost
  • Master Clear Salt Plus

You will also need to download the Master Clear Salt System app and have a smart device with Bluetooth.

Initial saltwater system start-upInitial saltwater system start-up

  1. Fill your hot tub. Your spa should be filled with fresh tap water using the 1-micron filter provided in the startup kit. This filter, which attaches to your garden hose, helps remove minerals from the water. By removing minerals, you can extend the life of your Smart Cell and keep your system performing at its best. It is best to use unsoftened water to further reduce minerals in the water. Note: Never fill your hot tub with more than 50% softened water.
  2. Add a sequestering agent. A sequestering agent, such as Metal Protect, will help remove suspended minerals in the water. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the bottle when adding the sequestering agent.
  3. Test the water. Check your alkalinity and pH levels using the test strips in the start-up kit. The total alkalinity 60 - 120 ppm (parts per million) and pH should be 7.0 - 7.2.
  4. Balance and retest. Use pH increaser or decreaser as needed to balance your water. Wait 30 minutes, then test again. If needed, add one chemical at a time and retest before making further adjustments.
  5. Add salt. Once your alkalinity and pH are in range, it's time to add salt. Use a measuring scoop to slowly add salt. Start with the initial recommended salt quantity. It will take 15-30 minutes for the salt to completely dissolve and circulate through the hot tub. If needed, you can add more salt to reach proper levels. Do not exceed the max salt amount listed below.
    6. Gallons Initial Salt
    (cups)    		 Initial Salt
    (pounds)    		 Max Salt
    (cups)    		 Max Salt
    (pounds)
    200 1 ⅝ 1 3 ¼ 2
    250 2 1 ¼ 4 2 ½
    300 2 ⅜ 1 ½ 4 ¾ 3
    350 2 ¾ 1 ¾ 5 ½ 3 ½
    400 3 ⅛ 2 6 ¼ 4
    450 3 ½ 2 ¼ 7 4 ½
    500 3 ⅞ 2 ½ 7 ¾ 5
    550 4 ¼ 2 ¾ 8 ½ 5 ½
    600 4 ⅝ 3 9 ¼ 6
  6. Connect to the app. While the salt dissolves into the spa water, it's the perfect time to set up the Master Clear app. The app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, can be downloaded from the app store. Follow the prompts in the app to set up the Bluetooth connection and select the spa model/fill volume. You will need to be within 5 feet of your spa to use Bluetooth.
  7. Check and adjust salt levels. It may take the system several minutes to register an accurate salt level initially as the salt is still dissolving, especially if the water temperature is below 80 degrees. If the indicator in the app and on the controller remain low 30 minutes after the first cycle has started, add Salt Plus in increments of no more than 1 cup at a time. Wait at least 15 minutes after each additional cup is added before adding more Salt Plus. Repeat until the salt level enters the normal range.

Helpful resources 24/7

Remember, help is always a click away. Master Spas has a growing video library of how-to videos and resources to make water care and spa ownership easy.

View Resources

Weekly/monthly maintenance schedule

BEFORE EACH USE Check the spa water for proper alkalinity and pH levels, and adjust accordingly. You also want to make sure the sanitizer level is within the recommended range. If the sanitizer level is low or not reading, adjust the cycle level on the controller or in the app. Only increase the cycle Level by ONE Level at a time, waiting at least 24-48 hours before adjusting further. Use the Master Clear Salt System app or controller to check salt levels.
AFTER HEAVY USE The Master Clear Salt System is designed to check the sanitizer regularly and run a cycle as needed. After heavy use, it may be helpful to manually start a cycle by pressing "Cycle Now,"" in the app, or pressing the * button on the controller to immediately begin generating sanitizer.
ONCE A WEEK Add oxidizer shock treatment to help with water clarity, by freeing up any combined chlorine. Test the spa water and adjust pH levels as needed. Test the spa water for sanitizer levels. If levels are below the recommended range, adjust the cycle Level, if needed. ONLY increase the cycle Level by ONE Level at a time, waiting at least 24-48 hours before adjusting further.
ONCE A MONTH Soak your filter elements overnight in a container with Filter Cleaner and then rinse with clean water before re-inserting. Physically Inspect your Smart Cell and look for signs of white residue on the electrode plates. White residue indicates there is calcium buildup. If there is calcium buildup, remove the Smart Cell, and install the protective cover over the Smart Cell electrical connection in the filter area. Soak the Smart Cell in vinegar for about 15 minutes and wash it off with a hose before reinstalling in the spa.
EVERY 180 DAYS Drain and refill your spa with fresh water, clean the filters, and repeat the startup procedure.
ONCE A YEAR Replace the Master Clear Smart Cell. You can monitor your Smart Cell lifespan in the app or using the system controller.

Spa water maintenance trouble-shooting guide

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES HOW TO FIX IT
CHLORINE ODOR
  1. Excessive sanitizer
  2. Low pH
  1. Use oxidizer/non-chlorine shock treatment.
WATER ODOR
  1. Low levels of sanitizer
  2. pH out of range
  3. Bacteria or algae growth
  1. Adjust controller Level by one
  2. Adjust pH
  3. Super-chlorinate the system
CLOUDY WATER
  1. Dirty filters or inadequate filtration
  2. Unbalanced water chemistry
  3. Old water
  1. Clean filters with cleaner and increase filtration time
  2. Adjust chemistry levels
  3. Change spa water
FOAMY HOT TUB WATER High levels of body oils, lotions, soap, etc. Add small amount of Foam Gone and check water chemistry
SCUM DEPOSITS AT WATERLINE Body oils and dirt Use multi-purpose cleaner to clean spa surface and add Oil Gone to spa water
CHALKY, WHITE SCALE DEPOSITS Minerals present in the water and lack of sequestering agent use When tub is drained, use a multi-purpose cleaner or white vinegar and scrub with a soft cloth.

Recommended chemical levels*

Free Chlorine 2 - 4 ppm
pH 7.0 - 7.2
Total Alkalinity 60 - 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness 180 - 250 ppm

NOTE: Do not enter the spa when total chlorine levels are above 5 ppm

*Recommended levels are based on industry standards for permanently installed and portable residential spas and swim spas.

Cover

Always leave cover open for at least 15 minutes after adding any chemicals to the spa water.

Helpful resources 24/7

Check out our library of how-to videos and other resources.

View Resources