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We all want to enjoy clean, clear Hot Tub Water, and regular Filter Maintenance plays a significant part in the process.

Dirty, clogged Hot Tub filters can make it difficult to maintain your Hot Tubs water and can put strain on your pumps or cause "Open Flow Switch" or "FLO" errors to occur on your Sundance Spa.

In this blog we will give simple instructions on how to set your filter cycles, tips on how to maintain your filters and advice on what to do if you ever get an error message on your control panel.

Filtration Cycle Settings

It is advisable to have your filter settings set for the maximum time of filtration, especially when the hot tub is new. Your Sundance Spa is equipped with the ClearRay UV-C Water Purification System, and either a standard Filter or a MicroClean Filter, so you to get the most out of the technology built in to your spa.

• 680 Series models should be set to 8 hours of filtration. (Press the Menu button, Select "PF". Press + or - button to display current start time (press + or - button to adjust start time). Press "Jet 1" to set new start time. Then press + or - to adjust the number of cycles per day (1-4). Press "Jet 1" to set, then press + or - to adjust the duration of the cycles (1,2 or 3 hour cycles) Press "Jet 1" to confirm. 
• Select Series should be set to F3 & C6. (Hold temp up/down buttons together for 3 seconds, use arrow up/down to select "F3". Press Jet 1 button to confirm selection.  Hold Temp Down/Jet 1 buttons together for 3 seconds, use arrow up/down to select "C6". Press Jet 1 button to confirm selection.
• 780, 880 & 980 Series spas should have their Primary Filters set for 24 hours (start at 12.00 AM, end at 12.00 AM) and their Secondary Filters set to "Frequent" or "Heavy Use". Frequent mode activates two cycles every day (at 8.00 AM and 8.00 PM). Each cycle will last 10 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes every day, which provides the maximum possible filtration for your water.

​Your Sundance Spa should be set to "Standard" or "Auto" mode to ensure it is always heated up to your desired temperature ("Economy" mode will allow your hot tub to only heat twice per day, "Day" mode will allow the water to heat only between the hours of 7.00 AM and 5.00 PM). It is up to you as the Hot Tub owner how often you want your Hot Tub to circulate, but keep in mind, the more the spa does on it's own, the less you will have to do to maintain clean, clear water.

Click Here for a link to download an online version of your Sundance Spa Owners Manual.

For filtration settings see: Pages 29-30 (680 Series) Pages 33-36 (Select Series) Pages 33-36 (780 Series) Pages 55-60 (880 Series) Pages 45-50 (980 Series).

Filter Care

• 680 Series Filters: 50 Sq Ft -  The 680 Series filters should be removed and cleaned once a month and replaced once a year.​
• Select & 780 Series Filters: MicoClean 1 Filter System – This is a two-piece filter system. The large pleated filter should be removed and cleaned every 2-3 months, and replaced every 18-24 months. The smaller filter (MicroClean 1) is a fully disposable filter and should not  be cleaned. This filter should be replaced every 3-5 months. If the MicroClean 1 filter is not replaced in a timely manner it can become clogged and will cause an "Open Flow Switch" or “FLO” error which will turn your hot tub’s heater off.
• 880 & 980 Series Filters: MicroUltra Filter System – This is a two-piece filtration system. The large Outer filter should be removed and cleaned every 2-3 months, and replaced every 18-24 months. The Inner Micro Core filter is fully disposable and should not  be cleaned. This filter should be replaced every 6-8 months. If the Inner Core filter is not replaced in a timely manner it can become clogged and will cause an "Open FLow Switch" or  “FLO” error which will turn your hot tub’s heater off.​

All Pleated Filters should be cleaned with a solution such as Cartridge Cleaner or AquaMagic at least once a year to remove organic matter from the filters pleats.

Rinsing with a regular garden hose will keep debris at bay, but a deep cleanse will increase the efficiency of your Sundance hot Tub filters, help your pumps perform at their best and keep your water looking and feeling great!

What to do if you get any type of "FLO" Error Message

A dirty, plugged or clogged filter can cause an "Open Flow Switch" or "FLO" message, which means your Hot Tub will start to cool down as it cannot heat or filter correctly.  It is wise to check your filters regularly especially during the cold winter months to avoid running in to any issues.

If you ever see an "Open Flow Swich" or any "Flo" error message on your control panel you should:

• Turn off the hot tub at the GFCI breaker.
• Completely remove filter or filters from the hot tub.
• Wait approx 10 - 15 minutes.
• While the filters are out of the spa and the power is still off, Check the filter bay for debris (leaves etc) that could be causing a blockage.
• Turn the hot tub back on at the GFCI breaker, but leave the filters out of the tub. Run the hot tub for at least an hour with the filter still out to ensure the error is cleared. You may need to re-start the spa a couple of times before the error clears.

If the "Open Flow Switch" or "FLO" message is gone after turning on the hot tub back on, your hot tub filter or filters need to be cleaned or replaced. If after you have tried a re-set without the filters the error message is still showing, contact our service department for further steps you can take or to schedule a service call.

For tips on maintaining your hot tub's water Click Here.

Enjoy your new Sundance Spa & welcome to the #sundancelife!

The Sundance Spa Store Team.