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Leisure Time FREE®
Sanitizing System FAQ's

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What is the Leisure Time FREE Sanitizing System?
FREE is a bromine-free, chlorine-free and odor-free sanitizing system for sensitive skin that provides powerful, long-lasting protection against bacteria. The Free system consists of three basic products – Free, a biguanide sanitizer, Boost, a non-chlorine liquid shock, and Control, a waterline control agent featuring stain and scale protection. The active ingredient in Free is polyhexamethylene biguanide. When compared to bromine or chlorine, Free is considerably more stable in hot water and lasts much longer than traditional spa treatments. Because Free is bromine-free and chlorine-free, there's no harsh chemical odor, no burning eyes, no bleached hair or swimsuits, and no dry itchy skin.

My spa clouds up when I follow the start-up procedure. Why?
If the water is cold when Control is added during the fill cycle, it may cloud up. This is only temporary. By the time the spa is warm enough to use, the water should be clear.  

How often should I test my spa water using the Free system?
Follow the Simple Spa Care Program, which is a weekly routine of testing and adding the proper products based on the test results. The program also includes monthly filter and cover cleaning, as well as draining the spa about every three months.  

Why do I need to drain the water in my spa every three months?
Although Free is persistent at controlling bacteria, it is important to remember that a spa is a small body of water. So, continual use means bathers will deposit large amounts of dirt, perspiration, body oils, deodorant, make-up and other contaminants into a relatively small volume of water. If your spa is used heavily (approximately two people, three times a week, a half hour at a time) we recommend that you change your water every 60 days. If the spa is used less frequently, changing the water every 90 days should be adequate. Naturally, if a serious water quality problem arises, you'll want to change the water immediately.  

What else should I do when I drain the spa?
Clean the surface with Citra Bright, wipe it dry, and apply Fast Gloss to protect, seal and keep the spa finish from fading. Leisure Time also offers Jet Clean for removing and preventing buildup from forming in plumbing. Jet Clean should be used just prior to draining.  

How often should I clean my spa’s filter?
A clean filter is a key ingredient to maintaining sparkling, clear water, so you should clean your spa's filter monthly with Leisure Time Instant Cartridge Clean following label directions. You should soak your filter overnight, deep cleaning with Filter Clean every three months or whenever you drain the spa.  

How often should I clean my spa’s cover?
Depending on use, plan to clean your spa's cover once a month with either Cover Wipes or Cover Care & Conditioner. Pay particular attention to the waterside of the cover. A frequent cleaning of your cover will protect it and keep it smelling fresh.  

Is FREE compatible with my spa’s ozonator?
Yes. Free is compatible with an ozonator. You should follow all label directions for Free and other Leisure Time products. If you are using your ozonator, we recommend that you test your sanitizer level every four days instead of our recommended once a week for spas without an ozonator.  

Even after adding Control, I still sometimes get a waterline ring buildup on my spa. What’s the cause and how do I prevent this?
There are several possible answers to this question. To determine the cause of your waterline, start by making sure your spa water is properly balanced. Test to make sure that total alkalinity, calcium hardness, pH, Free sanitizer and metal levels are all within the proper ranges. If you’re not sure, enter the results in the online water test at LeisureTimeSpa.com.

If the water is balanced, you’ve ruled out water balance as the culprit. Next, confirm that the proper startup dose (1 oz. per every 100 gallons of water) of Control was used at start up, and that it was added prior to the startup dose of Free.

If the start-up procedure was followed correctly and the water was in balance, but you still have a ring, make sure that the filter is running a minimum of 6-8 hours a day and that Boost is added on a weekly basis at the proper dose.

If all of the above are correct, it may be necessary to add your maintenance dose of Control more than once a week. Try adding at the first sign of any buildup in order to control the situation. You can also add or increase your frequency of using Enzyme. Remove any existing waterline deposits with Citra Bright.  

Sometimes I notice a musty odor coming from my spa. How do I prevent this?
First, clean your spa cover (both sides) thoroughly with Cover Wipes or Cover Care & Conditioner following label directions. Ensure that your spa area has proper ventilation if it's indoors.

Second, make sure that you are using the right amounts of each product for your spa size. If you are using your spa more than 3 times a week, be sure to use the higher maintenance dose of Boost (2 oz. per 100 gallons of water).

Third, make sure that no incompatible chemicals have been added to the spa. You may also add an additional dose of Control (1/2 oz per 100 gallons of water).

Finally, check to see when you last drained your spa. Spas with water older than 60-90 days should be drained and refilled. If the odor persists, even if the water is less than one month old, add Jet Clean, and drain the spa. Clean the spa surface with Citra Bright, then refill with fresh water.