2023 Swim Series Owner Quick Guide
Your Bullfrog Spas Swim Series spa combines aquatic fitness, hydrotherapy, and relaxation in a single system. Understanding the basics of startup, water care, maintenance, and troubleshooting will help ensure years of reliable performance and enjoyment.
Overview
This condensed guide provides the most important ownership information from the Bullfrog Swim Series Owner's Manual for S150 and S200 models. It covers startup, water care, swim functions, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty highlights.
Getting to Know Your Swim SeriesKey Swim Series features may include:
- Swim current jets
- JetPak Therapy System®
- Multi-function touchscreen controls
- Exercise seat
- Swim and exercise handrail
- Splash pad play area
- Simplicity® filtration system
- EOS ozone system
- Interior and exterior LED lighting
- Optional audio system
- Fitness accessory mounting points
Available models include:
- S150
- S200
- Always supervise children around the swim spa.
- Keep the cover locked when not in use.
- Never dive or jump into the swim spa.
- Do not use electrical devices within 5 feet of the spa.
- Test the GFCI before each use.
- Water temperature should never exceed 104°F (40°C).
- Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs while using the spa.
- Consult a physician if pregnant or under medical care.
Before filling:
- Ensure power is OFF.
- Open all JetPak valves and adjustable jets.
- Never turn on power to an empty spa.
Filling Procedure
- Lift the headrest and SnapCap assembly behind a JetPak.
- Insert a garden hose into the opening.
- Fill to the water level indicator or midpoint of the filter intake grate.
- Inspect the equipment compartment for leaks.
- Install and secure the cover.
After restoring power:
- Allow the control system to initialize.
- Verify the main home screen appears.
- Turn on Pump 1 and verify water flow.
- Repeat for all additional pumps.
- Switch to Swim Mode.
- Start the swim current and verify water flow from both swim jets.
Air Lock Warning
If pumps run but no water flows:
- Open and close adjustable jets.
- Cycle pumps off and on.
- Use the external air bleeder if necessary.
- Do not allow pumps to run dry for more than two minutes.
The Swim Series features two operating modes:
Spa Mode
Used for hydrotherapy, seating areas, and relaxation features.
Swim Mode
Activates the swim current system for exercise and training activities. Switching between modes requires approximately 20 seconds while valves actuate.
Temperature ControlUse the touchscreen arrows to adjust water temperature.
- Maximum recommended temperature: 104°F (40°C)
- Heating and cooling status appears on the main display.
- The spa automatically manages heating based on the selected water care mode.
The Swim Series includes programmable fitness functions.
Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Customize:
- Duration (0–5 minutes)
- Intensity level (1–5)
Pre-Programmed Swim Drills
Choose from:
- Endurance
- Lap
- Transition
- Cardio
- Power
Personalized Workouts
Create and save up to three custom swim workouts with adjustable:
- Duration
- Current intensity
- Progression profile
- Preparation time
Super Energy (Factory Default)
Maximizes energy savings and heats primarily during designated filtration cycles.
Standard / Beginner
Maintains water temperature continuously and keeps the spa ready at all times.
Away
Best for vacations or periods longer than two weeks without use.
Energy Saving
Reduces heating during weekday daytime hours while maintaining normal weekend availability.
Weekender
Ideal for owners who primarily use the swim spa on weekends.
Water Care GuidelinesRecommended Water Balance
- Total Alkalinity: 125–150 ppm
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Free Chlorine: 3–5 ppm
Water Care Best Practices
- Test water at least twice weekly.
- Shock water weekly.
- Use water clarifier when necessary.
- Use stain and scale inhibitor when recommended.
- Operate pumps with the cover open for at least 30 minutes after chemical additions.
Recommended Sanitizer
Bullfrog recommends granular Dichlor chlorine.
Do Not Use
- Trichlor chlorine tablets
- Bromine tablets
- Undissolved chemicals placed directly on surfaces
Swim Series models use Simplicity® flat filters.
Filter Replacement
- Replace approximately every 4 weeks.
- Replace more frequently if usage is high.
- Always use genuine Bullfrog Simplicity filters. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Filter Intake Cleaning
Periodically:
- Remove intake grates.
- Remove filter baskets.
- Clean leaves and debris.
- Reinstall baskets and grates. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
JetPaks can be removed and exchanged to customize therapy.
To adjust JetPak pressure:
- Turn valve counterclockwise to increase pressure.
- Turn valve clockwise to reduce pressure. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Many additional therapy jets throughout the swim spa are also adjustable. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Changing WaterBullfrog recommends changing Swim Series water approximately every 6 months, or sooner as water becomes difficult to balance. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Draining
- Turn off power.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain assembly.
- Open the drain.
- Allow the spa to drain completely.
- Refill and rebalance the water. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Weekly
- Test water chemistry
- Check sanitizer levels
- Inspect water clarity
- Remove debris from skimmer baskets [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Monthly
- Replace Simplicity filters
- Clean cover
- Condition headrests
- Inspect equipment compartment [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Annual
- Replace the Clear Comfort® CCW25 cartridge when the cartridge indicator changes from blue to yellow.
- Schedule professional inspection if desired. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
To maximize cover life:
- Keep cover secured when not in use.
- Remove snow accumulation over 2 inches.
- Clean monthly.
- Allow cover to air dry after cleaning.
- Use approved fabric protectants when necessary. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Two to Six Weeks
- Lower temperature to 80°F (26°C).
- Use Super Energy mode.
- Continue monitoring water chemistry. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
More Than Six Weeks
- Use Away mode.
- Consider winterization if the spa cannot be monitored regularly. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Winterization Essentials
- Drain the spa.
- Open JetPak valves.
- Vacuum plumbing lines.
- Remove pump drain plugs.
- Remove or protect filters.
- Secure cover.
- Use RV antifreeze if appropriate. [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
| Code | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| HL | High limit tripped | |
| FLO | Flow problem | |
| NO FLO | Persistent flow issue | |
| OH | Water temperature too high | |
| AOH | Elevated internal temperature | |
| HR | Hardware error | |
| Pr | Temperature probe error | |
| Comm | Communication fault | |
| F1, F2, F3 | Blown fuse | |
| CFLO | No flow condition | [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF] |
Spa Will Not Heat
Possible causes:
- Temperature setting too low
- High-limit sensor tripped
- Heater malfunction [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Weak or No Jet Performance
Possible causes:
- Dirty filter
- Closed JetPak valve
- Air lock
- Blocked suction fitting [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Repeated GFCI Trips
Possible causes:
- Wiring issue
- Faulty breaker
- Defective spa component [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Jets Surge On and Off
Possible causes:
- Low water level
- Dirty filters [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
Lifetime Warranty
- EnduraFrame™ support structure [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]
10-Year Warranty
- Shell structure
7-Year Warranty
- Shell surface
5-Year Warranty
- Equipment
- JetPak Therapy System
- Plumbing and fittings
- Cabinet and EnduraBase™ components
3-Year Warranty
- Patio Performance™ cover
1-Year Warranty
- Lighting systems
- Audio systems
- Water care systems
Warranty coverage applies only to the original residential owner and requires proper installation, maintenance, and operation according to the owner's manual.
Sources- Bullfrog Swim Series Owner's Manual (2023 Revision 2.3): https://www.bullfrogspas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-Swim-Series-Owners-Manual-rev2.3.pdf [2023-Swim_...ual-rev2.3 | PDF]