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2023 X Series Owner's Manual Quick Guide

This quick guide provides a condensed overview of the most important information from the 2023 Bullfrog X Series Owner's Manual. It covers spa setup, startup, controls, water care, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty coverage for X Series hot tubs.

Overview

The Bullfrog X Series is designed to provide hydrotherapy, relaxation, and easy ownership through a combination of therapy jets, energy-efficient operation, customizable water care settings, and simple maintenance requirements. Following the recommendations in the owner's manual will help maximize performance, water quality, and equipment life.

Getting to Know Your Spa

Depending on the model, your X Series spa may include:

  • Therapy jets
  • Water features
  • LED lighting
  • Air controls
  • Diverter valves
  • Ozone purification system
  • Premium seating
  • Cool-down seat
  • Standard or touchscreen controls
  • Optional audio system

The equipment compartment contains the pumps, heater, control system, plumbing, drain assembly, and optional water care systems.

Filling Your Spa

Before filling the spa:

  • Turn off power at the breaker.
  • Ensure all jets and valves are open.
  • Never power on an empty spa.

Filling Procedure

  1. Remove the filter cover.
  2. Remove the filter cap.
  3. Insert a garden hose into the filter cage.
  4. Fill to the water level indicator.
  5. Reinstall the filter cap and cover.
  6. Inspect for leaks.
  7. Install and secure the spa cover.
Starting Up Your Spa

After restoring power:

  1. Allow the control system to initialize.
  2. Turn on Pump 1.
  3. Confirm water flow through the jets.
  4. If equipped, repeat for Pump 2.
  5. Allow the system to establish and display water temperature.

Pump Priming

Proper pump priming is critical after filling.

  • Do not allow pumps to run without water flow for more than two minutes.
  • If a pump fails to prime, cycle it off and on briefly.
  • If priming cannot be achieved, shut off power and contact your dealer.
Understanding Your Controls

X Series spas may be equipped with either a standard keypad or an optional touchscreen control.

Common functions include:

  • Temperature adjustment
  • Jet controls
  • Lighting controls
  • Water care settings
  • Maintenance reminders
  • Lock settings
  • Standby mode
  • Audio controls (if equipped)
Water Care Modes

The X Series includes several programmable water care modes.

Energy Saver (Factory Default)

Reduces heating during daytime hours and heats primarily during scheduled filtration cycles.

Standard

Maintains the set temperature at all times and keeps the spa ready for use.

Super Clean

Increases filtration and operation time of water care systems to improve water quality.

Weekender

Reduces heating during weekdays and maintains normal temperatures on weekends.

Vacation

Reduces heating continuously during extended periods of non-use.

Water Care Basics

Proper water chemistry protects spa equipment, improves comfort, and keeps water clean and safe.

Recommended Water Balance

  • pH: 7.2–7.8
  • Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
  • Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm
  • Total Dissolved Solids: Less than 1500 ppm

Sanitizer Levels

When using traditional water care methods:

  • Chlorine: 3–5 ppm
  • Bromine: 3–6 ppm

Weekly Water Care

  • Test water multiple times per week.
  • Maintain sanitizer levels.
  • Adjust pH and alkalinity as needed.
  • Shock the spa weekly.
  • Use stain and scale control products when necessary.

Important Warning

Never use Trichlor chlorine tablets in a Bullfrog Spa. Their low pH and strong concentration can damage spa surfaces and components and may void warranty coverage.

FROG® @ease® Water Care System

Many X Series spas are equipped for use with the FROG @ease system.

The system includes:

  • FROG @ease Mineral Cartridge
  • FROG @ease SmartChlor® Cartridge

Benefits include:

  • Simplified water care
  • Lower chlorine levels
  • Consistent sanitation
  • Cleaner, softer water

Replace:

  • SmartChlor cartridge approximately every 3–4 weeks.
  • Mineral cartridge every 4 months.
Air Valves and Diverter Valves

Air Valves

Premium seats include adjustable air valves that allow users to increase or decrease air mixed into the jet stream for customized therapy.

Diverter Valves

Diverter valves allow water flow to be concentrated on specific seats or distributed evenly throughout the spa.

  • Turn toward a seat for maximum therapy.
  • Center the valve for balanced flow.
Filter Maintenance

X Series spas use pleated cartridge filters.

Cleaning Schedule

Clean filters every:

  • 3–6 weeks under normal conditions
  • More frequently under heavy use or poor water conditions

Filter Cleaning Procedure

  1. Turn off power.
  2. Remove the filter cap and filter plate.
  3. Remove filter cartridges.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with a high-pressure spray nozzle on your garden hose.
  5. Reinstall filters.
  6. Restore power.

Never operate the spa without installed filters.

Ozone Water Care System

Many X Series spas include an EOS ozone purification system.

Benefits may include:

  • Reduced sanitizer demand
  • Improved water clarity
  • Reduced shock frequency

The EOS carbon filter should be replaced approximately every 24 months.

Changing Spa Water

As water ages, contaminants accumulate and become harder to manage through normal filtration and chemical treatment.

Bullfrog recommends changing water:

  • Every 1–4 months
  • Or whenever balancing becomes difficult

Draining Procedure

  1. Turn off power.
  2. Open the drain assembly located below the equipment compartment.
  3. Attach a garden hose.
  4. Drain completely.
  5. Refill and rebalance the water.
Spa Surface and Cabinet Care

Spa Shell Care

Use:

  • Mild dish soap
  • Approved spa surface cleaners
  • Soft cloths and sponges

Avoid:

  • Acetone
  • Gasoline
  • Nail polish remover
  • Abrasive cleaners
  • Household solvents

Cabinet Care

The EternaWood™ cabinet requires very little maintenance and can be cleaned using mild soap and water.

Cover Care

To extend cover life:

  • Keep the cover secured when not in use.
  • Remove snow accumulation exceeding 2 inches.
  • Clean monthly.
  • Allow the cover to air dry completely.
  • Apply approved fabric protectant when needed.

Never sit, stand, or place heavy objects on the cover.

Low-Use and Winter Care

Two to Six Weeks

  • Lower the temperature to 80°F (26°C).
  • Continue maintaining water chemistry.
  • Verify the spa is functioning correctly each week.

More Than Six Weeks

  • Activate Vacation mode.
  • Consider winterizing the spa if regular monitoring is not possible.

Winterization Basics

  1. Drain the spa.
  2. Open JetPak valves if equipped.
  3. Vacuum plumbing lines.
  4. Remove pump drain plugs.
  5. Clean shell and filters.
  6. Secure the cover.
  7. Use RV antifreeze if necessary.
Common Troubleshooting

Spa Will Not Heat

Possible causes:

  • Low temperature setting
  • High-limit sensor activation
  • Heater malfunction

Weak Jet Performance

Possible causes:

  • Dirty filters
  • Closed diverter valves
  • Air trapped in plumbing
  • Blocked suction fitting

Jets Surge On and Off

Possible causes:

  • Low water level
  • Dirty filters

Repeated GFCI Trips

Possible causes:

  • Wiring problems
  • Defective breaker
  • Faulty spa component
Warranty Overview

5-Year Warranty

  • Frame
  • Shell structure
  • Equipment components

3-Year Warranty

  • Shell surface
  • Plumbing
  • Cabinet
  • Patio Performance™ cover

1-Year Warranty

  • Lighting systems
  • Audio systems
  • Water care systems

Delivery Coverage

  • Pillows
  • Stainless jet faces
  • Filters

Warranty coverage requires proper installation, operation, water chemistry, and maintenance according to the owner's manual.

Sources
  • Bullfrog Spas X Series Owner's Manual (2023 Revision 1.2): https://www.bullfrogspas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023_X-Series-Owners-Manual_English_v1.2.pdf [2023_X-Ser...glish_v1.2 | PDF]