2024 STIL Owner's Manual Quick Guide
This quick guide provides a condensed overview of the most important information from the 2024 Bullfrog STIL Owner's Manual. It covers setup, startup, water care, JetPak® operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty coverage for the STIL5 and STIL7 models.
Overview
The Bullfrog STIL® Series combines modern architectural styling with the patented JetPak® Therapy System, advanced water care options, premium touchscreen controls, and customizable hydrotherapy.
STIL models include:
- STIL5
- STIL7
Proper operation and maintenance will help ensure years of reliable performance and enjoyment.
Getting to Know Your STIL SpaKey spa features may include:
- Premium A1000 touchscreen control
- JetPak® Therapy System
- Filter access compartment
- Removable headrests
- Water feature (model dependent)
- Interior LED lighting
- Therapy jets
- Ozone purification system
- Simplicity® filtration system
The equipment compartment contains:
- Main control system
- Jet pump
- Circulation pump
- Heater
- Ozone generator
- Drain assembly
- Control center box
Before filling:
- Turn power off.
- Never operate the spa while empty.
- Avoid softened water unless appropriate mineral supplementation has been added.
- Fill through the filter compartment to reduce airlock potential.
Filling Procedure
- Remove the filter cover.
- Remove a filter cage cap.
- Insert a garden hose into the inner chamber of the filter cage.
- Fill to the water level indicator line.
- Reinstall the filter cap and cover.
- Inspect all equipment and plumbing for leaks.
- Install and secure the spa cover.
After restoring power:
- Allow the control system to initialize.
- Wake the touchscreen by touching the screen.
- Unlock the display.
- Turn on Pump 1 at low speed and then high speed.
- Repeat for Pump 2 if equipped.
- Verify visible water flow from jets.
Important Priming Information
Never allow a pump to operate without water flow for more than two minutes.
If water is not flowing:
- Turn pumps off and back on briefly.
- Do not repeat more than five times.
- Contact your dealer if priming cannot be achieved.
The A1000 control displays:
- Water temperature
- Set temperature
- Time
- Heating status
- Lighting status
- Jet operation
- Audio status (if equipped)
- Maintenance reminders
Common Functions
- Start and stop pumps
- Adjust water temperature
- Operate lighting
- Set filtration schedules
- Configure water care modes
- Access maintenance reminders
- Lock or unlock controls
Universal Unlock Code
If needed, the universal keypad unlock code is:
3732
Water Care ModesEnergy Saver (Factory Default)
Reduces water temperature during daytime economy periods and heats during programmed cycles.
Standard
Maintains water temperature continuously.
Super Clean
Increases filtration duration and supplemental water care operation.
Weekender
Reduces heating during weekdays and maintains full temperature on weekends.
Vacation
Reduces the set temperature by 20°F and minimizes energy consumption during extended periods of non-use.
JetPak® Therapy SystemOne of the defining features of the STIL Series is the interchangeable JetPak Therapy System.
Changing JetPaks
- Place the spa in Standby Mode.
- Remove the headrest and Snap-Cap.
- Release and remove the JetPak.
- Install the desired JetPak.
- Reinstall the Snap-Cap and headrest.
Important Warning
Always handle JetPaks using the manifold area. Applying pressure to the acrylic faceplate can damage the JetPak and may void warranty coverage.
Adjustable Jets
To customize massage intensity:
- Turn JetPak valves counterclockwise to increase pressure.
- Turn clockwise to decrease pressure.
- Adjustable shell jets may also be fine-tuned for personalized therapy.
Proper water chemistry protects bathers, spa equipment, and water clarity.
Recommended Water Balance
For FROG® @ease® systems:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Hardness: 150–250 ppm
For traditional water care systems:
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 125–150 ppm
- Chlorine: 3–5 ppm
- Bromine: 3–6 ppm
Most STIL spas are equipped to accept the FROG @ease sanitizing system.
Benefits
- Cleaner water
- Softer water feel
- Reduced chlorine exposure
- Simplified maintenance
Cartridge Replacement
- SmartChlor® cartridge: approximately every 3–4 weeks
- Mineral cartridge: every 4 months or at each drain and refill
Monthly Maintenance
Shock the spa monthly using an approved non-chlorine shock product.
Water Care WarningsNever use:
- Trichlor chlorine tablets
- Household chemicals
- Unapproved sanitizers
These products can damage spa components and may void warranty coverage.
Ozone Purification SystemsDepending on configuration, your STIL spa may include:
- EOS® Ozone System
- WellSpring High Output Ozone System
Benefits may include:
- Reduced sanitizer demand
- Improved water clarity
- Reduced shocking frequency
EOS filter cartridges typically require replacement approximately every 24 months.
Filter MaintenanceClean filters every:
- 3 to 6 weeks
- More frequently under heavy use conditions
Filter Cleaning Procedure
- Turn off power.
- Remove the filter cap and filter plate.
- Remove filter cartridges.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Deep clean periodically using filter cleaner.
- Reinstall filters and restore power.
Filter Replacement
Replace worn filters as needed using genuine Bullfrog replacement filters.
Changing Spa WaterOver time, dissolved solids and contaminants accumulate, making water balancing more difficult.
Recommended Water Change Interval
- Every 1 to 4 months depending on use
- Whenever balancing becomes difficult
Drain Procedure
- Turn off power.
- Extend the drain assembly.
- Remove the drain cap.
- Attach a garden hose.
- Activate drainage.
- Drain completely.
- Close and restore the drain assembly.
Shell Cleaning
Use:
- Mild dish soap
- Approved spa cleaners
- Soft cloths and sponges
Avoid:
- Acetone
- Gasoline
- Abrasive cleaners
- Solvents
- Harsh chemicals
Cabinet Care
EternaWood™ cabinetry requires minimal maintenance.
For normal cleaning:
- Mild soap
- Water
- Soft cloth
To maximize cover life:
- Keep cover secured whenever the spa is not in use.
- Clean monthly.
- Remove excessive snow accumulation.
- Allow cover to air dry after cleaning.
- Apply approved fabric protectants when necessary.
Never sit, stand, or place heavy objects on the cover.
Headrest CareTo extend headrest life:
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water.
- Use approved conditioning products.
- Remove during shock treatments.
- Ventilate the spa after sanitizer treatments.
Headrests are consumable items and may require periodic replacement as part of normal ownership.
Low-Use and Vacation PeriodsTwo to Six Weeks
- Lower temperature to 80°F (26°C).
- Continue water care maintenance.
- Verify operation weekly.
Longer Than Six Weeks
- Use Vacation Mode.
- Consider winterization if the spa cannot be monitored.
- Drain the spa.
- Open all lower JetPak valves.
- Vacuum water from plumbing lines.
- Remove pump drain plugs.
- Clean shell and JetPaks.
- Clean or replace filters.
- Secure the cover.
- Remove remaining water with a wet/dry vacuum.
- Add RV antifreeze if necessary.
Freeze Protection
STIL spas include automatic freeze protection that circulates and heats water when freezing conditions are detected.
Common TroubleshootingSpa Will Not Heat
Possible causes:
- Temperature set too low
- High-limit sensor activated
- Heater malfunction
Weak Jet Pressure
Possible causes:
- Partially closed valves
- Dirty filter
- Air trapped in plumbing
- Blocked suction fitting
Jets Surge On and Off
Possible causes:
- Low water level
- Dirty filters
Repeated GFCI Trips
Possible causes:
- Electrical wiring issue
- Faulty breaker
- Failed spa component
Control Panel Displays Error Message
Refer to the error code displayed on the screen and contact your dealer if the issue cannot be resolved.
Warranty OverviewLifetime Warranty
- EnduraFrame™ spa frame
10-Year Warranty
- Shell structure
7-Year Warranty
- Shell surface
5-Year Warranty
- Equipment
- Cabinet and base
- JetPak® manifold system
3-Year Warranty
- Patio Performance™ spa cover
1-Year Warranty
- Lighting systems
- Audio systems
- Water care systems
Delivery Coverage
- Pillows
- Metal jet faces
- Filters
- 2024 STIL Owner's Manual (Version 1) [2024_STIL-...-Manual_v1 | PDF]