filling hot tub (Bullfrog A8) for the first time

[darin.brown]

we're having the electric hooked up tomorrow and I imagine they'll want to have us test it to make sure it's connected properly. Looking at the manual for the spa (Bullfrog A8) it says to open all the valves and jets before filling in one section to allow air to escape and in another section (changing out the water) it states to remove the spa filter(s) and refill.

so what's the best practice for the initial fill and leak test? just open the valves and jets, fill it up, look for leaks and then turn it on if things look good?

[tmaestas95]

Open all valves and jets, remove one of the filters and fill the tub through the filter intake to lessen the chance of air lock.  Fill to fill line, reinstall the filter,  and throw the breaker on.  The pumps will go into priming mode automatically after the system runs through a short self check (as described in the manual).  Make sure that water is flowing through the jets, don't run them dry for a long period of time if you don't see water being moved.  If it appears you have an air lock (pumps are running but no water coming from the jets) you may need to stop and start the pumps several times to clear it - it took my new R8 quite a few times to get water flowing through pump 2 but it was not necessary to loosen any plumbing to release air pressure.

[GrayBeardCA]

Don't forget to run the GFCI test. Otherwise your spa will shut off in 24 hours.
http://www.bullfrogspas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GFCI-Trip_Test-2013.pdf

[FL Person]

And don't add ANY chemicals until the the pump is circulating water.  I learned this the hard way.

FL Person