56 Owner’s ManualEnglishNOTE: Do NOT attempt to use thepump to drain the spa.NOTE: Close and replace caps onall drains prior to refilling the spa.NOTE: When refilling the spa, you mayneed to bleed air from the system. Refer toPriming Your Spa for instructions.Filter MaintenanceNOTE: It is not necessary to drain thespa in order to clean the filter.The removable filter cartridge is located inthe filter canister behind the skimmer.The filter should be inspected/cleanedmonthly during normal use, and more oftenwhen spa use is heavy.Your filtration system may also include aFirst Filter, an additional filter that is placedon top of the skimmer basket and pressedinto place. This filter aids the collection ofmicroscopic organic matter, debris, hair, soapresidue and body oils. To clean this filter,remove, rinse or soak in cartridge cleaner asdirected, and reinstall. When First Filter is nolonger white after cleaning, replace with a newfilter. These can be purchased from your dealer.Keep the filter cartridge clean! Clean thefilter cartridge at least once every 90 days.A clogged filter decreases performance anddegrades water quality.To clean the filter cartridge:1. Turn the pump off.2. Remove skimmer lid on top of spa filterarea.3. Remove strainer basket4. Remove filter cartridge from the filter canisterby grasping the top and lifting upwards.Some filters are threaded on.5. Soak filter in a commercial filter cleaner/degreaser, available from your Elite Spadealer, per manufacturer’s instructions.Hose out filter cartridge or replace withnew cartridge, if needed.6. Place filter cartridge back into filter canister.When the spa is empty, the weir door mayblock the filter canister. You must hold itout of the way when reinstalling thecartridge. When the spa is full, the door willfloat so you will have easy access forinstalling the filter cartridge7. Replace strainer basket and skimmer lid.8. Turn the pump ON.Replacing the filter cartridge annuallyis recommended to maintain optimumperformance. Filter maintenance dependson usage.WinterizingIn cold climates where freezing temperaturesoccur, special care is required to prevent thepossibility of damage to the spa and equipmentdue to freezing. If you plan on using your spaduring cold months, be sure your pump andheater are in good working order. The spashell has been insulated to provide efficientoperation in cold weather areas.NOTE: If you elect not to drain your spaand the temperature is going to be belowfreezing for extended periods of time, itis best to operate the spa heater at themaximum high temperature (to104°F(40°C), especially if there is a power outagethreat. This will help keep the spa waterfrom freezing if you have a power failure.If you do not intend to use your spa during thewinter months and there is danger of freezing,use the following steps to winterize your spa: