FreshWater Salt System Start-Up Kit
A handful of brands and products on our site can't be discounted with promo codes (including the WELCOMEcode) or other Leisure Time Inc. discounts. We know this can be disappointing if you've spotted something you wanted to save on — but the rule isn't ours to bend. Manufacturers set these restrictions, and authorized dealers like LTI are required to follow them.
This page lists every excluded brand and product so you can check before checkout, and explains why these restrictions exist in the first place.
Why These Exclusions Exist
Many manufacturers — especially in the spa, BBQ, and luxury wellness categories — set Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies for their products. These policies tell every authorized dealer the lowest price the product can be advertised or sold for outside of manufacturer-approved sale events.
MAP pricing serves a few purposes that benefit you as a customer:
- Protects product value — products don't get devalued through constant discounting
- Keeps authorized dealers honest — the dealer next door can't undercut us by 30%, and we can't undercut them either, which keeps the playing field fair
- Funds dealer service and support — stable margins let dealers like LTI maintain showrooms, factory-trained service teams, and full warranty support
- Identifies counterfeit and gray-market resellers — products advertised significantly below MAP are often counterfeits, gray-market imports, or stolen inventory
If you ever see a brand we carry advertised on Amazon or another marketplace at a price that seems too good to be true, MAP is exactly why that's a red flag. Authorized dealers don't break MAP. The seller offering 40% off retail isn't authorized — and neither is the warranty that should come with the product.
Excluded Brands
The following brands are not eligible for LTI discount codes (including WELCOME). They go on sale only during manufacturer-authorized promotions:
- Gozney — pizza ovens and accessories
- OHCO — massage chairs
- Positive Posture — massage chairs and recliners
- Nomadix — outdoor lifestyle products (towels, blankets, accessories)
Excluded Products
The following individual products are also not eligible for discount codes:
- Any product that already has a price markdown — items on sale or clearance can't stack additional discounts on top
- FreshWater Salt System Replacement Cartridge (single)
- FreshWater Salt System Replacement Cartridge (3 Pack)
- Route Protection Insurance — third-party shipping protection, not eligible for our discounts
- Bullfrog A / R / X Series 10-00282 Filter Cartridges
- Bullfrog STIL Series 10-00281 Filter Cartridges
- FROG® @ease Sanitizer System for Bullfrog Spas
- FROG® @ease Replacement Cartridge for Bullfrog Spas (3 Pack)
- Bullfrog Simplicity™ Flat Filters for M Series (4 Pack)
- Filter Core Cage & Cap Assembly for Bullfrog Spas
- Fireplaces (gas, wood-burning, and fireplace inserts)
- Electric Fireplaces
- Gas Vent Pipe
- Pellet Vent Pipe
- Fireplace Fronts
How to Save on Excluded Products
Just because these products can't take a generic discount code doesn't mean you can't save on them. Here's how to find legitimate savings:
- Manufacturer-authorized promotions: Most excluded brands and products do go on sale during specific manufacturer-sponsored events — Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, end-of-season clearances, and brand-specific anniversary sales. We post these promotions on our site and email list when they run.
- Sign up for our email list: We send notifications when authorized sales begin so you can buy at the discounted price during the official window.
- Check our Discounted Products collection: Items already marked down (which can't stack additional discounts) are sometimes deeply discounted from regular retail.
- Visit our Closeouts page: End-of-life inventory and discontinued models are often dramatically reduced — usually below the prices you'd find on other discounts.
- Earn through Patio Perks: Our Patio Perks loyalty program rewards purchases (including on excluded products) with points that can be redeemed for future purchases — a workaround that gets you value back even when the immediate purchase can't take a discount.
Some of the products we sell — primarily spa and pool chemicals — are classified as hazardous materials by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These items can't be returned to us by mail, even though we'd like to make returns easy on every product. This page explains why the rule exists, what's covered, and what your options are if you have unopened chemicals you no longer need.
Why Hazmat Items Can't Be Returned by Mail
This isn't a Leisure Time policy choice — it's a federal regulation that applies to every retailer in the U.S.
The Department of Transportation classifies certain spa and pool chemicals (chlorine-based products, oxidizers, acids, and others) as hazardous materials because they can be dangerous if mishandled in transit. Shipping these items legally requires:
- Specialized hazmat-certified carriers — not standard UPS or FedEx ground service
- Trained shippers — the person preparing the package must have current hazmat training and certification
- Specific packaging — UN-rated containers, absorbent materials, hazmat-compliant labeling
- Documentation — shipping papers, declaration forms, and chain-of-custody records
Consumers don't have access to these services. Even if you mailed a hazmat product without disclosure (which would itself be a federal violation), the carrier could refuse delivery, fine the sender, or in serious cases, hold up an entire shipment for safety inspection. The "no mail returns" rule isn't us being inflexible — it's keeping you out of legal trouble.
Which Products Are Considered Hazmat?
The most common hazmat products in our catalog are spa and pool chemicals. Specifically:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Chlorinating products | FreshWater Concentrated Chlorinating Granules, dichlor products, chlorine tabs |
| Brominating products | Bromine tabs, brominating concentrate |
| Oxidizing shock products | MPS-based shock, calcium hypochlorite shock, non-chlorine shock |
| pH and alkalinity adjusters | FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate is a regulated acid) |
| Some sanitizers and algaecides | Specialty water care products with concentrated active ingredients |
For the complete current list of products that can't be returned by mail, see our Non-Returnables collection.
Your Options for Unused Hazmat Products
If you have unused hazmat chemicals you no longer need, here's what you can actually do:
Option 1: Return in Person at One of Our Showrooms
The fastest and simplest option if you live anywhere in Idaho. Bring the unopened, unused product to any of our three showrooms during business hours:
- Idaho Falls — our flagship location and online order fulfillment center
- Boise — Treasure Valley
- Twin Falls — Magic Valley
Bring proof of purchase (your order email, packing slip, or receipt). Standard return policy timeframes still apply — see our full Return Policy for details on timing and condition requirements.
Option 2: Pause or Skip an Autoship Order Before It Ships
If you're receiving regular hazmat product deliveries through autoship (cartridges, salt, chlorine granules, etc.) and your supply has built up, the easiest fix is preventing the next delivery rather than dealing with returns afterward. You can:
- Pause your autoship subscription for one or more cycles
- Skip the next delivery while keeping the subscription active
- Adjust the delivery interval (e.g., from every 3 months to every 6 months)
- Cancel anytime if your needs have changed
Manage your autoship subscriptions here →
Option 3: For Damaged or Defective Products — Call Us Immediately
Option 4: Local Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
If returning isn't practical and you have unused chemicals you simply need to get rid of, almost every U.S. county and major city has a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program that accepts pool and spa chemicals from residents — usually for free.
To find your local program:
- Search "[your city or county] household hazardous waste"
- Many programs operate on specific drop-off dates; some run year-round at fixed facilities
- Check earth911.com — searchable database of disposal sites by ZIP code
- Don't pour chemicals down the drain or into the trash — many municipalities prohibit this and it can contaminate water supplies
If you're in our Idaho service area and have a question about disposal, call us — we may be able to point you to the right local program for your area.
FreshWater Salt System Start-Up Kit
Overview
The FreshWater Salt System Start-Up Kit is the complete conversion package that turns a traditional chlorine Hot Spring or Caldera spa into a saltwater spa with automatic chlorine generation. Install once, then enjoy up to 12 months between drain & refills, dramatically reduced chemical handling, silkier-feeling water, and no harsh chlorine smell. Everything you need is in the box: the salt controller, the titanium cartridge that does the chlorine generation, 10 lbs of FreshWater spa salt, calcium reducer, three types of test strips, and complete installation guidance. Most owners install in 10–20 minutes.
Why Convert to the FreshWater Salt System?
Traditional chlorine spa care means measuring chlorine, dosing chlorine, testing chlorine, and adjusting chlorine — every few days, week after week, for as long as you own the spa. The FreshWater Salt System replaces that ongoing chemistry work with an automatic chlorine generator powered by dissolved salt:
- Up to 12 months between drain & refills* — vs. 3–4 months for traditional chlorine spas
- Silkier, more natural-feeling water — no itchy skin, burning eyes, or stiff hair
- No harsh chlorine smell — the cleanest air around the spa you'll ever experience
- Dramatically less chemical handling — no more weekly chlorine doses
- Consistent sanitization — the system generates chlorine continuously based on actual demand, not your schedule
- Set-and-forget operation — control panel alerts you when components need attention
What's Included in the Start-Up Kit
This is a complete, ready-to-install package — everything you need to convert your salt-ready spa is in the box:
| Item | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Salt Controller | Electronic control unit that connects to your spa's existing hardware and manages chlorine generation |
| Titanium Cartridge (Salt Cell) | The cell that converts dissolved salt into chlorine on demand — 4 months of service life |
| 10-lb bag of FreshWater Spa Salt | Pure spa-grade sodium chloride (no anti-caking agents, no iodine) — fills your spa to the target 1,750 ppm salt level |
| Vanishing Act Calcium Remover | Reduces calcium hardness in fill water before salt system activation — protects the cell from scale |
| Salt Test Strips | Verify salt level is in the target range |
| 5-Way Test Strips | Test pH, alkalinity, chlorine, bromine, and total hardness |
| Phosphate Test Strips | Test phosphate level (high phosphates can drive sanitizer demand) |
| Owner's Manual | Complete operating reference for the FreshWater Salt System |
| Start-up Guide | Step-by-step initialization procedure |
| Installation Guide | 10-20 minute installation instructions |
Key Features
- 10 components — controller, cartridge, salt, calcium reducer, three test strip varieties, and complete documentation
- 10-20 minute installation for salt-ready 2019+ Hot Spring/Caldera spas
- Automatic chlorine generation — system produces chlorine on demand from dissolved salt
- Up to 12 months between drain & refills with proper maintenance
- Tool-free cartridge swap every 4 months — no draining required
- OEM Watkins Wellness — every component sourced direct from the manufacturer
Directions
- Confirm your spa is salt-ready by checking the model label or your owner's manual (or call our service team).
- Power off the spa at the breakers.
- Test fill water for calcium hardness using the included 5-Way Test Strips. If hardness is above 75 ppm, dose Vanishing Act calcium reducer at fresh fill.
- Install the salt controller into the spa's pre-existing salt-ready hardware (specific procedure varies by spa model — refer to the included Installation Guide for your specific model).
- Insert the titanium cartridge into the controller housing.
- Add the 10-lb bag of FreshWater Spa Salt to the spa, with circulation pumps running for full dissolution (allow 10-15 minutes).
- Verify salt level using the Salt Test Strips — target is 1,750 ppm.
- Power the spa back on and follow the Start-up Guide for system initialization.
- Confirm normal operation within 24 hours; the system will begin generating chlorine automatically.
Pro tip: Available only in the U.S.Customer-installed parts policy: Salt System Start-Up Kit installation is generally a routine owner-performed task and does not affect manufacturer warranty when installed in a salt-ready spa per the included instructions. However, if your spa requires service or modifications to support the salt system (such as plumbing changes), that work must be performed by a certified Hot Spring or Caldera technician to maintain warranty. If you're unsure whether your installation falls within owner-installable scope, call our Idaho Falls service team before starting at (208) 523-4633.
Compatibility
- 2019 - Present Hot Spring Spas: Highlife / Limelight
- 2019 - Present Caldera Spas: Utopia / Paradise
Brand
FreshWater®
Most products you buy from us are covered by a manufacturer's warranty — and if something goes wrong with one of yours, we want to help. This page explains how warranty coverage works, what we can do to support a claim, and the few situations where coverage may not apply.
If you're already dealing with an issue and just want help, the fastest path is to call us at (208) 523-4633 or email hello@leisuretimeinc.com. We'll walk you through the right next step.
How Warranty Coverage Works
When you buy a hot tub, fireplace, grill, or accessory from us, the manufacturer of that product (Hot Spring, Caldera, Big Green Egg, Pit Boss, Watkins Wellness, etc.) provides the warranty. Each manufacturer sets its own terms — coverage length, what's included, what's excluded, and how claims are processed.
This is the standard model for retail across the spa, fireplace, and BBQ industries. It means:
- Your coverage comes directly from the manufacturer — typically the strongest protection available, since they made the product
- Warranty terms vary by brand and product — a Hot Spring spa shell warranty differs from a Big Green Egg lifetime warranty differs from a FreshWater chemical product warranty
- Claim approvals and denials are decided by the manufacturer, not by us
- Repair, replacement, or refund decisions are made by the manufacturer per their warranty terms
Where we come in: we know these manufacturers well, we file claims on behalf of customers regularly, and we know the documentation that helps a claim move quickly.
How We Help You With a Warranty Claim
If something goes wrong with a product you bought from us, here's what we'll do:
- Listen first. Tell us what happened. Sometimes what looks like a warranty issue has a quick fix that saves you the claim hassle entirely.
- Help you document the issue properly.Manufacturers typically need photos, your purchase receipt, and a clear description of the problem. We'll tell you exactly what to gather.
- Submit the claim or connect you to the right contact. Some manufacturers prefer dealers to file claims; others prefer direct customer contact. We'll route you the right way.
- Follow up on your behalf. If a claim stalls, we'll check in with the manufacturer's service team to push it forward.
- Coordinate certified service if needed. Many warranty repairs (especially on hot tubs and fireplaces) require a factory-certified technician. We'll arrange that, or refer you to one.
What we can't do is override a manufacturer's decision. If a manufacturer denies a claim because the product was misused, modified, or installed incorrectly, we don't have the authority to reverse that decision. But we will tell you honestly where a claim stands and what your options are if denied.
What We Don't Cover
Just so there's no confusion, Leisure Time Inc. does not offer in-house warranties on any product we sell. We don't repair or replace products under our own warranty program because we're not the manufacturer — and we don't have the parts inventory or specialized knowledge to back coverage on every brand we carry. The manufacturer warranty is what protects you.
If a manufacturer voids a warranty claim, we can't replace, repair, or refund the product on our own. We'll work with you to understand why the claim was denied and what alternatives exist.
Customer-Installed Parts: An Important Note
We know this can feel restrictive, especially for owners who are mechanically inclined and want to do their own work. Here's why this rule exists:
Hot tubs and fireplaces are complex systems with interconnected electrical, plumbing, gas, and control components. A pump installed slightly wrong can cause the heater to fail. A control board installed without proper grounding can damage the entire spa pack. A gas valve installed by someone unfamiliar with the unit can create a serious safety hazard.
Manufacturers can't reasonably warrant a product against installation errors they didn't witness — so they require certified technicians for these critical components. The certification confirms the installer has the training to do the work correctly, plus liability coverage if something goes wrong.
What this means in practice:
- Some parts are routine owner-installable (filter cartridges, cover lifts, accessories, water care chemicals) — these don't affect warranty
- Some parts must be installed by certified technicians (pumps, motors, heaters, control boards, salt cell housings, gas valves, fireplace inserts) — these will void warranty if owner-installed
- If you're unsure whether a specific part falls into the "routine" or "certified-only" category, call us before starting any installation
If your part has already been customer-installed and the warranty has been voided, the manufacturer typically will not honor a future claim on that part. We can't accept returns or exchanges on customer-installed parts that have been used, and we can't process a warranty claim the manufacturer has voided. We'll always be honest with you about whether a part is owner-installable before you start.
