Owner`s manual
7
Indoor Considerations: Indoor spa installations have special 
requirements. Your Bullfrog Spa or Tadpole Hot Tub is the most 
leak-free spa in the industry, but there is still a chance of a 
leak from the spa. The environment both around and below 
the spa should be water resistant, and preferably waterproof. 
It must be capable of handling water splashed out from the 
spa as well as the possibility of a leak. Recommendations to 
handle water around the spa include, but are not limited to, 
a oor drain and/or a catch basin equivalent to the volume 
of water in your spa. Condensation can also occur on the spa 
cover and drip onto the oor. Therefore, ensure that ooring 
materials provide a good grip when wet and are resilient to 
constant exposure of water and chemicals. In addition to 
handling the water from the spa, it is recommended that the 
room be properly ventilated. Humidity levels will naturally 
increase after the spa is installed and in use. Water may 
get into woodwork and produce dry rot, mildew, or other 
problems. Over time, high levels of humidity and spa 
chemicals can cause water damage to your oor, wall, and 
ceiling surfaces. Check for airborne moisture’s effects on 
exposed wood, paper, and paint in the room. To minimize 
humidity damage, it is best to provide plenty of ventilation 
such as a ceiling fan and moisture-resistant paint. An 
architect can help to determine if special ventilation 
equipment is required, such as a humidistat or dehumidier 
which can be installed to regulate indoor humidity during spa 
use. NOTE: Typical indoor surfaces include, but are not limited 
to concrete, wood, non-slip tile, or linoleum.
Outdoor Considerations: There are several considerations
when installing your spa outdoors. 1. Avoid selecting a site 
where excessive water may contact the spa, such as 
sprinklers or a roof edge without rain gutters. 2. Avoid areas  
of direct, prolonged sunlight (if possible). The ultraviolet rays 
may fade or damage the spa cover and cabinet. 3. Check 
all applicable national and local codes regarding possible 
restrictions that require fencing or childproof gates around 
the spa. 4. Prevent dirt, sand, and foliage from being tracked 
into your spa by utilizing concrete, concrete pavers, or stone 
for paths and access areas (or, avoid positioning your spa in 
an area where debris will be tracked into the spa). Check the 
location of trees and spill paths from gutters to determine if 
wind or rain will sweep debris into your spa. 5. Consider your 
view and your privacy during all seasons of the year so your 
experience in your outdoor spa will be enhanced rather than 
limited. NOTE: Typical outdoor surfaces include, but are not 
limited to concrete, brick, non-slip tile, wood decking, pea 
gravel, or sand.
Spa Location
Service Access: Some people choose to install tile or custom 
wood around their spas. If you are installing your spa with 
Installation and Setup
custom trimming, remember to allow access for service. 
Should your spa need service, a technician may need to 
remove the spa’s equipment compartment door or side 
panels, or access the spa from beneath. Also, it is always best 
to design special installations so the spa can still be moved, 
or lifted from the ground.
Access to Circuit Breakers: For service purposes, allow easy 
access to the circuit breakers in the electrical service panel 
(permanently-connected models), or to the interrupter switch 
on the end of the power cord (cord-connected models). 
Electrical Safety Requirements: The installation of all spas 
must be in accordance with national and local wiring rules. 
Always have a licensed Electrician perform the electrical 
installation. Each Bullfrog Spa and Tadpole Hot Tub is 
manufactured and tested to a standard that provides 
maximum protection against electrical shock. Improper 
wiring may prevent the spa from operating safely which 
could result in electrical shock, injury, or death. Improper 
wiring could also lead to a malfunction of the spa’s 
equipment and risk of re. When considering a location  
for your spa, consult with a licensed Electrician pertaining 
to the following:
• Overhead Power Lines: Based upon the national and local 
wiring rules that apply to your area, you will need to install 
your spa at the required minimum horizontal and vertical 
distances from all power lines.
• Service Disconnect: Based upon your area, a disconnect 
device must be incorporated into the xed wiring in 
accordance with national and local wiring rules. If the 
national and local wiring rules permit, a GFCI Sub-Panel 
may be used to substitute the service disconnect, providing 
that it is located within the same parameters.
• Electrical Outlets, Switches and Devices: Based upon the 
national and local wiring rules that apply to your area, you 
must install your spa at the required minimum distance from 
all electrical outlets, switches, and devices. 
• Bonding: Based upon the national and local wiring rules 
that apply to your area, the Control System Box located 
inside the equipment compartment of your spa must be 
bonded to all metal equipment, handrails, xtures, 
enclosures, pipe, or conduit that are located within the 
maximum specied distances. The bonding is to be 
connected to the ground lug connector on the exterior 
surface of the Control System Box and all metal items 
previously described.
• Equipment Compartment Access: Make sure the spa is 
positioned so access to the equipment compartment will 
not be blocked.
• All other national and local rules that may be applicable. 










