What electrical supply does the Finnmark SoulCold need?
The Finnmark SoulCold runs on 110–120 V, 60 Hz. Finnmark's manual says it must be connected to a code-compliant 15 A circuit with AWG 14 wiring, installed by a licensed electrician and following all local and federal electrical codes, with a grounded NEMA 5-15 outlet for its plug.
The SoulCold arrives with a GFCI power cord and plug. The manual says to press the plug's TEST button to check that it cuts the power and RESET to restore it, not to use either button as an on/off switch, and not to press TEST while the tub is running. The cord and plug are intended for indoor use or light rain, and Finnmark recommends keeping them covered. If an extension cord is unavoidable, the manual specifies a 14 AWG cord with a single plug end rather than a power strip.
Where can the Finnmark SoulCold be installed?
Indoors or outdoors, on a sturdy, level surface. Finnmark's manual asks for a location that can support over 1,000 lb and, on a balcony or deck, a check of the load capacity by a qualified contractor or structural engineer before the tub is placed. Bathing Brands lists the SoulCold at 460 lb empty and 1,650 lb filled, so plan the floor or deck for at least the filled weight. The manual also asks for:
- 20" of clear space on every side, which makes an area of about 120" × 76", avoiding enclosed spaces;
- proper floor drainage, because the chiller can produce condensation in humid conditions and condensed water can run from its drain outlet;
- a freestanding position, not in a recess and not pushed up against a wall.
Using the SoulCold outdoors
Finnmark's manual allows outdoor use under a tent or shading device that protects the SoulCold from sun and rain, and asks that the touchscreen be kept shaded and out of the rain. The chiller is rated to cool in air temperatures of 59–109°F and to heat in 59–95°F. In heavy rain, flooding or direct sun above 95°F, the manual says to unplug the SoulCold and cover it or move it somewhere dry. Below freezing, Finnmark's warranty does not cover freeze damage, and the manual says the chiller should be moved inside or to a properly insulated area.
How is the Finnmark SoulCold set up?
Once the chiller is in its final position, lock the brakes on its casters and wait at least 24 hours before switching it on, so the refrigerant can settle. Check that the mesh filter and main filter are free of debris and hand-tight, then fill the tub with a garden hose. When the tub is half to three-quarters full, switch the chiller on: it primes itself, and it is primed when water flows from the top discharge port in the tub. If no water flows within a minute, Finnmark's manual says to hold the running hose to the bottom port to help it prime, and not to keep running a chiller that will not prime. Then fill until the water is about 6" below the top.
The chiller must never run without water in the tub: the manual says that damages the chiller and voids the warranty.
How is the Finnmark SoulCold maintained?
-
Filters: check the filters, including the cartridge filters and the mesh screen, every 10 uses. Finnmark's warranty terms say the paper-core filter should be replaced every 30 days.
-
Every 6 months: run spa cleanser through the system for 2 hours with nobody in the tub, then drain and refill it, and blow the dust out of the fan with compressed air. The manual warns that skipping the fan cleaning can cause early failure and denied warranty claims.
-
Genuine parts: Finnmark's warranty can be voided by damage from filters and parts that are not genuine Finnmark Designs parts.
-
Storage: drain the chiller before storing it for more than a month. The warranty is void if the chiller is left with stagnant water for 6 months or more without being run.
-
Cleaning: unplug the SoulCold and wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth, without detergents or corrosive cleaners.
