Getting the Most From Your Free Flow Spa: Jets, Air Controls, Diverter Valves, and LED Light Modes
Posted by HTSS Team on Sep 21st 2026
Getting the Most From Your Free Flow Spa: Jets, Air Controls, Diverter Valves, and LED Light Modes
Free Flow spas are designed to be simple, and that simplicity is part of their appeal. But simple does not mean one-size-fits-all. Behind a few buttons and knobs, your Free Flow gives you real control over massage intensity, which jets get the most pressure, how the water feels, and even the mood of the lighting. Many owners use only a fraction of those options because they never had a reason to experiment.
This guide walks through every control on a typical Free Flow spa, from the control panel to the jets, air controls, diverter valve, whirlpool jet, waterfall, and multi-color LED light, so you can tune every soak exactly the way you like it.
The Control Panel Basics
Temperature
Free Flow spas can be set anywhere from 80 to 104 degrees F. The factory setting is 100 degrees F. Press the plus or minus button to see the set temperature, then press again to adjust. After five seconds, the display returns to showing the current water temperature. If power is interrupted, the spa returns to your last saved set temperature when power comes back.
The heater indicator lights when the heater is running and flashes when the spa is calling for heat but the heater is not on yet. On a standard 115 volt plug-in setup, that often happens while the jets are on high, since the heater only runs with the pump on low speed in that configuration.
Jets Button
Press the Jets button once for low speed, again for high speed, and a third time to turn the pump off. The indicator next to the button blinks on low speed and stays solid on high speed. If you forget to turn the jets off, Free Flow's control system shuts the pump off automatically after one hour. Note that the pump may keep running on low if the spa is heating or in a filter cycle.
Hydrotherapy Jets
The hydrotherapy jets are recessed in the spa walls, and each one can be turned on or off by rotating its face. This is one of the most useful controls you have. Closing jets you are not using sends more water to the ones that are open, so you can concentrate pressure on your seat, or on a specific spot like your lower back.
A good habit is to start each soak with all jets open, then close jets at empty seats. If you are soaking alone, you may be surprised how much stronger your seat feels with the others closed. Just avoid closing so many jets that the pump sounds strained, and open them all again before you finish so the next person starts from a normal setting.
Air Control Valves
Air controls regulate how much air mixes into the water flowing through the jets. Turn an air control one direction to add air and increase jet action for a more vigorous, bubbly massage. Turn it the other direction to shut the air off, so the jets run with water only for a smoother feel.
Free Flow recommends turning the air controls off when the spa is not in use. Open air controls pull in outside air, which cools the water and makes the heater work harder. Closing them after each soak is one of the easiest ways to hold heat and keep energy use down, especially on a plug-and-play spa.
You may notice bubbles from one jet even with the air controls closed. That is the ozone jet on spas equipped with an ozone system, and Free Flow notes it will always produce bubbles while the pump is running.
Diverter Valve (When Equipped)
On models with a diverter valve, the large valve on the top of the spa directs water from the pump to one of two groups of jets. Free Flow says the easiest way to learn it is by experimenting: turn the valve all the way to one side and see which jets are running, then turn it all the way to the other side. Positions in between split the flow.
Diverters are great for shared soaks. If two people want strong pressure at the same time on opposite sides of the spa, a centered diverter shares the flow. If you are soaking alone, turn the diverter fully toward your seat's group of jets for maximum pressure.
Whirlpool Jet (When Equipped)
Some Free Flow models include a whirlpool jet, located below the waterline at or near the control panel area. It has a larger diameter than the hydrotherapy jets and doubles as a diverter. You turn it on and off by rotating the jet face, and as you open it further, it begins turning off the hydrotherapy jets. One of the two air controls on these models is dedicated to the whirlpool jet.
Because there is substantial water pressure behind the whirlpool jet, Free Flow cautions that you should turn the pump off or to low speed before rotating the jet face.
Waterfall (When Equipped)
Models with a waterfall feature have a control valve attached to the waterfall that adjusts flow from off to a steady stream. The sound of moving water adds a lot to the atmosphere of a soak, and many owners run the waterfall at a gentle trickle for a relaxing background sound. Turn it off when you want to hear conversation or music more clearly.
Multi-Color LED Light
Press the Light button once to turn on the underwater LED and again to turn it off. To change modes, turn the light off and quickly back on, and a new mode appears each time. According to Free Flow's manual, the sequence is:
- White
- Full color wheel
- Amber
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Purple
- Color wheel 1
- Color wheel 2
- Abrupt color wheel
If the light is off for more than about two seconds, it returns to your last mode the next time you turn it on. If you leave the light on, it shuts off automatically after four hours.
Choosing a Mood
- White: Best for checking water clarity, cleaning, or finding a dropped item.
- Amber or red: Warm, low-glare light for winding down at night.
- Blue or purple: Cool, calming tones for relaxed evenings.
- Color wheels: Fun for entertaining and kids' swim time.
Keeping Jets, Valves, and Lights Working Smoothly
A few simple habits keep every control on your Free Flow working the way it should. Rotate every jet face open and closed occasionally, even jets at seats that rarely get used, so mineral deposits do not lock them in place. If a jet face becomes stiff, balanced water chemistry and a gentle cleaning usually help; avoid forcing it with tools. Turn the diverter and air controls through their full range every few weeks for the same reason, and rinse away sand or grit around them so debris does not work into the valve bodies.
Clean filters make a big difference in jet performance. If pressure seems weak even with air controls open and the diverter turned toward your seat, check the water level and clean the filter before assuming a mechanical problem. Weak jets are far more often a sign of a dirty filter or low water than a failing pump.
If the LED light stops working, first confirm the spa is powered and try the Light button again after a few seconds. Light assemblies can be replaced, but that work involves the equipment compartment, so turn off power at the source before any inspection and call for service if you are not comfortable working inside the cabinet.
Putting It All Together: Three Soak Recipes
The Deep Tissue Soak
Jets on high, air controls open, diverter turned fully to your seat, and jets at empty seats closed. White or blue light. Ideal after a workout or a long day on your feet.
The Quiet Evening
Jets on low, air controls closed, waterfall at a gentle trickle, amber light. Ideal for relaxing before bed.
The Social Soak
Jets on low or high as guests prefer, diverter centered, all jets open, color wheel lighting. Ideal for entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the light color on my Free Flow spa?
Turn the light off and quickly back on. Each quick off and on advances to the next mode in the sequence.
Why did my jets turn off by themselves?
Free Flow's control system automatically shuts off the jet pump after one hour to save energy.
Why do I see bubbles from one jet even with the air controls closed?
On spas with an ozone system, the ozone jet always produces bubbles while the pump runs. That is normal.
How do I get stronger jet pressure?
Open the air controls, turn the diverter toward your seat, and close the jets at seats no one is using.
Your Free Flow spa has more control built in than you might expect. Spend a few soaks experimenting with jets, air controls, the diverter, and light modes, and you will find settings that make every session feel custom made.