Getting your Chilly GOAT Alpine or Alpine PRO ready for use starts with a few simple setup steps. Proper filter installation and filling help ensure smooth operation and establish consistent water circulation. You can use the video above for reference.
Step 1: Position the Alpine or Alpine PRO
Place the cold tub in its final location on a flat, level surface capable of supporting its full operating weight. Do not place the cold tub directly on bare ground.
Allow sufficient space around the cold tub for the power cord, ventilation, drainage and future service access. Maintain the following minimum clearances:
- At least 6 feet of open space on the heat-pump output side.
- At least 2 feet of open space on each of the other three sides.
After moving the cold tub into position, allow it to sit for 24 hours before filling it or connecting it to power.
Step 2: Complete Checks Before Start-up
Before filling the cold tub:
- Remove the cabinet panel on the short equipment end of the cold tub.
- Confirm that the plumbing unions are secure.
- Make sure all slice valves are fully open in the raised position.
- Connect the clear condensation-drain extension and route it away from the tub to an appropriate drainage area.
- Attach the supplied floating thermometer inside the tub.
Reinstall the cabinet panel after completing the inspection.
Step 3: Install the Filter
The filter cartridge and clear filter-lid tool are included in the luggage kit.
- Make sure the cold tub is disconnected from power.
- Remove the outer cover from the pressure-feed filter housing.
- Turn the threaded filter lid counterclockwise to remove it. If the lid is too tight to turn by hand, use the clear filter-lid tool to help loosen it.
- Check that the filter housing, lid threads and sealing surfaces are clean and free of debris.
- Lower the filter cartridge straight down into the open housing.
- Reinstall the threaded lid. Make sure it is aligned correctly and threads on smoothly.
- Tighten the lid firmly by hand until it is fully seated. If additional tightening is needed to create a complete seal, use the clear filter-lid tool to turn the lid slightly farther. Do not use excessive force or overtighten the lid.
- Reinstall the outer filter cover.
Important: Never loosen, remove or adjust the filter lid while the circulation pump is running or the filter housing is under pressure.
Step 4: Fill the Tub
- Connect a hose prefilter to a garden hose.
- Begin filling the cold tub with fresh tap water.
- Continue filling until the water reaches at least the minimum mark on the water-level label near the filter area.
- Stop filling before the water rises above the maximum mark.
Do not use more than 50% softened water when filling the cold tub.
Important: Do not connect the cold tub to power before the water has reached the minimum fill level.
Step 5: Connect the Power and Check Circulation
Connect the cold tub to the required dedicated, grounded and GFCI-protected electrical outlet. The circulation pump and heat pump should start automatically.
Check the circulation jets for water movement:
- If there is some water movement, the pump is priming and should reach full flow within approximately five minutes.
- Do not allow the circulation pump to run without water flow for more than one minute.
If full circulation does not begin, follow the instructions for your model:
- Alpine: If the pump is running but no water is moving, disconnect power for one minute and then restart the tub. An E03 message may appear temporarily while the pump primes and should clear once normal water flow begins. If the pump does not prime after several restarts, disconnect power and follow the air-lock procedure in the Alpine owner’s manual before continuing.
- Alpine PRO: If an E03 message appears or the pump is running without water movement, disconnect power and follow the air-lock procedure in the Alpine PRO owner’s manual before continuing.
Once full circulation is established, continue to the model-specific setup and water-care resources below.
Step 6: Complete the Remaining Setup
Once the circulation pump is fully primed, this guide is complete. Continue with the appropriate steps for your model:
- Alpine: Use the control panel to select the desired water temperature, then complete the initial water-care steps using the guides below.
- Alpine PRO: Complete the applicable Hanna system installation and Hanna system calibration steps before normal operation. Then select the desired water temperature and complete the initial water-care steps.
For both models, use the following guides to test, balance and maintain the water:
Do not enter the cold tub until the water chemistry and temperature are within the recommended ranges.