You can click on the following How To items to go directly to coresponding instructions or browse the topics by scrolling down the page.
• Draining and cleaning the water
• Filter Cartridges Removal & Cleaning
• Care of the Spa Cover
• Vacation Care Instructions
DRAINING AND CLEANING THE WATER
Detergent residues from bathing suits and soap film from your body may gradually accumulate in your spa’s water. Normally, in about four months the water will become sudsy and should be replaced. Showering without using soap prior to entering the spa, or using only the rinse cycle when laundering your bathing suit, will help to reduce the detergent residue in the spa water.
IMPORTANT:
• Remember to change your water every three to four months.
• Additional products are available to clean where you cant. Spa Purge and Swirl Away do a wonderful job of cleaning buildup of organic waste in the spa’s plumbimg.
TO DRAIN YOUR SPA:
Disconnect the spa from the power supply by the appropriate method:
• 115 volt models: Disconnect the power cord from the house receptacle. Set the power cord in an elevated position so as not to allow water to enter the GFCI plug housing during draining the spa.
•230 volt models: Trip both of the GFCI breakers located in the subpanel
• Located the main drain valve for the spa and remove the drain cap. Attach the inlet of a garden hose to the drain valve (to avoid flooding of the foundation surrounding the spa) and route the outlet of the hose to an appropriate draining area.
NOTE: Spa water with a high sanitizer level may harm plants and grass.
• Open the valve by turning the knob. The spa will drain by gravitational flow.
IMPORTANT: All Hot Spring models will drain almost completely through the main drain valve and the secondary drain. Equipment such as the jet pump and heating system will drain. Any water remaining within the plumbing or equipment after draining will only need to be removed if the spa is being winterized.
• Allow most of the water to drain through the main drain.
• Remove threaded cap from secondary drain. This will drain the remaining water (about one gallon) from the bleedline system.
• When empty, inspect the spa shell and clean as required.
NOTE: For surfaces with hard surface stains use Spa Essentials Surface Cleaner.
• Close the drain valve and reinstall the drain cap.
• Reinstall threaded cap into secondary drain.
• Replace or close the equipment access door and replace the screws.
• To prevent contaminants from entering the spa, Watkins recommends using the FreshStart® 10,000 pre-filter when filling the spa with water. Always fill the spa through the filter compartment.
IMPORTANT: The FreshStart 10,000 pre-filter is designed to remove unwanted contaminants such as rust, dirt, detergents, and algae from the fill water. Dissolved minerals and metals such as lead, calcium, copper, and iron are not removed. Instructions are included with the FreshStart 10,000 pre-filter.
• Refill the spa through the filter compartment BEFORE restoring power.
IMPORTANT: Always clean and rotate the filter cartridges each time the spa is drained for cleaning.
FILTER CARTRIDGES REMOVAL AND CLEANING
Disconnect the spa from the power supply by the appropriate method:
• 115 volt models: Disconnect the power cord from the house receptacle. Set the power cord in an elevated position so as not to allow water to enter the GFCI plug housing during draining the spa.
• 230 volt models: Trip both of the GFCI breakers located in the subpanel
• Remove and carefully set aside the filter compartment cover
• Remove any floating items from within the filter compartment.
• Turn the filter retainer handle (located on the top of the filter cartridge) counterclockwise until the retainer can be removed from the filter standpipe.
• Remove the filter retainer and cartridge.
SERVICE NOTE: Never remove the filter standpipes when debris is present in the filter compartment. Debris may find its way into the internal plumbing which may result in blockage. Never remove suction fittings.
• Always clean standard filter using a filter degreaser, such as Hot Spring ® Freshwater® Filter Cleaner, to remove mineral and oil buildup. Simply soak the filter in the degreaser according to the package directions, then place the filter on a clean surface and spray until clean using a garden hose. It may be necessary to rotate the filter while spraying to remove any debris lodged between the filter pleats. The Tri-X® filter can be cleaned in the dishwasher using no soap and no dry cycle. Please contact your Hot Spring dealer for details.
• To reinstall the filter cartridge, reverse the order of steps in which it was removed. Do not overtighten!
WARNING: Do not use the spa with the filter cartridges, or filter standpipe(s) removed!
Products to help clean filters:
Spa Essentials Filter Cleaner
GLB Filter Cleanse
Hot Spring Freshwater Instant Filter Cleaner
WARNING: The cover is a manual safety cover that meets or exceeds all prevailing requirements of ASTM Standards for spa safety covers when installed and used correctly as of the date of manufacture. Non-secured, or improperly secured covers are a hazard. Open the cover to its fully open position before use.
VINYL COVER: The vinyl spa cover is an attractive, durable foam insulation product. Monthly cleaning and conditioning are recommended to maintain its beauty.
TO CLEAN AND CONDITION THE VINYL COVER:
• Remove the cover from the spa and gently lean it against a wall or fence.
• With a garden hose, spray the cover to loosen and rinse away dirt or debris.
• Using a large sponge and/or a soft bristly brush, and using a very mild soap solution (one teaspoon dishwashing liquid with two gallons of water), or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) scrub the vinyl top in a circular motion. Do not let the vinyl dry with a soap film on it before it can be rinsed clean.
• Scrub the Cover’s perimeter and side flaps. Rinse clean with water.
• Rinse off the underside of the cover with water only (use no soap) and wipe it clean with a dry rag.
• To condition the cover after cleaning, apply a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield to the vinyl surface and buff to a high luster.
SERVICE NOTE: To remove tree sap, use cigarette lighter fluid (not charcoal lighter fluid). Use sparingly, and rinse with a saddle soap solution immediately afterwards, then wipe dry.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
• DO remove snow buildup to avoid breakage of the foam core from the additional weight of the snow.
• DO lock cover lock straps to secure the cover when the spa is not in use.
• DO NOT drag or lift the spa cover using either the flaps, or the cover lock straps.
• DO NOT walk, stand, or sit on the cover.
• DO NOT place any metal or heat transferring object on the cover or place an type of plastic tarp or drop cloth over the cover as this may result in a melted foam core, which would not be covered under the warranty.
• DO NOT use any lifting mechanisms, chemicals, or cleaners except those recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, or its Authorized Sales and Service Dealer.
Products to help clean your cover:
303 Aerospace Protectant
If you plan to be away from home, follow theses instructions to ensure that the water quality of your spa is maintained:
SHORT TIME PERIODS: 3-5 Days
• Adjust the pH by following the instructions outlined in the Water Quality and Maintenance section of your Spa Manual.
• Sanitize the water by following the shock procedures.
• Lock your cover in place using the coverlocks.
• Upon your return, sanitize the water by following the shock procedures and balance the pH.
LONG PERIOD TIMES: 5-14 Days
• Prior to leaving, at least one day before you leave, set the temperature to its lowest level. This setting should represent and approximate water temperature of 80°F. However, Crystal River Spas highly recommends leaving your spa above 100°F during any season where temperatures could potentially drop below 32°F.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Spa water oxidizers such as sodium dichlor (chlorine) maintain their level of effectiveness substantially longer in warm water (80°F) than in hot water (101°F to 104°F). Adjust the pH as required. Sanitize the water by following the shock procedures.
• Upon return, sanitize the water by following the shock procedures. Return the set temperature to its original setting. The spa will be safe for you to use once the Free Available Chlorine residual level has dropped below 5.0ppm.
NOTE: If you will not be using your spa for an extended period of time (in excess of 14 days) and an outside maintenance service (or neighbor) is not available to assist with the water maintenance, draining or winterizing the spa is recommended. Spas equipped with our Freshwater® III ozone system can extend this to 4 weeks. The Freshwater III ozone system does not guard against possible freezing damage, however.
For customers out of town longer than 14 days, please see our Route Service information and rates.
