Owner’s Manual
Watkins Manufacturing Corporation Owner’s Manual This Owner’s Manual will acquaint you with your new spa’s operation and general maintenance. We suggest that you take some time to carefully review all six sections. Please keep this manual available for reference. If you have any questions about any aspect of your spa’s set-up, operation or maintenance, contact your authorized Solana® dealer. They are trained professionals who are familiar with the product as well as new spa ownership concerns.
PURCHASE INFORMATION DATE PURCHASED: ____________________________________________ DATE INSTALLED: ______________________________________________ DEALER:________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________ TELEPHONE: __________________________________________________ SPA MODEL/SERIAL NUMBER: __________________________________ In most cities and counties, permits will be required for the installation of electrical circuits or the construction
I. SAFETY INFORMATION Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Important Spa Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 II. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Indoor/Basement Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Deck Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I. SAFETY INFORMATION IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AVOIDING THE RISK TO CHILDREN DANGER: • RISK OF CHILD DROWNING. Extreme caution must be exercised to prevent unauthorized access by children. To avoid accidents, ensure that children cannot use a spa unless they are supervised at all times. WARNING: • To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this product unless they are closely supervised at all times.
AVOIDING THE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION DANGER: RISK OF ELECTROCUTION • Connect only to a grounded source. • Do not bury the power cord. A buried power cord may result in death or serious personal injury due to electrocution if direct burial-type cable is not used, or if improper digging occurs. • A ground terminal (pressure wire connector) is provided on the control box inside the unit to permit connection of a minimum No. 8 AWG (8.
the terminal box that is provided for this purpose if in accordance with National Electrical Code ANSI/NMFPA70-1993. • Do not permit any electrical appliances, such as a light, telephone, radio, or television within 5 feet (1.5 m) of a spa. Failure to maintain a safe distance may result in death or serious personal injury due to electrocution if the appliance should fall into the spa. DO: • Be sure your spa is connected to the power supply correctly - use a licensed contractor.
INCREASED SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION • The use of drugs, alcohol or medication before or during spa use may lead to unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning. • Persons using medications should consult a physician before using a spa; some medication may cause a user to become drowsy, while other medication may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. • Persons taking medications which induce drowsiness, such as tranquilizers, antihistimines or anticoagulents should not use the spa.
WARNING: The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia in hot tubs and spas. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY: • The water in the spa should never exceed 104°F (40°C). Water temperatures between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C) are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower water temperatures are recommended for extended use (exceeding 10 minutes) and for young children. Extended use can cause hyperthermia.
during use of the spa. Read and follow the WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES thoroughly! The following contains important spa information, and we strongly encourage you to read and apply it. DO: • Use and lock the cover when the spa is not in use, whether it is empty or full. • Follow the Spa Care and Maintenance recommendations stated in this manual. • Use only approved accessories and recommended spa chemicals and cleaners.
choose can support the weight of your filled spa. • It is highly recommended that a carpet remnant, carpet pad or rubber mat be cut to the footprint of the spa, and that the spa be placed directly on it. This minimizes noise associated with spa operation. • Don’t forget to level your spa before filling it. (See the Spa Leveling section of this manual) • Locate the front access panel, which houses all of the electrical components, in a place where water will drain away from it.
Your Solana® Spa Dealer can help you with local information such as zoning regulations and building codes. CAUTION: Do not install the spa on a heated floor surface. This will damage the bottom of the spa. WARNING: Please keep the area around your spa well ventilated when it is installed indoors or in a confined area. Inadequate ventilation around the spa could cause a build-up of a higher-than-normal concentration of spa chemicals and/or bacterial fragments.
spa’s limited warranty. If you install the spa outdoors, we recommend a reinforced concrete pad at least four inches thick. The reinforcing rod or mesh in the pad should be attached to a bond wire. If you place the spa on the ground, even temporarily, place stepping stones under the leveling areas (see Spa Leveling Instructions). The stones should be at least two inches thick and twelve inches square. Even with stones in place, the spa will inevitably settle and become unlevel.
REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT ACCESS PANEL • Replace the front access panel - Position the left side of the front panel at a 45° angle tucking the upper left corner of the panel under the spa shell while aligning the end of the panel with the scribe line. Lower panel, then continue tucking the top of the front panel under the shell moving from left to right until the entire top of the front panel is tucked under the shell.
SPA LEVELING INSTRUCTIONS Approved Shim Material 1/4” to 1/2” (0.5 cm to 1.5 cm) thick, cut into 2” x 4” (5 cm x 10 cm rectangles): • Cedar Shingles • Exterior Rated Plywood • Redwood • Exterior Rated Lumber SUGGESTED LEVELING PROCEDURE: 1. Using a six-foot carpenter’s level (or a short level and a straight piece of wood about eight feet long), check the spa to identify the lowest and highest corners. 2.
RX Spa SX Spa DOOR SIDE 69.5" DOOR SIDE 34.8" 30.0" 68.5" 34.3" 31" 21" 21" ELECTRICAL CUTOUT 16.0" 17.0" F EW O 20.0" O W E UP SI D E D SI UP 28.5" D 78.0" D O W N VI N EW VI O F SP A SP A ELECTRICAL CUTOUT 20.0" 24.0" 16.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS AND PRECAUTIONS GENERAL INFORMATION IMPORTANT: On Canadian spas, CSA requirements for Canadian spas do not allow the spa to be cord connected. Your Solana® spa has been carefully designed to give you maximum safety against electrical shock. Connecting the spa to an improperly wired circuit will negate many of the spa’s safety features.
• Converted (hard-wired) 115 volt, 30 amp – A minimum 30 amp circuit breaker in the house breaker panel, #10 AWG or larger wire (including the ground wire), a sub-panel with an appropriate GFCI breaker, and the correct polarity throughout the circuit. A pressure wire connector is provided on the exterior surface of the spa’s electrical control box, located inside the equipment compartment.
CONVERTED 115 VOLT, 30 AMP CONFIGURATION CONVERSION INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: An Authorized Solana® Spa Technician must perform the conversion. 1. Disconnect power to the spa and access the control box. 2. Locate the program jumpers (JP1 - JP8) at the top right of the control box. 3. Using a pair of needle nose pliers, carefully remove the parked (spare) jumper. 4. Attach parked jumper to JP1 as illustrated below.
30 AMP SUB-PANEL WIRING INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: The sub-panel must be placed within 100 feet of the main electrical service panel, and between 5 and 50 feet (1.5 and 15 meters) away from the spa. Refer to the wiring diagram below. 1. Connect the #10 AWG, WHITE [NEUTRAL] wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub-panel NEUTRAL bar. 2. Connect the #10 AWG, GREEN [GROUND] wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub-panel GROUND bar. 3.
5. Inside the control panel, locate the terminal block (TB-1). 6. Remove existing power cord. 7. Connect the #10 AWG, BLACK wire from the sub-panel 30 amp GFCI breaker [terminal L1] to TB-1 terminal L1. 8. Connect the #10 AWG, WHITE wire from the sub-panel 30 amp GFCI breaker [terminal N, load neutral] to TB-1 terminal N. 9. Connect the #10 AWG, GREEN wire from the sub-panel GROUND bar to TB-1 terminal GROUND. The GFCI breaker inside the sub-panel supplies all of the power to the spa.
WIRING ILLUSTRATION OPTIONAL 50A/230V SUBPANEL CONVERSION CONNECTION 230 VAC, 40A, 60HZ, CONVERTED MODELS 230VAC, 50 Amp 2-Pole Circuit CIircuit Breaker (Non GFCI) #8 AWG White, Neutral N, Neutral, #8 AWG White #10 AWG Green, Ground L2, Hot, #8 AWG Red #8 AWG Black, L1 L1, Hot, #8 AWG Black #8 AWG Red, L1 Main Service Electrical Panel Power Jumper Position Ground, #8 AWG Green Less Than 100 FT.
50 AMP (OPTIONAL) SUB-PANEL WIRING INSTRUCTIONS NOTE: The sub-panel must be placed within 100 feet of the main electrical service panel, and between 5 and 50 feet (1.5 and 15 meters) away from the spa. Refer to the wiring diagram above. 1. Connect the #8 AWG, WHITE [NEUTRAL] wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub-panel NEUTRAL bar. 2. Connect the #10 AWG, GREEN [GROUND] wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub-panel GROUND bar. 3.
OVERHEAD VIEW TX SPA SPECIFICATIONS HORIZONTAL DIMENSIONS: . . .67” x 67” (170 cm x 170 cm) HEIGHT (without cover): . . . . . . . .29” (74 cm) Directional Precision jets ® Armrest Cupholders Moto-Massage jet ® Spa pillow EFFECTIVE FILTER AREA: . . . . . .30 sq. ft. (2.7 sq. meters) HEATER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000 watts (1.0 kW) WATER (capacity): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130 gallons (492 liters) WEIGHT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .324 lbs.
TX EQUIPMENT COMPARTMENT VIEW 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.0 kW Heater Spa Drain Valve Electrical Control Box Compression Unions Jet Pump (Wavemaster® 4000) 6.
RX SPA SPECIFICATIONS OVERHEAD VIEW Hydromassage jet Directional Precision jets HORIZONTAL DIMENSIONS: . . .78” (198 cm.) dia. round ® Adjustable rotary hydromassage jets HEIGHT (without cover): . . . . . . . .33” (83.8 cm) EFFECTIVE FILTER AREA: . . . . . .30 sq. ft. (2.79 sq. meters) Hydromassage jets HEATER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000 watts (1.0 kW) WATER (capacity): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245 gallons (927 liters) WEIGHT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RX EQUIPMENT COMPARTMENT VIEW 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.
OVERHEAD VIEW SX SPA SPECIFICATIONS HORIZONTAL DIMENSIONS: . . .78” (198 cm.) square Directional Precision jets ® Pillow HEIGHT (without cover): . . . . . . . .33” (83.8 cm) Cup holders EFFECTIVE FILTER AREA: . . . . . .30 sq. ft. (2.79 sq. meters) Pillow HEATER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000 watts (1.0 kW) MotoMassage jet WATER (capacity): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285 gallons (1078 liters) ® WEIGHT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525 lbs.
SX EQUIPMENT COMPARTMENT VIEW 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1.0 kW Heater Spa Drain Valve Electrical Control Box Compression Unions Jet Pump (Wavemaster® 6000) 6.
III. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS START-UP AND REFILL PROCEDURES Your Solana® spa has been thoroughly tested during the manufacturing process to ensure reliability and long-term customer satisfaction. A small amount of water may have remained in the plumbing after testing and, as a result, may have spotted the spa shell or the spa siding prior to delivery. Before filling the spa, wipe the spa shell clean with a soft rag.
3. The jet pump, heating system and all internal plumbing will achieve a partial prime as the spa is filled. To check the operation of the jet system and remove any remaining air from the heating system, push the JETS button twice to make the jet pump run on high speed for one minute. Once the jet system is fully operational (as indicated by strong, non-surging jets), priming of the spa is complete.
OPERATION NOTES: 1. The Solana® spa is equipped with a 10-minute Tranquil Mode timer delay on the heating/maintenance mode. Whenever the high speed mode of the jet pump has been turned off, it will take 10 minutes before the low speed of the jet pump and heater become activated, unless the JETS button is pushed again. Always push the JETS button to turn off the jet pump when exiting the spa.
READY SET READY F1 F2 READY Under normal conditions, the heater and low-speed cycle will run 2-4 times per day for approximately 20 minutes per cycle. If the ambient temperature falls below 20°F (-7° C), the heater may not be able to raise the spa water to the desired temperature, and the READY heater and low-speed cycle will run continuously, resulting in substantially higher operating costs.
READY READY F1 READY SET READY F1 F2 SET READY F1 F2 the filter Icon will blink for the remaining filter cycle time. Should the temperature cool down to 1.5 degrees F below the set point before the end of the cycle, the cycle will resume for the rest of the time. Should you use the spa during theREADY filter cycle by placing the READYjet pump on high-speed, the Filter Icon will blink.
Temp Up (▲) & Temp Down (▼) buttons together for 3 seconds again. LOCKING FEATURES The locking features, TEMPERATURE LOCK and SPA LOCK, are enabled from the control panel by a specific combination of buttons. Once enabled, a lock will remain active until the specific button combination is applied to disable the lock. Even if power is disconnected from the spa and soon thereafter reapplied (such as a power outage), the lock will remain in place.
SERVICE NOTE: A slow or non-moving Moto-Massage jet may indicate that the filter cartridge pores are obstructed with dirt, body oils, or calcification. Follow the filter cartridge cleaning procedures in the Spa Care and Maintenance section of this manual. ACCESSORY NOTE: For a different-feeling massage, ask your dealer about the HydroPulse® option, an alternative faceplate for your Moto-Massage jet. HYDROMASSAGE JETS A.
TO TEST THE GFCI: Before each use, with the spa operating, push the TEST button (located on the front of the GFCI). The GFCI breaker should trip to the “off” position, disconnecting power to the spa. Reset the GFCI by pushing the RESET button. The spa will now operate normally. If the interrupter does not perform in this manner, it is an indication of an electrical malfunction and the possibility of an electric shock. Unplug the spa until the fault has been identified and corrected. B.
F1 SET SET F1 F2 F1 F2 SPA CONTROL PANEL READY READY READY READY Filter Cycle Temp / Lock A. JETS BUTTON: Use the JETS button to activate the jet pump. Pushing the 1 Icon Display Sleep JETS button once will activate the jet pump on low Set Icon READY Icon Temp Temperature Jets Button speed. The low speed should be used as a filtration Ready Up cycle rather than as an operation cycle. Pushing it a Icon second time will activate the high speed mode of the jet pump.
READY SET F1 F2 READY READY READY READY SET READY F1 F2 D. TEMPERATURE CONTROLS: The set temperature range is from 80°F to 104°F (27°C to 40°C). The temperature of any setting may rise slightly depending on the current use and condition of your spa, and outside temperature. READY READY READY Whenever power is disconnected and then reconnected to the spa, the water temperature will automatically return to the last temperature set in the program.
IV. SPA CARE AND MAINTENANCE Your Solana® spa is manufactured from the highest quality, most durable materials available. Even so, the spa care and maintenance program you develop will ultimately determine how long your spa and its individual components will last. Regular maintenance and following the advice in this section will help you to protect your investment. DRAINING THE WATER Detergent residues from bathing suits and soap film from your body may gradually accumulate in your spa’s water.
5. 6. 7. 8. Remove the filter cartridge and clean as required (see the Filter Maintenance section). Replace the filter cartridge. Close the drain valve and reinstall the drain cap. Reattach the equipment access door on the RX or SX spas. Refill the spa through the filter compartment BEFORE restoring power. IMPORTANT: Always clean the filter cartridge each time the spa is drained for cleaning. Always sanitize and chemically balance the spa water after cleaning and refilling the spa.
5. Remove the filter retainer and cartridge. SERVICE NOTE: Never remove the filter standpipe. Debris may find its way into the internal plumbing which may result in blockage. NEVER REMOVE SUCTION FITTINGS. 6. Always clean the filter using a filter degreaser to remove mineral and oil buildup. Simply soak the filter in the degreaser (according to the degreaser directions), then place the filter on a clean surface and spray until clean using a garden hose.
IMPORTANT: Some surface cleaners contain eye and skin irritants. Keep all cleaners out of the reach of children and use care when applying. SPA SIDING The spa siding of the Solana® spa is manufactured from Endurol®, a durable U.V.-resistant material. Even so, monthly cleaning and periodic conditioning is recommended to maintain its beauty. To clean and condition the siding: INDOOR SPA USE: 1.
2. Rinse off the underside of the cover with water only (do not use soap), and wipe it clean with a dry rag. 3. To condition the cover after cleaning, apply a thin film of Hot Spring® FreshWater® Cover Shield to the vinyl surface and buff to a high luster. OUTDOOR SPA USE: 1. With a garden hose, spray the cover to loosen and rinse away dirt or debris. 2.
CARE OF THE SPA PILLOW (AVAILABLE ON TX & SX SPAS) The spa pillows will provide years of comfort if treated with care. The pillows have been positioned above the water level in order to minimize the bleaching effects of chlorinated water and other spa water chemicals. To extend their life, whenever the spa shell is being cleaned, the spa pillows should be removed and cleaned. Remove body oils with a mild soap and water solution. ALWAYS rinse off the spa pillows thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
LONG TIME PERIODS (5-14 DAYS): PRIOR TO LEAVING: 1. At least one day before you leave, set the temperature to 80°F (27°C). IMPORTANT NOTE: Spa water oxidizers such as sodium dichlor chlorine maintain their level of effectiveness substantially longer in warm water 80°F (27°C) than in hot water (101°F to 104°F, 38°C to 40°C). 2. Adjust the Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and pH as required. Sanitize the water by following the shock procedures. UPON YOUR RETURN: 3.
4. To ensure the internal plumbing has drained completely and to remove any water that may be remaining in the jet pump, a wet/dry shop vac can be used at the spa drain. If you do not have access to a wet/dry shop vac, carefully lift the right side of the spa (opposite the drain) approximately one foot off the ground to assist in drainage. If necessary, use a soft plastic cup to bale remaining water from the spa. Once you are sure the internal plumbing has drained completely, set the spa flat again.
V. WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE It’s important to have clean water. Water maintenance is one of the least understood, yet most important areas of spa ownership. Your dealer can guide you through the process of achieving and maintaining perfect water in your spa, given your local conditions. Your program will depend on your water’s mineral content, how often you use your spa, and how many people use it.
METHODS FOR TESTING THE SPA WATER Accurate water testing and analysis is an important part of effectively managing your spa water. You must have the ability to test for: • Total Alkalinity (TA) • Calcium Hardness (CH) • pH • Sanitizer Two types of testing methods are recognized and recommended by Watkins: The Reagent Test Kit is a method which provides a high level of accuracy. The reagents come in either liquid or tablet form. Test Strips are a convenient testing method used by many spa owners.
• Follow the emergency advice on the product label in case of accidental contact, or if the chemical is swallowed. Call a doctor or the local Poison Control Center. If a doctor is needed, take the product container along so that the substance can be identified. • Don’t let chemicals get on surrounding surfaces or landscaping. • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to clean up chemical spills. • Never smoke around chemicals. Some fumes can be highly flammable.
THE SOLANA® SPA WATER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Each step in your water maintenance program is dependent on the completion of the previous steps. Omitting a step or failing to reach the recommended range may cause an imbalance in your water’s chemistry. Unbalanced water chemistry can damage the spa and its components as well as cause discomfort for the user. FILLING THE SPA WITH WATER A.
E. Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or low alkalinity will raise or lower the TA reading of the water. F. When the Total Alkalinity is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.
Calcium helps control the corrosive nature of the spa’s water. That’s why calcium-low water (commonly known as “soft” water) is not recommended. It is very corrosive to the equipment, and can cause staining of the spa shell. If the calcium level is too low, we recommend using Hot Spring® FreshWater® Calcium Increaser to bring the calcium hardness level to within the recommended range. C.
SOLANA® WATER TREATMENT GUIDE At spa startup or refill Follow spa Start-Up and Refill Procedures. Prior to each use Add one-half (1/2) teaspoon of sodium dichlor per 250 gallons TX - 1/4 teaspoon RX - 1/2 teaspoon SX - 2/3 teaspoon -orAdd one (1) tablespoon of monopersulfate (MPS)* per 250 gallons TX - 1/2 tablespoon RX - 1 tablespoon SX - 1 1/4 tablespoon (Test before adding any chemicals; do not add any chemicals if proper or higher levels are found.
• Scale will form on the spa shell surface and the equipment. • The water may become cloudy. • The filter cartridge pores may become obstructed. If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding pH/Alkalinity Down or sodium bisulfate to the spa water. NOTE: After adding sodium carbonate or sodium bisulfate, wait two hours before testing the water for pH. Measurements taken too soon may not be accurate. E. It is important to check the pH on a regular (weekly) basis.
• Monopersulfate (MPS) • FreshWater Ag+® Silver Ion Purifier FreshStart® 10,000 Pre-filter is used when filling a spa for the first time or at refill. It attaches to a garden hose and filters out rust, dirt, detergents, algae and chemicals. Sodium Dichlor (chlorine) is the only recommended sanitizer that will work in conjunction with all of the other products in this system.
FRESHWATERAg+® SILVER ION PURIFIER REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS When replacing the Silver Ion Purifer (every four months), it is highly recommended that the spa be drained and refilled at the same time. After refilling the spa with water, balance the Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium Hardness (CH) and pH to the recommended levels. Shock the spa by adding sodium dichlor. 1. Fold back the cover. 2. Carefully remove and set aside the filter compartment cover. 3.
Question: What happens if I do not add the weekly non-chlorine oxidizer treatment? Answer: The contaminants in the water may coat the silver ion cartridge’s ceramic beads, blocking the silver ions’ release into the water. When this occurs, there will be no residual of silver ions present in the water, eliminating them from the sanitizing process. Question: How often should the FreshWaterAg+® silver ion purifier cartridge be replaced? Answer: The cartridge must be replaced every four months.
C. D. E. F. dichlor) for sanitizing the water. Sodium dichlor is preferred because it is totally soluble, dissolves quickly and is nearly pH neutral. Maintaining the proper level of chlorine during use is extremely important. If the FAC is too low, bacteria and viruses can grow rapidly in the warm water. Increase the FAC by adding granulated Sodium Dichlor. If the FAC is too high, the water can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin. Simply allow some time to pass.
• The User Load of the spa is the number of times anyone enters the spa. • The Usage Time is simply the amount of time a user spends in the spa. • Sanitizer Needed is the amount of Free Available Chlorine (FAC) needed to accommodate the number of users and their combined usage time. For example, two spa users who regularly use the spa once an evening for twenty minutes create a specific and somewhat consistent demand on the sanitizer.
swimming apparel, which retains soap after washing. Foam inhibitors can suppress foam, but cannot remove soap from the water. Soap is very difficult to remove from the water because soap is not oxidized by any chemical added to the spa. Only ozone can oxidize soap. Eventually the soap build-up in the water will be concentrated, resulting in an unclean feeling on the bather’s skin which is impossible to remedy. When this occurs, it’s time to drain and refill the spa.
4. Place 16 ounces of white vinegar into a container WARNING WARNING Nitric acid accumulates in the air lines of the ozonator and injector. Nitric acid will cause severe chemical burns if direct skin contact such as a cup or bucket. is made, so always wear protective gloves, glasses and clothing Place the container on the when working on the ozonator or injector lines. To prevent equipment compartment inhalation or ingestion of the nitric acid, DO NOT blow or inhale floor.
• DON’T splash pH increaser additives on the siding. • DON’T use Compressed Sanitizers. The use of bromine sticks or tablets in floaters, which may become entrapped in a lounge or cooling seat (or sink to the spa floor), have been shown to cause discoloration of or surface distress to a spa’s shell. • DON’T use a floater type sanitization system as a low or no maintenance solution to your spa maintenance program. The spa shell easily can withstand the effects of a properly administered sanitizer.
viruses, bacteria or algae to grow. 2. Floaters tend to stay in one area of the spa most of the time (usually over the cool down seat), causing this area to be exposed to extreme sanitizer levels. 3. The floater may allow pieces of the highly concentrated sanitizer to fall out and settle on the floor or seat of the spa shell. These pieces of sanitizer will chemically burn (blister) the spa shell.
Bromamines: Compounds formed when bromine combines with nitrogen from body oils, urine, perspiration, etc. Unlike chloramines, bromamines have no pungent odor and are effective sanitizers. Bromine: A halogen sanitizer (in the same chemical family as chlorine). Bromine is commonly used in stick, tablet, or granular form. See the DOs and DON’Ts of Spa Water Maintenance for additional information. Calcium Hardness: The amount of dissolved calcium in the spa water. This should be approximately 150-200 ppm.
Sanitizer: Sanitizers are added and maintained at recommended residuals to protect bathers against pathogenic organisms which can cause disease and infection in spa water. Scale: Rough calcium-bearing deposits that can coat spa surfaces, heaters, plumbing lines and clog filters. Generally, scaling is caused by mineral content combined with high pH. Additionally, scale forms more readily at higher water temperatures. Shock Treatment: Also known as “super-chlorination” when chorine is used.
4. If, upon checking the main house breaker, you find no failures, the heater high-limit thermostat should be checked. Tripping of the heater high-limit thermostat is normally a result of one or a combination of any of these problems: 1) blockage within the system plumbing, 2) switch malfunction in the heater circuit, or 3) the low speed mode of the jet pump is not functioning. 5. If the heater high-limit has tripped, the control panel display will read - - - -.
Manual for more information. The FreshWater® III high output ozonator WILL NOT operate when the high speed of the jet pump is on. • During the high speed cycle, you will also see bubbles escaping from the floor drain, however, the ozone unit is off and the bubbles that are visible are air bubbles only! MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE INFORMATION The jet pump is equipped with a overload cut-off switch, which is designed to protect the pump from overheating.
any operation of the spa other than in accordance with Watkins Manufacturing Corporation printed instructions, or use of the spa in an application for which it is not designed; specifically: use of the spa in a non-residential application; damage caused by operation* of the spa at water temperatures outside the range of 35°F and 120 °F (1° C and 49° C); damage caused by a dirty, clogged or calcified filter cartridge; damage to the spa surface caused by the use of Tri-Chloro Chlorine, BCDMH, chemical tablets
GENERAL OPERATION TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Problem Entire spa is inoperative Probable causes Solutions • Power failure / not plugged in • GFCI tripped • Heater high limit thermostat tripped • Check power source • Reset GFCI; call for service if it will not reset. • Disconnect power for at least thirty seconds to reset heater high limit. If it will not reset, check for clogged filter. If tripping continues, call for service. Spa heat and jets off, light • Pressure Switch is open and should be closed.
SPA WATER MAINTENANCE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Cloudy Water Problem Probable causes Solutions • • • • • • • • • • • Water Odor • Excessive organics in water • Improper sanitization • Low pH • Shock spa with sanitizer • Add sanitizer • Adjust pH to recommended range Chlorine Odor • Chloramine level too high • Low pH • Shock spa with sanitizer • Adjust pH to recommended range Musty Odor • Bacteria or algae growth • Shock spa with sanitizer – if problem is visible or persistent, drain, clean and ref
WATKINS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION VISTA, CALIFORNIA USA This manual contains installation, operating, maintenance and service information for the following 2008 Solana® spa models, effective March, 2008. USA MODEL CANADIAN MODEL TX (Model X) RX (Model Z) SX (Model Y) TX (Model XC) RX (Model ZC) SX (Model YC) ©2008 Watkins Manufacturing Corporation.
