Alps Electric Ciara XLS, Tigra XLS, Teton XLS User Manual

M

ALPS Spas

Owner’s Manual

Owner’s

Ciara XLS

Teton XLS

Tigra XLS

Table of Contents

Planning a Location for your Hot Tub 2
Safety Precautions 3
Controls 4
Featured Operations 6
Fill and Start-up Instructions 7
Cleaning and Maintenance 9
Spa Maintenance 10
Troubleshooting Procedures 11
Electrical Location in Concrete Slab 12
Limited Warranty 13
Electrical Hook Up 15
Owner’s Record 16

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

PLANNING A LOCATION FOR YOUR HOT TUB

Consider these things

SAFETY FIRST:

Do not place the hot tub within 10 feet (3m) of overhead power
lines. *Make sure that your hot tub is positioned so access to the
equipment compartment and side panels will not be blocked. Be certain your installation
will meet all city and local safety codes and requirements.

PRIVACY:

Think of your surroundings during all seasons to determine your best privacy options.
Consider the view of your neighbors when you plan the location of your hot tub.

VIEWS:

Think about the direction you will be facing when sitting in the hot tub. Think which seats
you will use most often, like the lounge, hot seat, even the bench seat and situate the spa
accordingly.

KEEP CLEAN:

Prevent dirt and foliage from being tracked into your hot tub by utilizing concrete for paths
and access areas. Check the location of spill paths from gutters, trees, and shrubs.

when determining a

place for your hot tub.

SERVICE ACCESS:

Many people choose to enclose their hot tubs in decorative structures such as decking,
stone or tile. Make sure that you leave access to the spa’s panels in case a technician needs
to service your spa.

FOUNDATION:

Make sure any foundation you choose to put your spa on is level. If the foundation is out of
level you may jeopardize the structural integrity of the shell and/or the intervals of the hot
tub. This will VOID your warranty. If you choose to set your spa on a deck suspended in
the air, be sure you have plenty of support under the structure.

WIRING APPLICATIONS:

All spa panels are removable. You may choose to run power into any side panel of the spa.

!

Be sure the drilling area is clean of all piping and

equipment. If you choose to run the wire through

the bottom of the hot tub, please refer to page 12.

WARNING!

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ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Read, keep, and make these instructions available!

2. Children should be CLOSELY supervised at all times.

3. RISK OF CHILD DROWNING! Extreme caution must be

exercised to prevent unauthorized access by children. To avoid
accidents, ensure that children cannot use hot tub unless they are
supervised at all times.

4. Exercise caution when entering and exiting the hot tub. Surfaces
may become slippery when wet.

5. Do not stay in the water for extended periods of time. Set reasonable time limits. Leave
the hot tub, cool down, take a shower, relax, and then return for another therapeutic
session.

6. The water in the spa should never exceed 104 degrees F (40 C ). Water temperatures
between 100 F (37 C) and 104 F (40 C) are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower
temperatures are recommended for extended use and young children.

7. Pregnant women are recommended not to exceed 100 F (37 C) due to excessive water
temperatures potentially causing fetal damage.

8. Persons suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high
blood pressure, circulatory system problems or diabetes should consult a pHysician before
using a spa or hot tub.

9. Never use hot tub alone

!

DANGER!

Risk of Injury

Read and Follow all

Instructions

EXTREME CAUTION

!

Hyperthermia: Occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level of
several degrees above the normal body temperature of 98.6 F (37 C). The symptoms of
hyperthermia include dizziness, fainting, drowsiness or lethargy.

The effects of Hyperthermia include:

• Unawareness of impending hazard

• Failure to perceive heat

• Failure to recognize the need to exit the spa

• PHysical inability to exit spa

• Fetal damage in pregnant women

• Unconsciousness resulting in a danger of drowning

page 03

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

!

CONTROLS

NEW EL/GL 2000

BALBOA CONTROL

Quick Reference Card

Initial Start-up:

confi guration numbers). This priming mode will last up to four minutes and then begin
to preset fi lter cycles (--F) for two minutes. Once the diagnostics are complete the control
will display the current temperature and begin to heat in the standard mode. The spa will
maintain temperature in standard mode.

Temperature Adjustment: 80 F – 104 F (26 C – 40 C)

Once the spa is activated it will begin to heat to 100 F. To change the temperature, press
the warm and cool icons on the control. The control will display the current temperature,
to see the set temperature press the warm or cool button, after a few seconds the current
temperature will return to the display.

Jets/Pumps:

Depending on model, your spa will be equipped with either 2 or 3 pumps. The JET 1 icon
controls the main pump. This is a two speed pump. Touch JET 1 once for low speed, twice
for high speed and a third time to turn off. Notice that pump one will come on in low
speed during fi lter cycles. Jet 2 is also on a two speed pump, but it will not engage
during fi lter cycles unless you turn it on. If your spa is equipped with a third pump touch
JET 3 to engage. This pump runs only in high speed. Touch the JET 3 icon once to turn the
pump on and once again to turn it off.

Light

All spas are equipped with LED lighting systems. The standard lighting system consists of
a 9 bulb main light with several different colors. With this system touch the light icon once
to turn the light on and once to turn off. The colors are random so you may need to turn the
light on and off several times to fi nd your desired color. If you have purchased a spa with
the upgraded illuminated spa fountains or perimeter package there are 10 different color
settings. Listed below are the different settings:

:

1. Color-Wheel. This mode transitions the different colors

2. White

3. Aqua (Green and Blue)

4. Purple (Red and Blue)

5. Blue

6. Amber (Red and Blue)

7. Green

8. Red

9. Color Flash. This mode switches colors every few seconds.

10. Strobe. This mode fl ashes the LEDs on and off like a strobe light.

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ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

CONTROLS

Preset fi lter Cycles:

Your spa is programmed from the factory to fi lter twice a day for two hours each time.
During this time pump one will come on in low speed automatically. The spa is fully
operational at this time and safe to use. If for any reason you would like to change the
fi lter settings please refer to the EL/GL Series laminated card.

Setting the Time:

Refer to the EL/GL Series laminated card.

Diagnostic Messages:

If you see a diagnostic message appear on the top side control the spa has indicated
a problem. Refer to the EL/GL series card under diagnostic messages. Follow the
instructions, if it has a problem you can not fi x please contact your dealer for service.

Invert:

Invert is a feature on the Balboa AL9000 or AE9000 control that reverses the LED
readout for better viewing from inside the spa. On a two pump system, the invert key is
located at the top right of the control. If you have a three pump system, touch the warm
button once, and then jet 3 to invert the screen. Repeat, then change the screen back.

**All spas are set-up for twenty minute therapeutic cycles. This means once your spa
runs for 20 minutes, it will automatically shut off. Do not be alarmed, your spa is not
broken. Hit your Jet icon to activate another 20 minute cycle. This feature is installed
for two reasons. One is to remind the owner that they have been in the hot tub for a full
therapeutic cycle, and the other is energy conservation.

NOTES

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ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

FEATURE OPERATIONS

Air Controls:
The air controls are located around the top of the spa. These
controls allow air into the jets. Leave all the air controls open.
This will allow for increased fl ow and pressure from the jets.

Hydrotherapy Jets:

The hydrotherapy jets are recessed and located in the walls
of the hot tub. Rotate the jet face counterclockwise to turn
the jet on, clockwise to turn off. Turning a jet off or on will
increase or decrease the effects of any jets not in the closed

position. Whirlpool jets are not adjustable (when equipped).

Ozonators:

The ozone generator engages when the spa is in a fi lter cycle.
Please note that the ozonator and chemicals work together to
kill bacteria. An ozonator cannot totally eliminate the need for
chlorine or bromine. A tube links the ozone compartment with
the ozone jet. During the fi lter cycle, when the water pump is on
low speed, the water movement through the ozone jet draws the
ozone out of the compartment, mixes with and purifi es the water
process.

Waterfalls/Water fountains (when equipped):

If your spa has a handrail waterfall, located at the base of the
lounger, you can regulate the fl ow by turning the valve located
above the fi lter. If your spa is equipped with water fountains you can adjust the fl ow
by turning the top of the fountain counterclockwise to increase the fl ow or clockwise to
decrease the fl ow. If your fountains become clogged, unscrew the top of the fountain
and clean out the debris.

Stereo:

Spas equipped with stereos come with one marine grade head unit, two external marine
grade speakers, located in the front of the cabinet, and Z Midrange speakers mounted
inside the shell. Stereo models and confi gurations may change without notice. Please
read all stereo instructions (located in owners package) before using.

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ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

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FILL UP AND START INSTRUCTIONS

FILLING THE HOT TUB WITH WATER

1. Clear all the debris from your hot tub.

2. Use a garden hose to fi ll your hot tub with water.

3. Fill just underneath the highest pillow or to the mark on the fi lter faceplate.

APPLYING POWER

Note: All power connections must be installed by a licensed electrician. Please follow the
electrical diagram located in the owner’s package.

1. Once power is connected turn breaker
on.

2. Refer to page 4, Controls.

2. Make sure all pumps are free of air
locks.

3. You may experience a pump air lock.
This is uncommon, but if you have a
pump running but see no water action
you may have to loosen the nut on the
pump inside the cabinet. Turn the
pump off, loosen the nut until you see
water drip, and turn the pump back on
high. Once you have fl ow, tighten the
nut.

The following procedures should

be followed on initial startup and

whenever the hot tub is drained for

routine maintenance.

CHEMICALS

Once all pumps are primed and all operations are working
properly it is time to add chemicals:

You should have an adequate supply of chemicals on hand for your
hot tub. Your dealer should provide or assist you in obtaining the
proper chemicals. Below are recommended chemicals for proper water treatment.

One bottle of pH Balance- This will keep your pH levels accurate for 3-5 months.
One Frog- this is a mineral dispenser (one provided with your hot tub) which is good for
3-5 months.
Chlorinated Shock: 2-3 cap fulls per week (depending on usage).
Bromine Tables: 2-3 tablets every few weeks or until dissolved.
Defoamer: Use as needed (eliminates suds in the water).

pH BALANCE

pH is a measure of water acidity. On a scale of 0 to 14, 7.6 is the ideal point of balance. A
measurement below 7.2 indicates that your water is more acidic. This water condition results in
corrosion of the equipment metal components. A measurement above 7.8 indicates that water is
more alkaline. This water condition causes calcium deposits and scaling in the equipment

and hot tub. Both conditions are detrimental and cause damage.

!

chemicals inside the

spa’s equipment bay!

CAUTION

Never store spa

page 07

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

FILL UP AND START INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Calcium deposits can also cause a restriction of air through your jets.
Using a stain and scale remover regularly will greatly reduce the chance of
this occurring.

CHLORINE:

Granulated chlorine must be used to remove bacteria and other organic matter from the
water. Little or no chlorine causes the water to turn green and become unhealthy. Too
much chlorine causes water to smell pungent, irritates the eyes and skin, and can cause
damage to the heater tube on the power pack.

NOTE: Improper pH will destroy the pump seals and heater elements.
Damage to components caused by improper pH balance or other improper
chemistry will not be covered under warranty.

Available in:

Coastal Grey and Sequoia Red

Storage Steps

New for 2006!

Step with Planters

Custom colors add beauty to your
spa while making access easy and
providing storage for spa chemicals.

Measures:

54”x24”x14” with 11” planters

137cm x 61cm x 35 1/2

with 28 cm planters

page 08

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

You may need to renew the water in your tub every 3-5 months, depending upon the
water condition.

Read this before draining

your hot tub.

To prevent damage to the hot tub’s components, turn off power to
the spa at the disconnect before draining the hot tub. Do not turn
power back on until your spa has been refi lled with water.

There are certain precautions to keep in mind when draining your
hot tub. If it is extremely cold, and the hot tub is outdoors, freezing could occur in the
plumbing or the equipment. On the other hand, if it is hot outdoors, do not leave the hot
tub’s surface exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Cracking and/or fading may
occur.

DRAINING YOUR SPA

- Turn power off at the breaker

- Your spa is equipped with a 98% main drain. (see image below)

- Remove the safety cap on the main drain (located on the outside of the cabinet in the
front right corner)

- Screw in the drain adapter to drain the water

- You may also choose to attach you garden hose to the adapter to run the water into a

desired area

- Any water left in the hot tub can be taken out using a wet vac or bucket

After your hot tub is empty, clean the shell and fi lter cartridge.

See “Spa Maintenance” and “Surface Care”

Standard Without Cap Adapter Installed

page 09

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

SPA MAINTENANCE

FILTER CARTRIDGE MAINTENANCE

Based on your model you may have 1 or 2 fi lters in your spa. Every few weeks you will
want to check the fi lters and clean them. We recommend Cartridge Filter cleaner from
AquaEZ®.

- First turn your spa off at the disconnect breaker.

- Remove the fi lter cover by pulling it upwards.

- Remove the fi lter basket by pulling it out.

- Unscrew the fi lters by turning them counter clockwise.

- Spray the fi lters with Filter Cleaner.

- Let the cleaner sit for 30 minutes.

- Rinse thoroughly to prohibit suds from getting in your hot tub.

- Screw the fi lter back in, replace the basket and fi lter cover.

- Turn the spa back on.

SURFACE CARE

Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners to clean the hot tub. Typically, a mild
detergent and water will resolve cleaning issues. Do not leave the shell exposed to high
temperatures or empty over long periods of time.

COVER CARE

Please keep your cover free from dirt and debris at all times. To clean the cover you can
use soap and water or any type of vinyl cleaner. Do not stand or sit on the cover. Be sure
not to puncture the inside or outside of the cover. This will cause the cover to absorb
water and become extremely heavy.

CABINET CARE

Your cabinet is completely synthetic and requires very little maintenance. You can use a
plastic cleaner/protector or mild soap as needed.

page 10

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES

In the event ALPS’s hot tub is not working the way it should, please fi rst review all the
installation and operating instructions in this manual and check the message on the panel
display. If you are still not satisfi ed it is working properly, please follow the appropriate
troubleshooting instructions.

Problem:
Motor is running, but no water is coming out of the jets.

Solution:
This is a common problem that often occurs when the hot tub has
just been fi lled with water. To solve this issue, take a water hose and
spray water into the hole located inside the skimmer. (See Figure
T1). This will supply the pumps with water and prime them.

Figure T1

!

WARNING

DO NOT PUT YOUR

HAND INSIDE THE SPA

PACK ELECTRIC SHOCK

Spa Tripping Breaker?

- Check wiring connection

- Check if any moisture is inside cabinet especially
in or around Spa Pack.

MAY OCCUR.

Log onto www.ALPS-spas.com for more

Spa Cover Lift

Features:

• 2 Hydraulic pistons for easy one-fi nger lifting

• Automatic locking pistons prevent cover
from falling

• Frames are galvanized and powder coated
for long life

trouble shooting and online help.

Best selling cabinet cover in the world!

Spa Cover

not included.

Benefi ts:

• One-person operation to remove cover

• Protects cover from abrasive concrete
and wood deck

• Prolongs life of cover - no more ripped
or torn covers

page 11

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

ELECTRICAL LOCATION IN CONCRETE SLAB

page 12

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Limited Warranty

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS EXTENDED TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF A
TETON XLS, CIARA XLS, K2 XLS, Tigra XLS OR SWIM SPA MANUFACTURED BY ALPS
SPAS AFTER DECEMBER 1 2005, AND INSTALLED IN NORTH AMERICA

ALPS SPAS are warranted against defects in the spa shell due to defects in workmanship and/or
materials for Lifetime from the original date of sale

ALPS SPAS are warranted against blistering, cracking, or delaminating of the interior surface of
the spa due to defects in workmanship and/or materials for (5) fi ve years from the original date of
sale

ALPS SPAS plumbing components are warranted against water loss due to defects in
workmanship and/or materials for (5) fi ve years from the original date of sale. One year labor.

ALPS SPAS electrical equipment components (pumps, heater, and control system) are warranted
against malfunction due to defects in workmanship and/or materials for (3) three years from
original date of sale and (2) years pro-rated at 50% of current retail price. One year labor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WARRANTIES FOR OTHER COMPONENTS. Light bulbs, fuses, headrests, fi lters,
and cabinet fi nish are warranted to be free of defects in workmanship and/or materials at the
time of delivery only. All other factory-installed components including but not limited to the
cabinet, jets, diverter valves, and ozonator are warranted against malfunction due to defects in
workmanship and materials for (1) one year from the date of sale. Spa covers are warranted to
be free of defects in workmanship and materials for (2) two years.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS. This Limited Warranty is void if (a) ALPS SPAS or its
designated representative determines that the spa has been subject to alteration, neglect, or
misuse, or any freight damages. (b) The failure is caused by an accident, “Act of God” or other
cause beyond the control of ALPS SPAS. (c) Failure to maintain proper water chemistry and
chemical balance, use of abrasive or improper spa cleaners. This warranty does not provide
coverage for any item attached or installed on the spa after the date of manufacture. (d)
Residential hot tubs used in commercial applications are excluded from any warranty. The spa
owner accepts liability for any repair work performed by anyone other than the manufacturer or a
designated service technician.

page 13

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

WARRANTY INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY. To obtain service in the event of a defect covered
by this Limited Warranty, notify your ALPS Hot Tub dealer as soon as possible and use all
reasonable means to protect the spa from further damage. Freezing temperatures require the
hot tub to be protected from freeze damage occurring. Upon the presentation of a valid proof
of purchase, a designated service technician will correct the defect subject to the terms and
conditions contained in this Limited Warranty. Providing access to the spa is the responsibility
of the spa owner. Mileage charges may apply in some cases. If ALPS SPAS determines
that the repair of the defect is not feasible, it reserves the right to provide a replacement spa
instead, equal in value to the original purchase price of the spa. Depreciation charges will
apply in some cases. In the event of replacement, all costs associated with the removal of the
original spa, shipping, delivery and installation of the replacement spa are borne by the end
user. Replacement spas carry the balance of the original spa’s warranty.

DISCLAIMERS. ALPS SPAS and its representatives shall not be liable for any injury,
loss, cost of other damages, incidental or consequential, arising out of any defect covered
by this limited warranty, including without limitation, loss of the use of the spa and cost for
removal of defective product even in the event the manufacturer was advised of the possibility
of damage. The liability of the manufacturer under this limited warranty, if any, shall not
exceed the original amount paid for the defective product. These disclaimers shall be equally
applicable to any service provided by the manufacturer or its designated representatives.

LEGAL RIGHTS. This warranty gives you specifi c legal rights. You may also have other
rights that vary from state to state.

LIMITATIONS. ALPS SPAS disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, in fact or in
law, to the extent allowed by your state law. No agent, dealer, distributor, service company,
or other party is authorized to change, modify or extend the terms of this limited warranty in
any manner. ALPS SPAS will not be responsible for representations that are inconsistent with
literature or specifi cations furnished by ALPS SPAS.

Electrical hookups should be completed by a licensed electrician in

accordance with municipal, county and state codes. Persons unfamiliar with proper

electrical wiring procedures should not attempt installation.

Installations in wooden decks or balconies should be checked to ensure that the fl oor

can support the weight of the full spa and the persons using it.

Empty, uncovered shells should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods

of time.

Review proper winterizing procedures with your dealer, should you decide not to use

your spa during the colder months. Balance and sanitize spa water with chemicals

designed for use in spas.

Aqua EZ chemicals are recommended for use in your ALPS SPA.

Circulate water through fi ltration system for 2 to 6 hours per day.

page 14

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

ELECTRICAL HOOK UP

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• From main panel, run 6-2 with ground to outside disconnect.

• Run 6-2 with ground from outside disconnect to spa.

• ALPS SPAS recommends that a 60 AMP 220 GFCI
must be used in disconnect.

• Disconnect must be at least 6 ft. from spa!

• Any of the four panels can be drilled out and removed for
easy electrical entry.

• Wire may be drilled thru bottom of spa on wood deck or see page
12 for concrete slab location.

• All exposed wire must be INSTALLED IN CONDUIT and have
proper connectors.

• ALPS SPAS is not responsible for any mis-wiring of control panel.

• All models require a 60 AMP GFCI.

ALUMINUM WIRE WILL VOID WARRANTY!

Swim Spa electrical requirements

From main panel install a 60 AMP GFCI 220 breaker.

Run no# 6-3 with ground. (2 hots, neutral and ground - 4 wires)

Install an outside disconnect (with 60 AMP GFCI Breaker)

No closer than 6 ft from SPA!

Hard wire from disconnect to Swim Spa control panel.

page 15

ALPS-Spas 4400 Steve Reynolds Blvd. Norcross, Georgia 30093

770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com

We appreciate your business!

Date Purchased:
Date Installed:
Dealer:
PHone:
Address:
Spa Model:
Serial Number:

ALPS Manufacturing

Owner’s Record

Please read this “Owner’s Manuel” carefully, as it is designed to provide you with the
information needed to maintain and use your new spa properly.

IMPORTANT: ALPS Manufacturing reserves the right to change specifi cations or
design without notifi cation and without any obligation.

Spa Dimensions
Model Width Length Height Weight Liters Gallons
Teton XLS 82 inches

208.3 cm

Ciara XLS 84 inches

213.4 cm

Tigra XLS 90 inches

228.6 cm

66 inches

167.6 cm
78 inches

198.1 cm
90 inches

228.6 cm

32 inches

81.3 cm
34 1/2 inches

87.6 cm
37 inches

94 cm

600 lbs
272 kg

750 lbs
340 kg

900 lbs
408 kg

8.34 = 1 gallon water

983 260

1286 340

1892 500

page 16

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770-381-2022 Fax: [phone] www.ALPS-spas.com