Caldera Spa San Gabriel Owner’s Manual

Highland Series

Owner’s Manual

Olympia • Cumberland

• Aventine®• San Gabriel

WELCOME

MODEL: OLYMPIA

SERIES: HIGHLAND SERIAL: OLH1L1001 RATINGS: 240V, 60Hz, 40A

1280 Park Center Dr., Vista, CA 92081 Watkins Manufacturing Corp.

OLH1L1001

Watkins Manufacturing Corporation congratulates you on your decision to enjoy the finest spa available...

Welcome to the growing family of Caldera

Spa owners.

Owner’s Manual

This Owner’s Manual will acquaint you with the operation and general maintenance of your new spa. We suggest that you take some time to carefully review all 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 Caldera dealership. They are trained professionals who are familiar with the product as well as new spa ownership concerns. Their expertise will facilitate the enjoyment of your new Caldera spa.

The serial number/identification label is located within the equipment compartment of your Caldera spa. The serial number should also be documented on the delivery receipt from your dealer.

IMPORTANT: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation reserves the right to change specifications, or design, without notification and without incurring any obligation.

DATE PURCHASED: ____________________________________

DATE INSTALLED: ______________________________________

DEALER: _____________________________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

TELEPHONE: __________________________________________

SPA MODEL/SERIAL NUMBER: ___________________________

COVER SERIAL NUMBER: _______________________________

In most cities and counties, permits will be required for the installation of electrical circuits or the construction of exterior surfaces (decks and gazebos). In addition, some communities have adopted residential barrier codes which may require fencing and/or self-closing gates on the property to prevent unsupervised access to a pool (or spa) by children under 5 years of age. Your Caldera spa is equipped with a locking cover that meets the ASTM F1346-91 Standard for Safety Covers, and as a result, is usually exempt from most barrier requirements. As a general practice, your local Building Department will inform you of any applicable barrier requirements at the time a permit is obtained for the installation of an electrical circuit. Your Caldera dealer can provide information on which permits may be required.

NOTE: This is an example. Your spa’s label will contain different information. Peel off top sticker and place here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Important Safety Instructions .............................................. 1

• Important Spa Instructions .................................................. 3

INSTALLATION

• Site Preparation ................................................................... 3

• Outdoor and Patio Installation ............................................ 4

• Deck Installation .................................................................. 4

• Indoor/Basement Installation .............................................. 4

• Spa Leveling Preparation ................................................... 4

• Spa Cover Installation ......................................................... 4

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

• Selecting the Voltage for Your Spa ..................................... 5

• 230 Volt Permanently Connected ....................................... 5

• 230 Volt Wiring Instructions ................................................ 6

START-UP AND REFILL PROCEDURES

....... 7

SPA FEATURES

Olympia• ................................................................................ 8

• Cumberland

• San Gabriel™ ...................................................................... 9

• Aventine

....................................................................... 8

............................................................................. 9

WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE

• Water Terminology ............................................................ 14

• General Information .......................................................... 15

• Methods for Testing the Spa Water .................................. 15

• The Watkins Spa Water Maintenance Program .............. 16

• SPA FROG

• Monarch

• Common Water Chemistry Questions ............................. 21

• Spa Water Maintenance Troubleshooting Guide ............. 22

Water Care System ..................................... 18

CD Ozone System ........................................... 20

MAINTENANCE

• Filter Maintenance ............................................................. 23

• Care of the Spa Pillows .................................................... 23

• Care of the Exterior ........................................................... 24

• Care of the Spa Cover ...................................................... 24

• Wood Spa Cabinet ............................................................ 25

• Ecotech

• Draining Your Spa ............................................................. 25

• Non-Operation in Cold Climate......................................... 25

• Winterizing Your Spa ......................................................... 25

Spa Cabinet ...................................................... 25

SERVICE

• Acts Invalidating Warranty................................................. 26

• Disclaimers ........................................................................ 26

• Watkins Customer Service ............................................... 26

JET MENUS

Olympia• .............................................................................. 10

• Cumberland ....................................................................... 10

• San Gabriel .........................................................................11

• Aventine ..............................................................................11

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

......................................

SPA TROUBLESHOOTING

• General Operation Troubleshooting Guide ...................... 27

WARRANTY

• Olympia and Cumberland ................................................. 28

• Aventine and San Gabriel ................................................ 29

SPA SPECIFICATIONS

.................................... Back Cover

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.

• To reduce the risk of injury, lower water temperatures are recommended for young children. Children are especially sensitive to hot water.

DO:

• Make sure you always lock the child resistant locks after using the spa for your children’s safety. Every Caldera ® spa is equipped with a locking cover that meets

the ASTM F1346-91 Standard for Safety Covers.

• Test the water temperature with your hand before allowing your child to enter the spa to be sure that it’s comfortable. Children are especially sensitive to hot water.

• Remind children that wet surfaces can be very slippery. Make sure that the children are careful when entering or exiting the spa.

DON’T:

• Allow children to climb onto the spa cover.

• Allow children to have unsupervised access to the spa.

AVOIDING THE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION

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. 10 AWG solid copper bonding

conductor between this point and any metal equipment, metal water pipe, metal enclosures of electrical equipment, or conduit within five feet (1.5 m) of the unit as needed to comply with local requirements.

WARNING:

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, replace a damaged cord immediately. Failure to do so may result in death or serious personal injury due to electrocution.

• Your spa is provided with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for user and equipment protection. To ensure proper operation of this important safety device, test

according to the following instructions per electrical configuration.

Cord-Connected 115 volt, 20 amp models: The GFCI is located at the end of the power cord. Before each use, with the unit operating, push the TEST button.

The unit should stop operating and the GFCI power indicator will go out. Wait 30 seconds and then reset the GFCI by pushing the RESET button. The GFCI

power indicator will turn on, restoring power to the spa. If the interrupter does not perform in this manner, there may be an electrical malfunction and with it, the possibility of an electric shock. Disconnect the power until the problem has been corrected. NOTE: This will reset the filter cycle.

230 volt, permanently installed or converted models:

• A ground terminal is provided on the terminal block located inside the control box. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect this terminal to the grounding

terminal of your electrical service or supply panel with a continuous green, insulated copper wire. The wire must be equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying the equipment. In addition, a bonding terminal (pressure wire connector) is provided on the outside of the control box for bonding to local ground

points. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this connector should be bonded with a No. 10 AWG solid copper wire to any metal ladders, water pipes, or other

metal within 5 feet (1.5 m) of the spa to comply with local requirements. The means of disconnection must be readily accessible, but must be installed at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from the spa.

• Your spa is provided with a suitably rated circuit breaker to open all ungrounded supply conductors.

• Your spa uses ground fault circuit interrupters in the electrical subpanel. Before each use of the spa and with the unit operating, push the Test button on the breaker. The switch should click over to the “Trip” position. Wait 30 seconds and reset the GFCI breaker by switching it completely off and then completely on.

The switch should then stay on. If either of the interrupters does not perform in this manner, it is an indication of an electrical malfunction and the possibility of an electric shock. Disconnect the power until the fault has been identified and corrected. NOTE: This will reset the filter cycle.

SAFETY INFORMATION

DANGER: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

• Install spa at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from all metal surfaces. A spa may be installed within 5 feet of a metal surface if each metal surface is permanently connected by a minimum No. 10 AWG solid copper conductor attached to the wire ground connector on 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.

• Install your spa in such a way that drainage is away from the electrical compartment and from all electrical components.

DO:

• Be sure your spa is connected to the power supply correctly - use a licensed electrical contractor.

• Disconnect the spa from the power supply before draining the spa or servicing the electrical components.

• Test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter(s) before each use.

DON’T:

• Use the spa with the equipment compartment door removed.

• Place electrical appliances within 5 feet (1.5m) of the spa.

• Use an extension cord to connect the spa to its power source. The cord may not be properly grounded and the connection is a shock hazard. An extension cord

may cause a voltage drop, which will cause overheating of the jet pump motor and motor damage.

• Attempt to open the electrical control box. There are no user serviceable parts inside.

RISKS TO AVOID

DANGER: RISK OF INJURY

• To reduce the risk of injury to persons, DO NOT remove floating weir, basket, and filter located in the filter compartment while the spa is running.

• The suction fittings in the spa are sized to match the specific water flow created by the pump. Never replace a suction fitting with one rated less than the flow rate

marked on the original suction fitting.

• There is a danger of slipping and falling. Remember that wet surfaces can be very slippery. Take care when entering or exiting the spa.

• Never operate spa if the suction fittings are broken or missing.

• People with infectious diseases should not use the spa.

• Keep any loose articles of clothing or hanging jewelry away from rotating jets or other moving components.

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, antihistamines or anticoagulants should not use the spa.

Health problems affected by spa use

• Pregnant women should consult a physician before using spa.

• 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 spa.

Unclean water

• Keep the water clean and sanitized with correct chemical care. The recommended levels for your Caldera ® spa are:

Bromine: 1.0 - 2.0 ppm with SPA FROG Water pH: 7.2 - 7.8 Calcium Hardness: 150 - 400 ppm (Refer to Water Quality and Maintenance section for complete instructions.)

IMPORTANT: Turn jet pump on for at least ten minutes after adding ANY spa water chemicals into the filter compartment.

• Clean the filter cartridge monthly to remove debris and mineral buildup which may affect the performance of the hydromassage jets, limit the flow, or trip the high-

limit thermostat which will turn off the entire spa.

(3-5 ppm if not using SPA FROG) Total Alkalinity: 80 - 180 ppm

AVOIDING THE RISK OF HYPERTHERMIA

Prolonged immersion in hot water can result in HYPERTHERMIA, a dangerous condition which occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level above normal (98.6°F). The symptoms of hyperthermia include unawareness of impending hazard, failure to perceive heat, failure to recognize the need to exit the spa, physical inability to exit the spa, fetal damage in pregnant women, and unconsciousness resulting in a danger of drowning.

WARNING:

The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia in hot tubs and spas.

SAFETY INFORMATION

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.

• Pregnant or possibly pregnant women should limit spa water temperatures to 100°F (38°C). Failure to do so may result in permanent injury to your baby.

• Do not use spa immediately following strenuous exercise.

AVOIDING THE RISK OF SKIN BURNS:

• To reduce the risk of injury, before entering a spa the user should measure the water temperature with an accurate thermometer, since the tolerance of temperature-regulating devices may vary by as much as ±5°F (2°C).

• Test the water with your hand before entering the spa to be sure it’s comfortable.

SAFETY SIGN

Each Caldera ® spa is shipped with a SAFETY SIGN in the owner’s package. The sign, which is required as a condition of Product Listing, should be permanently

installed where it is visible to the users of the spa. To obtain additional SAFETY SIGNS, contact your Caldera dealer and request Part #33869.

IMPORTANT SPA INSTRUCTIONS

The following contains important spa information, and we strongly encourage you to read and apply them.

DO:

• Use and lock the vinyl 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.

DON’T:

• Leave the spa exposed to the sun without water or the vinyl cover in place. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause solar distress of the shell material.

• Roll or slide the spa on its side. This will damage the siding.

• Lift or drag the cover by using the cover lock straps; always lift or carry the cover by using the handles.

• Attempt to open the electrical control box. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Opening of the control box by the spa owner will void the warranty. If you

have an operational problem, carefully go through the steps outlined in the Troubleshooting section. If you are not able to resolve the problem, contact your authorized Caldera dealer. Many problems can easily be diagnosed over the telephone by an Authorized Service Technician

INSTALLATION

SITE AND SELECTION PREPARATION

You probably have a spot picked out for your new spa, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, on a patio or on a deck. Just make sure you check the following:

• Always put your spa on a structurally sound, level surface. A filled spa can weigh a great deal. Make certain that the location you choose can support the weight

of your filled spa.

• Don’t forget to level your spa before filling it (see the spa leveling preparation on the next page).

• Locate your equipment compartment, which houses all of the electrical components, in a place where water will drain away from it. Allowing water into the

equipment compartment can damage the electronics, or may result in tripping your house’s circuit breaker.

• Leave yourself easy access to the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for testing. The GFCI is located at the end of the power cord, or at the subpanel of a

hard-wired spa.

• Never let water get into the subpanel or into the electrical outlet that your spa is plugged into. Consult your local code authority to determine if an electrical outlet

with a cover is required for your installation.

• Leave access to the equipment compartment for periodic spa care and maintenance.

WARNING: Damage to the spa’s equipment compartment components or internal plumbing as a result of rodent infestation is NOT covered under your warranty!

OUTDOOR AND PATIO INSTALLATION

No matter where you install your new spa, it’s important that you have a solid foundation to support it. Structural damage to the spa, resulting from incorrect installation or placement on an inadequate foundation, is not covered under the 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.

INSTALLATION

DECK INSTALLATION

To be certain your deck can support your spa, you must know the deck’s maximum load capacity. Consult a qualified building contractor or structural engineer. To find the weight of your spa, its contents and occupants, refer to the Spa Specifications chart on the back cover. This weight per square foot must not exceed the structure’s rated capacity, or serious structural damage could result.

INDOOR/BASEMENT INSTALLATION

Be aware of some special requirements if you place your spa indoors. Water will accumulate around the spa, so flooring materials must provide a good grip when wet. Proper drainage is essential to prevent a build-up of water around the spa. When building a new room for the spa it is recommended that a floor drain be installed. The humidity will naturally increase with the spa installed indoors. Water may get into woodwork and produce dry rot, mildew, or other problems. Check for airborne moisture’s effects on exposed wood, paper, etc. in the room. To minimize these effects, it is best to provide plenty of ventilation to the spa area. An architect can help to determine if more ventilation must be installed.

Your Caldera

In addition to the above, properly clean and maintain your spa as follows:

• Follow all procedures in this owner’s manual and printed instructions on all water care (chemical) products packaging.

• Test the water regularly to ensure proper levels of sanitizers, pH, and other water care requirements.

• Drain, clean, and refill your spa with fresh water on a regular schedule, and in accordance with this owner’s manual.

• Clean the filter(s) at least once per month.

• Check to make sure you have proper circulation throughout your spa water system.

• Have spa users bathe before entering the spa water.

spa dealer can help you with local information such as zoning regulations and building codes.

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. These dispersed spa chemicals and/or bacterial fragments can be inhaled, and may result in breathing difficulties or lung damage in certain people suffering from a compromised immune system or respiratory infection. If you or other bathers are affected by this condition, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

SPA LEVELING PREPARATION

Concrete sloped at ½ inch (1.3 cm) per 10 feet (305 cm) is preferred so that rain water and water spillover will run off and not puddle underneath the spa (water under

the spa for long periods of time may cause the wood to deteriorate). Other options are brick, stepping stone, or blocks.

It is important to note that soft surfaces, even when stepping stones are used to evenly distribute the weight of the spa, will have a tendency to settle, thus resulting in an unleveled spa.

NOTE: Placing the spa on grass or dirt may increase the amount of debris which is inadvertently brought into the spa water and may cause harm to your equipment as well as the spa surface, which is not covered under warranty.

1/2 inch (1.3 cm)

Slope 1/2 inch per 10 ft. for proper drainage.

10 ft. (305 cm)

Stepping stones or brick may settle

causing the spa to be unlevel.

SPA COVER INSTALLATION

• Place the cover squarely on the spa.

• Position the tie-down locks included with your cover on the side of the spa so that they are easily reached by the cover

tie-down straps. Allow for about ½” to ¾” slack in the straps to make it easy to insert straps into locks and to compensate for vinyl shrinkage in cold weather.

• Attach the locks with the screws provided and insert the cover tie-down straps into the locks.

NOTE: Keeping the cover in place any time the spa is not in use will reduce the amount of time the heater operates, thereby

minimizing operating costs.

COVER INSTALLATION

TIE-DOWN STRAP

LOCK

SCREW (2)

COVER

KEY

• Neverleaveaspauncoveredorunattended.

• Neverleaveaspacoverunlocked.

• Donotstand,sit,orlieonthecover.

DANGER. RISK OF INJURY.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

SELECTING THE VOLTAGE FOR YOUR SPA

The Cumberland

volt power supply. When the spa is connected to 115 volts, the heater will provide approximately 1000 watts of heat only when the pump is operating in LOW speed and the thermostat is calling for heat (NOTE: The heater does not operate when the pump is on high speed). When the spa is connected to 230 volts, the heater will provide approximately 4000 watts of heat when the pump is operating in LOW or HIGH speed and the thermostat is calling for heat.

All electrical connections must be made in accordance with the wiring information contained in the electrical control box or on the back of the field wiring access panel of the equipment module.

115 VOLT INSTALLATION

Spas provided with a factory- installed power supply cord are to be plugged into a grounded, grounding type, 115 volt, 20 ampere receptacle ( San Gabriel

IMPORTANT: Under NO circumstances should an extension cord be used. Use of an extension cord will seriously degrade the performance of the equipment module and can create an electrical hazard.

230 VOLT INSTALLATION

When using 230 volt power supply, installation of a 50 amp dedicated circuit is required. Your spa must be hardwired direct to a GFCI-protected subpanel by a licensed

electrician. A wiring diagram is provided inside the equipment module showing where the connections are to be made.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS AND PRECAUTIONS

Your Caldera ® 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. Improper wiring may also cause electrocution, risk of fire, and other risks of injuries. Please read and follow the electrical installation requirements and instructions for your spa completely!

®, Aventine

models). No other electrical appliance or fixture can be used on this circuit.

®, and San Gabriel™ spas are designed to operate at either 115 or 230 volts, 60 Hz, while the Olympia spa model requires a dedicated 230

Cumberland, Aventine, and

115-230 VOLT CONVERSION

(CUMBERLAND,

Refer to the following instructions to convert your 115 volt Highland series spa to a 230 volt spa.

NOTE: Converting the spa to 230 volts operation should only be done by an authorized service agent or a qualified electrician.

The conversion requires a subpanel (230 volt) which may be purchased from your Authorized dealer. Ask for part # 38661

1. Disconnect the power cord from the house receptacle.

2. Remove the screws and open the equipment compartment door.

3. Remove the screws from the control box.

4. Open the control box cover.

5. Remove the power cord wires, and the power jumper wire (from line 2 and neutral) on the line side of the terminal block.

6. Locate Program Jumper JMP 1, using a pair of needle nose pliers, carefully move the jumper from pins 2 and 3 and move to pins 1 and 2 (see Figure below).

A licensed electrician must install the subpanel (available from your dealer) to supply power to the spa. The subpanel must be placed in sight of the spa at a minimum distance of 5 feet away.

AVENTINE, AND SAN GABRIEL MODELS)

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

CONTROL BOX

PANEL

ELECTRICAL

MAIN SERVICE

LESS THAN 100 FT.

#8 AWG RED, L2

#8 AWG BLACK, L1

#10* AWG GREEN, GROUND

#8 AWG WHITE, NEUTRAL

50A

WITHIN SIGHT OF THE SPA

THE SUB-PANEL MUST BE

MORE THAN 5 FEET

DO NOT EXCEED 50 FEET

WITH GFCI

BREAKERS

50A

SUB-PANEL

GRD

L2, HOT, #8 AWG RED

L1, HOT, #8 AWG BLACK

GROUND, #8 AW G GREEN*

N, NEUTRAL, #8 AWG WHITE

L1L2

PERMANENTLY CONNECTED

230 VAC, 50A, 60Hz, MODELS

230VAC, 50 Amp

2-POLE

CIRCUIT BREAKER

(NON GFCI)

GND

JUMPERS REQUIRED

NO POWER

JUMPER CONFIGURATION FOR 230V CONVERTED SPA

JP2

JP1

JP4

JP3

JP5

JP6

JP7

JP8

230 VOLT WIRING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: The subpanel must be placed within 100 feet of the main electrical service panel, and between 5 and 50 feet away from the spa. All electrical connections must

be made in accordance with the wiring information contained in this manual and on the back of the field wiring access panel of the control box.

Refer to the wiring diagram below.

1. Connect the #8 AWG, WHITE [NEUTRAL] wire from the Neutral/Ground Bar on the main electrical service to the WHITE [NEUTRAL, Panel Neutral, Pigtail] of the

subpanel.

2. Connect the #8 AWG, BLACK [L1] wire from the main electrical service to the subpanel [terminal L1].

3. Connect the #8 AWG, RED [L2] wire from the main electrical service to the subpanel [terminal L2].

4. Connect the #10 AWG, GREEN wire from the Neutral/Ground Bar on the subpanel GRD.

5. Connect the #8 AWG, WHITE [NEUTRAL] wire from the subpanel to the Neutral terminal on the spa’s control box.

6. Connect the #8 AWG, BLACK [L1] wire from the subpanel breaker to terminal [L1] on the spa’s control box.

7. Connect the #8 AWG, RED [L2] wire from the subpanel breaker to terminal [L2] on the spa’s control box.

8. Connect the #8 AWG,GREEN wire from the subpanel GRD to the GROUND terminal of the spa’s control box.

9. Bond the spa to all exposed metal equipment or fixtures, handrails, and concrete pad pre N.E.C. and all local codes.

START-UP AND REFILL PROCEDURES

Your Caldera ® 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.

The following instructions must be read and followed exactly to ensure a successful start-up or refill.

CAUTIONS

• Donotfillthespawithhotwater,astrippingofthehigh-limitthermostatmayresult.

• DONOTCONNECTPOWERTOANEMPTYSPA.Powertothespaautomaticallyactivatescriticalcomponentswithinthespa,suchascontrols,

heater, and other systems. If power is supplied to these components prior to the spa being filled, the components will be damaged, and this may result in a non-warranty component failure.

• Donotuseyourspaafterfillinguntilallofthestepslistedbelowarecompleted.

• Donotaddchlorineiftreatingyourspawithpolyhexamethylenebiguanide(Biguanide,PHMB,eg.BaquaSpa

• Beforefillingyourspaforthefirsttime,removetheequipmentcompartmentdoorandchecktoensurethattheunionsoneithersideofthepump(s)

and heater are hand-tight.

1. Ensure that the drain is closed and remove the filter compartment cover, skimmer basket, weir, and filter. Then insert the end of a garden hose into the filter canister and begin filling the spa. The water level of your Caldera spa should be maintained at a level one inch above the highest jet in the spa. Reinstall the filter and then the skimmer basket, and weir once the spa is filled.

IMPORTANT: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation does not recommend that the spa be filled with “softened” water, as this may damage the spa’s equipment.

2. Install SPA FROG

WARNING: High sanitizer levels can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin. Always allow the sanitizer level to fall to the recommended range before using the spa.

Each time the spa is filled with water, you must remove and reinstall the SPA FROG cap, even if you are not replacing the cartridge, in order to

properly prime the jet pumps.

3. AFTER the spa has been filled with water and the equipment compartment door is secured, power must be applied to the spa.

• 115 volt models: Connect the GFCI to the waterproof receptacle and push the RESET button on the GFCI.

• 230 volt models: Open the door of the electrical subpanel and reset the GFCI breaker. Close and secure the subpanel door.

4. The jet pump(s), 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 to purge any remaining air from the heating system, push the “JETS” button on the control pad twice (three times for the Olympia) to make the jet pump(s) 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. If you do not feel a steady stream of

water from your jets, refer to the instructions for priming the pump in the SPA TROUBLESHOOTING section in the back of this manual.

5. Adjust Total Alkalinity (TA) to 80-180 ppm, Calcium Hardness (CH) to 150-400 ppm, then spa water pH to between 7.2 and 7.8. These procedures are listed in the “Water Quality and Maintenance” section.

IMPORTANT: Activate the Clean cycle (Press “SET”, then “JETS” button) before adding spa water chemicals directly into the filter compartment.

OPERATION NOTE: Adjusting the Total Alkalinity as the first step is important, as out-of balance TA will affect your ability to adjust the pH correctly and will prevent

the sanitizer from operating effectively.

6. Activate the Clean cycle, and then superchlorinate the spa water by adding 1½ teaspoons of chlorine (sodium dichlor) per 250 gallons (950 liters) of spa water.

7. Set the temperature control to the desired temperature between 100°F (38°C) and 104°F (40°C), then place the spa cover on the spa and allow the water temperature to stabilize (approximately 24 hours). Make sure you secure the cover in place using the cover locks. Periodically check the spa water temperature. When the water temperature climbs above 90°F (32°C), proceed to the next step.

8. Test the spa water for bromine residual. If the residual is between 1 and 2 ppm on the test strips, go on to the next step. If the residual is less than 1 ppm, activate

the Clean cycle, and then retest.

9. Recheck the Total Alkalinity (TA) at 80-180 ppm, Calcium Hardness (CH) at 150-400 ppm, then spa water pH at between 7.2 and 7.8.

OPERATION NOTE: Make sure you adjust your Total Alkalinity first, as an out-of-balance condition will affect your ability to adjust the pH correctly, and will affect

sanitizers effectiveness. The spa is ready for use when the spa water has circulated and the bromine level remains between 1 ppm and 2-ppm.

10. The spa temperature is pre-programmed to reach 102F (39°C), and will normally do so within 18 to 24 hours. You may raise the water temperature by pressing the

Temp s button on the control panel, or lower it by pressing Temp t button. After a few hours, the water temperature will remain within 3˚F (1.5°C) of your selected temperature.

OPERATION NOTES:

1. Your spa is equipped with a ten-minute timer delay on the heating/tranquil mode. Whenever the jet pump has been turned off (and a three-degree temperature drop has occurred) or the temperature control has been turned up, it will take ten minutes before the low speed of the jet pump and heater become activated. Always

push the “JETS” button to turn off the jet pump when exiting the spa. In the standard 115 volt, 20 amp electrical configuration, the heating system does not operate simultaneously with the high speed pump. On the other hand, on the 230-volt system, the heating system does operate simultaneously with the high speed pump.

2. The spa controller has an automatic one-hour “time-out” feature should the high speed jet mode be left on inadvertently. After one hour of continuous operation,

the controller will automatically return to the maintenance/heating mode.

3. The spa controller also has a six-hour “time-out” feature should the light be left on inadvertently.Aftersixhoursofcontinuousoperation,thecontrollerwill

automatically turn the light off.

bromine and mineral cartridges. See page 18 for cartridge installation and replacement instructions.

) sanitizer.

the

SPA FEATURES

OLYMPIA

Air control1.

Spa-side control panel2.

Filter compartment 3.

Temperature sensor 4.

Spa light5.

Drain/suction fitting6.

Outlet for optional ozone7.

AdaptaFlo8.

Euro Directional jets9.

Pillow10.

Waterfall valve11.

Waterfall feature12.

SPA FROG13.

jets

CUMBERLAND

Air control1.

Spa-side control panel2.

Spa light3.

Filter compartment 4.

Temperature sensor5.

Euro Directional jets6.

AdaptaFlo jets7.

Diverter valve 8.

Outlet for optional ozone9.

Drain/suction fitting10.

Pillow11.

SPA FROG12.

+ 25 hidden pages

Caldera Spa San Gabriel Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual