Watkins TRI, MAL, LAP, SOR User Manual
O w n e r ’s M a n u a l
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 nine 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 Hot Spot Spa 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 Hot Spot Spa.
The Serial Number/Identification label is located within the equipment compartment of your Hot Spot 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, colors, surface
materials 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 selfclosing gates on the property to prevent unsupervised access to a pool (or spa) by children under 5 years of age. Your Hot Spot
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 Hot Spot Spa Dealer can provide
information on which permits may be required.
Congratulations on your decision to enjoy the finest spa available...
Welcome to the growing family of Hot Spot
!
Spa owners.
Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
SAFETY INFORMATION
Important Safety Instructions ..........................................................1
Important Spa Instructions ..............................................................3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Site Preparation ................................................................................3
Outdoor Installation and Patio Installation ......................................4
Deck Installation ................................................................................4
Indoor/Basement Installation............................................................4
Spa Leveling Instructions ................................................................4
Spa Cover Installation ......................................................................5
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Selecting the Voltage for your Spa ..................................................5
115-230 Volt Conversion..................................................................5
230 Volt Subpanel Wiring Instructions ............................................6
SPA SPECIFICATIONS & ILLUSTRATION
La PalmaTM(Model LAP)....................................................................7
Mallorca
®
(Model MAL) ....................................................................8
Sorrento
®
(Model SOR) ....................................................................9
Trinidad
®
(Model TRI)......................................................................10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Start-up and Refill Procedures ......................................................11
Heating and Hydromassage Systems ..........................................12
Safety Equipment............................................................................13
Spa Control Panel ..........................................................................14
Locking Features ............................................................................15
JET MENUS
La Palma (Model LAP) ....................................................................16
Mallorca (Model MAL) ....................................................................17
Sorrento (Model SOR) ....................................................................18
Trindad (Model TRI..........................................................................19
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
General Information ........................................................................20
Methods for Testing the Spa Water................................................20
Hot Spot
®
Spa Water Maintenance Program................................21
Spa Frog
®
Water Care System ......................................................23
Spa Frog Cartridge Replacement Instructions..............................23
Hot Spot Water Treatment Guide ..................................................24
Following the Spa Frog Sanitizer Routine ....................................24
Ozone ..............................................................................................26
Common Water Chemistry Questions ..........................................27
Water Terminology ..........................................................................28
MAINTENANCE AND SPA CARE
Filter Maintenance ..........................................................................29
Care of Spa Pillow ..........................................................................30
Care of the Exterior ........................................................................30
Care of the Spa Cover....................................................................31
Wood Spa Cabinet ........................................................................31
Simulated Wood Spa Cabinet (Optional) ......................................31
Draining your Spa ..........................................................................31
Non-Operation in Cold Climate......................................................32
Winterizing your Spa ......................................................................32
SERVICE INFORMATION
General Information ........................................................................33
GFCI and High Limit Thermostat ..................................................33
Miscellaneous Service Information................................................33
Acts Invalidating Warranty ..............................................................34
Disclaimers......................................................................................34
Watkins Customer Service ............................................................34
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................35
Safety Information Page 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
AVOIDING THE RISK TO CHILDREN
WARNING:
• 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.
• 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 Hot Spot®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
(6mm
2
) 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.
Cor
d-Connected 115 volt,
15 and 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.
230 v
olt, 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 each breaker. The switch should click over to the “Trip” position. Wait 30 seconds and reset each 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.
DANGER: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
• Install 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 (6mm
2
) 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.
DO:
• Be sure your spa is connected to the power supply correctly - use a licensed 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 suction fittings (filter standpipes) located in the filter compartment.
• The suction fittings in the spa are sized to match the specific water flow created by the pump. Should the need arise to replace the
suction fittings, or the pump, be sure that the flow rates are compatible.
• There is a danger of slipping and falling. Remember that wet surfaces can be very slippery. Take care when entering or exiting the spa.
• People with infectious diseases should not use the spa.
• Keep any loose articles of clothing, long hair 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 that 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 Hot Spot®Spa are:
Free Available Chlorine (FAC): 3.0-5.0 ppm Total Alkalinity: 125-150 ppm
Water pH: 7.4-7.6 Calcium Hardness: 150-200 ppm
(Refer to Water Quality and Maintenance section for complete instructions.)
IMPORTANT: Turn on the jet pump for a 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.
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 or 37°C). 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.
Page 2 Safety Information
Safety Information Page 3
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 ten 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:
WARNING:
• 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 (3°C).
• Test the water with your hand before entering the spa to be sure it’s comfortable.
SAFETY SIGN
Each Hot Spot®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 Hot Spot dealer and request
Part #003021.
IMPORTANT SPA INSTRUCTIONS
The following contains important spa information, and we strongly encourage you to read and apply them.
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.
DON’T:
• Leave the Hot Spot Spa exposed to the sun without water or the 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 vinyl 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 Hot Spot Spa Dealer. Many problems can easily be diagnosed over the telephone by
an Authorized Service Technician.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
SITE 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 Spa Leveling Preparation on 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.
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 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.
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 LEVELING PREPARATION
Concrete sloped at 1/2 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.
Page 4 Installation Instructions
Slope 1/2 inch per 10 ft. for proper drainage.
1/2 inch
(1.3 cm)
10 ft. (305 cm)
Stepping stones or brick may settle
causing the spa to be unlevel.
Lowering the top of the spa
to deck level substantially
increases the potential of
accidental entry. Contact
your Hot Spot Dealer for
more information and
consult a licensed building
contractor to design or
evaluate your custom
decking requirements.
WARNING
Electrical Installation Page 5
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 1/2” to 3/4” 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.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
SELECTING THE VOLTAGE FOR YOUR SPA
Your spa is designed to operate at either 115 or 230 volts, 60 Hz, unless it is the
Mallorca®or La Palma
TM
models which requires a dedicated 230 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. 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
(Trinidad
®
and Sorrento®models). No other electrical appliance or fixture can be used on this circuit.
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 Hot Spot®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!
115-230 VOLT CONVERSION
•
SORRENTO(Model SOR) • TRINIDAD (Model TRI)
Refer to the following instructions to convert your 115 volt Hot Spot 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 parked (spare) jumper onto JP1
(see Figure on next page).
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 (1.5 meters) feet away.
COVER INSTALLATION
TIE-DOWN ST RAP
LOCK
COVER
KEY
SCREW (2)
DANGER. RISK OF INJURY.
• Never leave a spa uncovered or unattended.
• Never leave a spa cover unlocked.
• Do not stand, sit, or lie on the cover.
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