START-UP AND REFILL PROCEDURES
Your Caldera® spa has been thoroughly tested during the manufacturing process to ensure reliability and
The following instructions must be read and followed exactly to ensure a successful
CAUTIONS
•Do not fill the spa with hot water, as tripping of the
•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
•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®) sanitizer.
•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
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.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.
3.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,
4.Adjust Total Alkalinity (TA) to 125 ppm, Calcium Hardness (CH) to 150 ppm, then spa water pH to between 7.4 and 7.6. 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
5.Activate the Clean cycle then superchlorinate the spa water by adding
6.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.
7.Test the spa water for Free Available Chlorine (FAC) residual. If the residual is between 3 and 5 ppm on the test strips go on to the next step. If the residual is less than 3 ppm, activate the Clean cycle then superchlorinate the spa water by adding
8.Recheck the Total Alkalinity (TA) at 125 ppm, Calcium Hardness (CH) at 150 ppm, then spa water pH at between 7.4 and 7.6.
OPERATION NOTE: Make sure you adjust your Total Alkalinity first, as an
9.The spa temperature is
OPERATION NOTES:
1.Your spa is equipped with a
2.The spa controller has an automatic
3.The spa controller also has a
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