Watkins SOR, LAP, MAL, TRI manual Winterizing Your SPA, NON-OPERATION in Cold Climate

DRAINING YOUR SPA
	DRAIN CAP

1.TURN OFF OR DISCONNECT POWER FROM THE SPA.

2.Remove the equipment compartment access door.

3.Locate the drain cap. Lift drain hose above the water level (requires cutting plastic tie the first time).

4.Unscrew and remove the drain cap.

5.	Attach drain hose to garden hose and direct to an appropriate draining area.
	Maintain hose below water line.
6.	After your spa is empty, clean the shell and filter cartridge.
7.	After cleaning, remove garden hose and put drain cap back in place.	DRAIN
8.	Replace the equipment compartment access door.	HOSE

NON-OPERATION IN COLD CLIMATE
		DOOR
If the spa is to be left unused for an extended period of time in areas where	GARDEN HOSE
FREEZING TEMPERATURES DO NOT OCCUR, it may be desirable to turn the

heater to the lowest temperature. The automatic filter cycles will keep the spa water clean and sparkling. When preparing the spa for use, check the water chemistry to assure correct chlorine or bromine and pH levels.

You can keep the water in the spa during the time of year when freezing at the spa location may occur. If a freeze condition is detected, the pump and heater will be activated automatically to circulate the water in low speed. However, CAUTION must be used with this approach. In the event of electrical power interruption, regardless of the cause, the heater and pump will stop operating and freeze protection will be lost, possibly resulting in freeze damage to the spa, spa plumbing and/or components. Such damage is not covered by warranty.

WINTERIZING YOUR SPA

If the spa is located where freezing temperatures occur, and you do not intend to use your spa for an extended period, follow steps 1 through 7 outlined in “Draining Your Spa” (above) then complete the steps below.

IMPORTANT: The following steps should protect your spa from freezing damage provided these instructions are followed exactly. For maximum protection against freeze damage to your spa, Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends contacting your local Hot Spot® dealer to schedule an in-home Propylene glycol (anti-freeze) Winterizing Service plan.

NOTE: MAKE CERTAIN ALL POWER TO THE SPA IS OFF and all water has been drained from the spa before you continue.

1.It will be necessary to remove all water from the interior plumbing.

2.Remove the floating weir basket and filter cartridge. Clean the filter cartridge and store in a dry place. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum side of the shop vac and thoroughly dry the filter compartment.

3.Using the shop vac, remove the water starting with the jets at the top and moving to the ones at the bottom of the spa.

NOTE: When removing the water from the jet openings, you may notice suction coming from another jet. With the help of a second person, block off any suction from the other jet using a large rag or cloth. This will help pull out the water that is trapped deep inside the main line.

4.Thoroughly dry the spa shell with a clean towel.

5.Using a funnel, pour Propylene glycol anti-freeze into the filter suction fittings and jet outlets. Add enough anti-freeze until the liquid starts to

come out of the bottom drain.

CAUTION: Use only Propylene glycol as your anti-freeze.This is non- toxic. NEVER use automobile anti-freeze since it is toxic.

PUMP DRAIN PLUG LOCATION

DRAIN

PLUG

Front view of pump

6.Close the spa cover and fasten the cover tie downs. If your area receives a lot of snow or ice, it is recommended to cover the spa cover with two pieces of plywood forming a pitched roof top to prevent snow and ice build-up. Secure a plastic sheet or tarp over the spa cover and one over the plywood.

WARNING: When not in use, the spa must be covered with an insulating spa cover. Damage caused by either sun exposure or freezing is not covered under warranty.

7.In the pump side of the equipment control bay, remove the pump drain plug located on the front of the pump housings. Allow all water to drain out. Place the drain plug in a reclosable plastic storage bag and store near the pump. Replace the drain plugs on start-up.

8.Unscrew the suction/discharge pump and heater unions and allow the water to drain. Leave union loose. NOTE: Tighten unions before filling.

9.Replace the equipment doors and secure with screws.

Maintenance and Spa Care Page 31