Watkins CalderaSpas Utopia Series Owner's Manual - Monarch
WARNING: There are several forms of stabilized chlorine available for use in spas and swimming pools. Each form has specific chemical characteristics. It is extremely
important that the form you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect product such as tri-chloro, which has a very low pH (2.6), dissolves too
quickly in hot water resulting in extremely high levels of chlorine, and is designed for concrete or plaster swimming pools, WILL cause damage to your spa. Use of a
liquid, or any type of compressed bromine or chlorine, acid, or any type or sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation, WILL damage
your spa and is specifically not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
IMPORTANT: Granulated chlorine (sodium dichlor) will degrade if stored improperly. We recommend purchasing chlorine in one, two, or five pound containers and
storing it in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.
WARNING: Never leave an open spa unattended, especially if there are children present!
waTkIns waTer TreaTMenT GuIDe
at spa startup or refill
Follow spa Start-Up and Refill Procedures.
Prior to each use
(Testbeforeaddinganychemicals;donotaddanychemicalsifproperor
higher levels are found.)
Add one (1) tablespoon of Monarch
®
MPS Plus (monopersulfate)* per 250
gallons.
Once a week
Add three (3) tablespoon Monarch MPS Plus (monopersulfate)* per 250
gallons.
every four months
Drain spa, replace mineral cartridge, and refill your spa.
Follow spa Start-Up and Refill Procedures.
If needed
(If water is hazy, cloudy or has an odor)
Add one and one half (1-1/2) teaspoons of sodium dichlor per 250-gallons, as
needed.
* Monarch MPS Plus is an oxidizer, not a sanitizer
suPPleMenTal waTer MaInTenanCe
Proper water sanitation and mineral balance (pH control) are absolutely essential for a complete spa water maintenance program. Here are two other popular water
additives that are optional:
1. MIneral DePOsIT InHIBITOrs
As water evaporates from your spa and new water is added, the amount of dissolved minerals will increase. (Minimize evaporation by keeping the cover on the spa
whenever possible.) The spa water may eventually become “hard” (Calcium Hardness too high) enough to damage the heater by calcifying its surface. Proper pH control
can minimize this.
Normal soap build-up will require water replacement regularly enough that mineral deposits normally are not a problem.
Occasionally, high iron or copper content in the water may produce green or brown stains on the spa. A stain and scale inhibitor may help to reduce these metals.
NOTE: Well water may contain high concentrations of minerals. The use of a low water volume, extra-fine pore water filter will help to remove many of the larger particles
during the filling of the spa.
2. FOaM InHIBITOrs
Spa water requires changing due to the buildup of soap in the water. Typically, soap will cause the spa water to foam when the jets are used. Soap is introduced into the
spa water from two sources: users’ bodies, which retain a soap residue after showering, and swimming apparel, which retains soap after washing.
Foam inhibitors can suppress foam, but cannot remove soap from the water. Soap is very difficult to remove from the water because soap is not oxidized by any
chemical added to the spa. Only ozone can oxidize soap.
Eventually the soap build-up in the water will be concentrated, resulting in an unclean feeling on the bather’s skin, which is impossible to remedy. When this occurs, it’s
time to drain and refill the spa. Depending on the soap input, the water should last about 4 months before needing to be drained.
MOnarCH
®
OZOne sYsTeM
The Monarch high output ozone system is the only ozone purification system approved for installation in your Caldera
®
spa. The Monarch ozone system utilizes Corona
Discharge (CD) technology to produce a higher concentration of ozone than is produced by competing ultraviolet light (UV) ozone systems.
The Monarch high output ozone system greatly enhances the quality of the spa water when used to supplement the spa owner’s regular water maintenance program.
Contrary to some information circulated throughout the pool and spa industry regarding ozone systems, ozone
CANNOT be used as a single-source sanitizer, water
clarifier, anti-foamer, and mineral chelating agent. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends following the SPA FROG® sanitizing system when using an ozone
purification system to assure water sanitation and the highest quality of purified water.
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WATER qUALITY AND MAINTENANCE