Watkins Hot Spot Owner's Manual - page 23
Page 20
Water Quality and Maintenance
9. Carefully replace the filter, the filter basket and weir.
10. Fill the spa as recommended (see Start-Up and Refill Procedures).
11. Replace the filter compartment cover (if equipped).
12. Fold the cover back into place.
WARNING: Never use the spa with the filter cartridge or filter standpipe removed!
SILVER IONS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question: How are the silver ions actually added to the water?
Answer: The silver ion cartridge contains ceramic beads that are infused with silver. By placing the cartridge in the filter standpipe, it is
subjected to the flow of water created by the operation of the jet pump . The flowing water, through a chemical erosion process,
carries with it the silver ions necessary to add a sanitizing residual to the spa water.
Question: What happens if I do not add the weekly shock treatment?
Answer: The contaminants in the water may coat the silver ion cartridge’s ceramic beads, blocking the silver ions’ release into the water. When
this occurs, there will be no residual of silver ions present in the water, eliminating them from the sanitizing process.
Question: How often should the FreshWater
Ag+
silver ion purifier cartridge be replaced?
Answer: The cartridge must be replaced every four months. Please refer to the instructions provided with each FreshWater
Ag+
silver ion purifier
cartridge.
Question: Why can’t I use bromine or biguanides instead of MPS or chlorine?
Answer: Bromine and biguanides will chemically react with the sanitizing action of the silver ions. This will eliminate their beneficial sanitizing
effect.
DOS AND DON’TS
• DO check your MPS or dichlor chemical level prior to each use.
• DO change the FreshWater
Ag+
silver ion purifier every 4 months.
• DO test Total Alkalinity and pH weekly.
• DO check your sanitizer prior to each use.
• DO use MPS for spas only, such as Hot Spring
®
MPS Chlorine-Free Oxidizer.
• DO store all chemicals in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
• DON’T use bromine, sodium bromide or biguanides. These are an active sanitizer and will combine with the silver ions to inactivate them.
• DON’T use a water clarifier. Clarifiers will cause the spa water to become cloudy.
CHLORINE (SODIUM DICHLOR)
A. Sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine, are oxidants that kill bacteria and viruses in the
water. The Free Available Chlorine (FAC) is a measure of the amount of unused chlorine
available to sanitize the spa. The recommended FAC for your spa water is 3.0-5.0 ppm.
B. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends the use of HotSpring
®
FreshWater
TM
Concentrated Chlorinating Granuals (sodium dichlor) for sanitizing the water. Sodium
dichlor is preferred because it is totally soluble, dissolves quickly and is nearly pH neutral.
C. Maintaining the proper level of chlorine during use is extremely important.
D. If the FAC is too low, bacteria and viruses can grow rapidly in the warm water. Increase
the FAC by adding granulated sodium dichlor.
E. If the FAC is too high, the water can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin.
Simply allow some time to pass. The FAC level will drop naturally over time.
F.
When the Free Available Chlorine is within the recommended range, the spa is ready to be
enjoyed.
WARNING: There are several forms of stabilized chlorine available for use in spas and
swimming pools and each form has specific chemical characteristics. It is extremely
important that the one you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect product such as tri-chlor, 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 of 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.