Filter
Top Products
WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
16
7. FOR THE OLYMPIA AND CUMBERLAND: Insert the Monarch silver cartridge, into the 2.5” diameter standpipe at the bottom of the filter canister.
8. FOR THE AVENTINE: For initial silver ion installation only, a round gray adpator (PN 73770), will need to be glued onto the bottom of the filter basket. (See pg. 21)
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.
12. Fold the cover back into place.
WARNING: Never use the spa with the filter cartridge, basket, or weir removed.
SILVER ION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Questions: How are the silver ions added to the water?
Answers: The silver cartridge contains ceramic beads that are infused with silver. By placing the cartridge in the filter standpipe, it is subject 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.
Questions: What happens if I do not add the weekly shock treatment?
Answers: The contaminants in the water may coat the silver 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.
Questions: How often should the Monarch silver cartridge be replaced?
Answers: The cartridge must be replaced every four months. Please refer to the instructions provided with each Monarch silver cartridge.
Questions: Why can’t I use bromine or biguanides instead of MPS or chlorine?
Answers: Bromine or 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 Monarch silver cartridge every 4 months
• DO test Total Alkalinity and pH weekly.
• DO check your sanitizer prior to each use.
• DO use Monopersulfate (MPS) chlorine-free oxidizer for spas only.
• 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 spa. 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 sodium dichlor type granated chlorine 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
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.
SUPER CHLORINATION