MAINTENANCE
23
CARE OF THE SPA PILLOWS
Spa pillows will provide years of comfort if treated with care. They have been positioned above the water level to minimize the bleaching effects of chlorinated water and
other spa water chemicals. To extend their life, whenever the spa shell is being cleaned, the spa pillows should be removed and cleaned. Body oils can be removed with
a mild soap and water solution. ALWAYS rinse off the spa pillows thoroughly to remove any soap residue. If the spa is not going to be used for a long period of time
(that is during a vacation or if the spa is winterized), or when the spa water is being super-chlorinated, the spa pillows should be removed until the next use of the spa.
To remove and replace the spa pillows:
1. Carefully lift one end of the pillow away from the spa shell.
2. Continue lifting one end until all pillow retainers are released from the pillow.
IMPORTANT: Just pulling the pillow straight up and out of the shell recess will eventually damage the pillow. This abuse is not covered under warranty.
3. To reinstall the spa pillow, carefully bend the pillow slightly to allow one of the pillow retainers to slip into the recess in the back of the pillow.
4. Keeping the pillow slightly bent, slide the other pillow retainer into the recess in the back of the pillow.
5. After all the pillow retainers are in place, press the pillow down into the recess in the spa shell.
DIVERTER VALVE MAINTENANCE
If your spa’s diverter valves become difficult to turn, it is likely that sand or grit has become lodged inside the valve body. It is very important that this debris is removed
as soon as possible to avoid damage to the valve. To accomplish this, follow this procedure:
1. Turn off power to the spa.
2. Remove the diverter valve’s handle by pulling upward while rocking it back and forth.
3. Unscrew the cap ring.
4. Remove the valve body by pulling it upward.
5. Wipe the valve body and the interior walls of the valve clean.
6. Lubricate the o-rings with a waterproof lubricant available from your dealer.
7. Reassemble the valve and turn on power to the spa.
CARE OF THE EXTERIOR
SPA SHELL
Your spa has a
granite-like or smooth acrylic
shell. Stains and dirt generally will not adhere to your spa’s surface. A soft rag or a nylon scrubber should easily remove
most dirt. Most household chemicals are harmful to your spa’s shell. Watkins
®
Manufacturing Corp. recommends Soft Scrub
®
and Windex
®
. These are the only products
which have passed the manufacturer’s tests. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can also be used for minor surface cleaning. Always thoroughly rinse off any spa shell
cleaning agent with fresh water.
SERVICE NOTES:
1. Iron and copper in the water can stain the spa shell if allowed to go unchecked. Ask your dealer for a stain and scale Inhibitor to use if your spa water has a high
concentration of dissolved minerals.
2. The use of alcohol or any household cleaners other than those listed to clean the spa shell surface is NOT recommended. DO NOT use any cleaning products
containing abrasives or solvents since they may damage the shell surface. NEVER USE HARSH CHEMICALS! Damage to the shell by the use of harsh chemicals
is not covered under the warranty.
IMPORTANT: Some surface cleaners contain eye and skin irritants. Keep all cleaners out of the reach of children and use care when applying.
CARE OF THE SPA COVER
WARNING: The cover is a manual safety cover that meets or exceeds all prevailing requirements of ASTM Standards for spa safety covers when installed and used
correctly as of the date of manufacture. Non-secured or improperly secured covers are a hazard. Open the cover to its fully open position before use.
VINYL COVER
The vinyl spa cover is an attractive, durable foam insulation product. Monthly cleaning and conditioning are recommended to maintain its beauty.
To clean and condition the vinyl cover:
1. Remove the cover from the spa and gently lean it against a wall or fence.
2. With a garden hose, spray the cover to loosen and rinse away dirt or debris.
3. Using a large sponge and/or a soft bristle brush, and using a very mild soap solution (1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid with 2 gallons of water) or baking soda (sodium
bicarbonate), scrub the vinyl top in a circular motion. Do not let the vinyl dry with a soap film on it before it can be rinsed clean.
4. Scrub the cover’s perimeter and side flaps. Rinse clean with water.
5. Rinse off the underside of the cover with water only (use no soap), and wipe it clean with a dry rag.
SERVICE NOTE: To remove tree sap, use cigarette lighter fluid (not
charcoal lighter fluid). Use sparingly, and rinse with a saddle soap solution immediately
afterwards, then wipe dry.