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9. Fill the spa as recommended (see Start-Up and Refill Procedures).
10. Replace the filter lid.
11. 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 inside the filter, 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; Clarifier will cause the spa water to become cloudy.
CHLORINE (SODIUM DICHLOR)
A. Sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine, are oxidant 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 sodium dichlor type granulated 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-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.
SUPER CHLORINATION
Super Chlorination is designed to “burn-off” the build-up of chloramines (used chlorine), to eliminate the chlorine smell and to allow the proper level of free chlorine to be maintained.
When giving your water a super chlorination treatment, open the cover at least half way for twenty minutes to allow the chlorine gas to vent off. The high concentration
of chlorine gas which may exist as a result of super chlorination (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration or degradation to the bottom of the cover, which
would not be covered under the terms of your warranty.
IMPORTANT: Always allow the Free Available Chlorine to fall below 5 ppm before using the spa.
WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
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