Filter
Top Products
Page 26 Water Quality and Maintenance
NOTE: Well water may contain high concentrations of minerals. The use of a low water volume, extra-fine pore water filter (in-line pre-filter such as
the FreshStart
®
10,000
pre-filter) will help to remove many of the larger particles during the filling of the spa. In-line pre-filters can be purchased at
your local Hot Spot
®
Spa Dealer.
Foam Inhibitors
Spa water requires changing due to the build-up 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, such as Hot Spring
®
FreshWater
®
Defoamer, 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.
OZONE (OPTIONAL)
The FreshWater
®
III high output ozone system is the Watkins recommended ozone purification system for your spa. The FreshWater III 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 FreshWater III 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 CAN
NOT be used as a single-source sanitizer, water clarifier, anti-foamer, and mineral chelating agent. A secondary-source sanitizer must be used to
maintain 2.0 ppm (2.0 mg/L) of Free Available Chlorine (FAC). Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends that a chemical maintenance
program based on recognized and documented industry standards still be followed when using an ozone purification system to assure water
sanitation and the highest quality purified water.
Cleaning the Ozone Injector
On occasion, a mineral build-up may clog the ozone injector causing a lack of flow or low flow of ozone bubbles. To prevent this, refer to the
following instructions to clean the injector:
1. Disconnect power to the spa.
2. Access the equipment compartment.
3. Locate the ozonator in the equipment compartment and unplug the ozonator from the control box.
4. Place 16 ounces (1/2 liter) of white vinegar into a container such as a cup or bucket. Place the container on the equipment compartment floor.
NOTE: White vinegar will not damage any of the spa components.
5. Carefully loosen the long Tygon / Kynar tubing to the bottom of the ozonator. A liquid substance may be found inside the tubing. If a liquid
substance is present, BE CERTAIN NOT TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE LIQUID (SEE WARNING ABOVE).
6. Place the end of the tubing into the vinegar, making certain that the end of the tubing sits at the bottom of the container.
7. Reconnect power to the spa.
8. Run the spa until all 16 ounces (1/2 liter) of the vinegar are gone. This should allow an ample flow of vinegar to be run through the injector and
clear the blockage.
9. Disconnect power to the spa.
10. Remove the empty cup or bucket.
11. Reinstall the tubing to the bottom of the ozonator.
12. Plug the ozonator into the control box.
13. Close the equipment compartment door.
14. Reconnect power to the spa.
Nitric acid accumulates in the air lines of the ozonator and injector. Nitric acid will cause
severe chemical burns if direct skin contact is made, so always wear protective gloves,
glasses and clothing when working on the ozonator or injector lines. To prevent inhalation
or ingestion of the nitric acid, DO NOT blow or inhale with your mouth to any of the
adapters, fittings or tubing of the ozonator or injector air lines.
WARNING
WARNING