Filter
Top Products
Maintenance and Spa Care Page 31
DRAINING YOUR SPA
1. TURN OFF OR DISCONNECT POWER FROM THE SPA.
2. Remove the equipment compartment access door.
3. Locate the drain cap. Lift drain hose above the water level (requires cutting
plastic tie the first time).
4. Unscrew and remove the drain cap.
5. Attach drain hose to garden hose and direct to an appropriate draining area.
Maintain hose below water line.
6. After your spa is empty, clean the shell and filter cartridge.
7. After cleaning, remove garden hose and put drain cap back in place.
8. Replace the equipment compartment access door.
NON-OPERATION IN COLD CLIMATE
If the spa is to be left unused for an extended period of time in areas where
FREEZING TEMPERATURES DO NOT OCCUR, it may be desirable to turn the
heater to the lowest temperature. The automatic filter cycles will keep the spa water clean and sparkling. When preparing the spa for use, check
the water chemistry to assure correct chlorine or bromine and pH levels.
You can keep the water in the spa during the time of year when freezing at the spa location may occur. If a freeze condition is detected, the pump
and heater will be activated automatically to circulate the water in low speed. However, CAUTION must be used with this approach. In the event of
electrical power interruption, regardless of the cause, the heater and pump will stop operating and freeze protection will be lost, possibly resulting
in freeze damage to the spa, spa plumbing and/or components. Such damage is not covered by warranty.
WINTERIZING YOUR SPA
If the spa is located where freezing temperatures occur, and you do not intend to use your spa for an extended period, follow steps 1 through 7
outlined in “Draining Your Spa” (above) then complete the steps below.
IMPORTANT: The following steps should protect your spa from freezing damage provided these instructions are followed exactly. For maximum
protection against freeze damage to your spa, Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends contacting your local Hot Spot
®
dealer to
schedule an in-home Propylene glycol (anti-freeze) Winterizing Service plan.
NOTE: MAKE CERTAIN ALL POWER TO THE SPA IS OFF and all water has
been drained from the spa before you continue.
1. It will be necessary to remove all water from the interior plumbing.
2. Remove the floating weir basket and filter cartridge. Clean the filter cartridge
and store in a dry place. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum side of the
shop vac and thoroughly dry the filter compartment.
3. Using the shop vac, remove the water starting with the jets at the top and
moving to the ones at the bottom of the spa.
NOTE: When removing the water from the jet openings, you may notice
suction coming from another jet. With the help of a second person,
block off any suction from the other jet using a large rag or cloth. This will
help pull out the water that is trapped deep inside the main line.
4. Thoroughly dry the spa shell with a clean towel.
5. Using a funnel, pour Propylene glycol anti-freeze into the filter suction fittings
and jet outlets. Add enough anti-freeze until the liquid starts to
come out of the bottom drain.
CAUTION: Use only Propylene glycol as your anti-freeze.This is non-
toxic. NEVER use automobile anti-freeze since it is toxic.
6. Close the spa cover and fasten the cover tie downs. If your area receives a lot of snow or ice, it is recommended to cover the spa cover with
two pieces of plywood forming a pitched roof top to prevent snow and ice build-up. Secure a plastic sheet or tarp over the spa cover and one
over the plywood.
WARNING: When not in use, the spa must be covered with an insulating spa cover. Damage caused by either sun exposure or freezing is not
covered under warranty.
7. In the pump side of the equipment control bay, remove the pump drain plug located on the front of the pump housings. Allow all water to
drain out. Place the drain plug in a reclosable plastic storage bag and store near the pump. Replace the drain plugs on start-up.
8. Unscrew the suction/discharge pump and heater unions and allow the water to drain. Leave union loose. NOTE: Tighten unions before filling.
9. Replace the equipment doors and secure with screws.
DRAIN CAP
DRAIN
HOSE
GARDEN HOSE
DOOR
Front view of pump
DRAIN
PLUG
PUMP DRAIN PLUG LOCATION