COMMON wATER ChEMISTRY QUESTIONS
Why is the use a floater not recommended to sanitize my spa water?
Watkins Manufacturing Corporation does not recommend the use of a floater for three reasons:
1. The floater is unable to control the rate at which the sanitizer is dissolved into the water. When a floater is first placed in a spa, the sanitizer level can be extremely
high. High sanitizer levels can chemically burn or discolor the spa’s shell or the underside of the cover. Then, after a period of time, the sanitizer level dispensed by
the floater will fall to near zero. A low sanitizer level will allow viruses, bacteria or algae to grow.
2. Floaters tend to stay in one area of the spa most of the time, causing this area to be exposed to extreme sanitizer levels.
3. The floater may allow pieces of the highly concentrated sanitizer to fall out and settle on the floor or seat of the spa shell. These pieces of sanitizer will chemically
burn (blister) the spa shell. Although your spa shell is specifically designed to resist the effects of spa chemicals, no spa surface can withstand this type of highly
concentrated chemical. Remember, chemical abuse is specifically not covered under the terms of the warranty.
Question:
When I open my spa, I smell chlorine. How do I get rid of this smell?
Answer:
There are two types of chlorine in your spa. The first is the Free Available Chlorine, which is the chlorine available to sanitize your spa. This Free Available
Chlorine does not have an odor. The second is Chloramine, which is residue from chlorine already expended. Chloramines have a strong chlorine odor. The smell from
Chloramines can be eliminated by “shocking” the water. If you smell chlorine in the water, your spa is reminding you to add a shock treatment.
Question:
Why can’t I fill my spa with soft water?
Answer:
Soft water is essentially the same as regular water, except that most or all of the calcium has been replaced by sodium. Soft water may be corrosive to the
heater and other components. Replacement of spa components damaged by soft water is extremely expensive.
Question:
I am trying to reduce the number of chemicals to which my family is exposed. Do I really need to use so many chemicals and in such large amounts?
Answer:
While over-exposure to any chemical can be unhealthy, many low levels of chemicals are effective and beneficial. In the case of spa water, the chemicals
recommended in the Caldera
®
Spa Water Maintenance program are needed to protect the user from water-borne pathogens (disease-causing microbes) and to prevent
corrosion of spa components.
Question:
Why isn’t water chemistry damage covered by the warranty?
Answer:
The chemical levels and water quality of the water in the spa are under your direct control. With proper basic care, the spa will provide many years of hot water
relaxation. If you are unsure about any chemical or its usage in the spa, contact your Authorized Caldera Dealer or Watkins Manufacturing Corporation.
FIlTER MAINTENANCE
At least once a week, check and clean the skimmer basket and weir to ensure proper filter flow. Remove leaves, foreign matter, and debris. It is very important to keep
your spa filter cartridge clean and free of particles to ensure proper water flow. A clean filter permits the hydrotherapy system to function properly and also allows more
efficient filter cycles. Depending on how frequently your spa is used, we recommend cleaning the spa filter cartridge every four weeks. If this is not done, the filter may
clog and restrict water flow, which causes improper filtration and poor jet performance.
WARNING:
The frequency and duration of use, and the number of occupants all contribute to determining the appropriate time between filter cleanings. More use
means that more frequent filter cleanings will be required.
FIlTER CARTRIdgE REMOvAl ANd ClEANINg
FOR PAlATINO
™
ANd MARINO
™
SPA MOdElS
1. Disconnect the spa from the power supply by turning the power to the spa OFF.
2. Remove any floating items from within the filter compartment.
3. Turn the filter retainer handle (located on the top of the filter cartridge) counterclockwise until the retainer
can be removed from the filter standpipe.
4. Remove the filter retainer, cover and cartridge.
SERVICE NOTE:
Never remove the filter standpipe when debris is present in the filter compartment.
Debris may find its way into the internal plumbing which may result in blockage. NEVER REMOVE
SUCTION FITTINGS!
5. Always clean the filter using a filter degreaser, to remove mineral and oil build-up. Simply soak the filter in
the degreaser according to the package directions, then place the filter on a clean surface and spray until
clean using a garden hose. It may be necessary to rotate the filter while spraying to remove any debris
lodged between the filter pleats.
6. To reinstall the filter cartridge, reverse the order of steps in which it was removed. Do not overtighten
MAINTENANCE
29
PALATINO & MARINO SPA MODELS
FILTER
CARTRIDGE
STANDPIPE
RETAINER
HANDLE
FILTER
COVER
Summary of Contents for Caldera Spa Vacanza Series
Page 1: ......
