DRAINING YOUR SPA
1. Turn off all GFCI breakers in sub-panel, or main electrical panel.
2. Locate the main drain valve for the spa. Pull on handle (Step1) until you
reach the mid position (Step 2) then rotate handle slightly to fully extended
drain tube (drain cap and 1” of the drain tube is exposed) then remove the
drain cap (Step 3) .
NOTE:
You will not be able to remove drain cap in mid
position. Attach the garden hose to the end of the drain (step 4) making
sure not to push the drain tube inward. Route the outlet of the hose to an
appropriate draining area.
NOTE:
Spa water with a high sanitizer level may harm plants and grass.
3. Push the garden hose and drain tube half way back towards the spa (Step 4) which will start the gravitational flow. Drain tube must be in the mid position for the spa to
drain.
IMPORTANT:
All models will drain almost completely through the drain valve. Equipment such as the jet pump and heating system will drain. Any water remaining
within the plumbing or equipment after draining will only need to be
removed if the spa is being winterized.
4. After your spa is empty, clean the shell and filter cartridge.
5. Pull and remove garden hose, replace drain cap and push drain tube
back into spa as seen in Step 1.
6. Follow the “START-UP AND REFILL PROCEDURES” to refill your spa.
WINTERIZING YOUR SPA
If you wish to leave your spa empty and it is located where freezing temperatures occur, follow steps 1 thru 5 outlined in “Draining Your Spa”, 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 Caldera
®
dealer to schedule an in-home Propylene glycol (anti-freeze)
Winterizing Service plan.
NOTE: MAKE CERTAIN ALL POWER TO THE SPA IS OFF BEFORE YOU CONTINUE.
To help remove residual water in the air jet plumbing use one of the following steps:
1. Turn the 30 amp breaker on. Immediately after, turn the blower on by pushing the air button, then wait for 3 to 10 seconds, or until you notice that the air is not coming
out of the air jets. Push the air button again to turn the blower off.
2. Or locate the 10 air jets (Utopia series only) and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water out of each air jet. (See air jet diagram in Air Jet section)
NOTE
: Stand back to avoid any spray. Turning on the blower will help evacuate residual water in the air jet lines.
TURN THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER COMPLETING STEP # 2.
NOTE
: Remove the excess water with a wet/dry vacuum or a sponge.
3. It will be necessary to remove all water from the interior plumbing.
4. Remove the filter lid, 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.
5. 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 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.
6. Thoroughly dry the spa shell with a clean towel.
7. Using a funnel, pour Propylene glycol anti-freeze into the filter suction fittings, jet outlets, and diverters. 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.
8. 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.
9. Remove pump doors by first removing the drain collar then the door screws. Once door is removed unscrew the pump drain plugs located on the front of the pump
housings. Allow all water to drain out. Place the drain plugs in a reclosable plastic bag and store near the pumps. Replace the drain plugs on start-up. (Refer to the
Figure on page 24)
10. Unscrew the pump unions and allow the water to drain. Leave unions loose.
NOTE:
Tighten the unions prior to filling the spa.
11. Detach the hose leading to the circulation pump and use the shop vac to remove the water.
NOTE:
Reattach the hose prior to filling the spa.
12. Replace the pump and equipment compartment doors and secure with screws.
NOTE:
DO NOT LEAVE ANY WATER IN YOUR SPA.
WARNING:
When not in use, the spa must be covered with a vinyl spa cover. Damage caused by either sun exposure or freezing is not covered under warranty.
Opening Instructions:
13. Remove plastic, plywood, and spa cover. Remove pump doors by first removing the drain collar then the door screws. Once doors are open,
reinstall drain plugs and hand tighten pump union. Follow the “START-UP AND REFILL PROCEDURES” to refill your spa
25
DRAIN
MAINTENANCE
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Handle
Drain Cap
with
Handle
Garden
Hose
Drain
Tube
Step 4
