Installation Instructions; Site Preparation; Outdoor And Patio Installation; Deck Installation - HotSpring Vista Owner's Manual

installatiOn instructiOns

SITe PRePARATION

You probably have a spot picked out for your new spa, whether it's indoors or outdoors, on a patio or
on a deck. Just make sure you check the following:
• Always put your spa on a structurally sound, level surface. A filled spa can weigh a great deal. Make
certain that the location you choose can support the weight of your filled spa.
• Don't forget to level your spa before filling it. (See Spa Leveling Instructions)
• Locate your equipment compartment, which houses all of the electrical components, in a place where
water drainage will be away from it. Do not allow water into the equipment compartment. Water can cause
damage to the electronics, or may trip the circuit breaker on your house's electrical panel.
• Leave yourself easy access to the circuit breakers in the subpanel.
• Never let water get into the subpanel. Your 230 volt spa's subpanel is rain-tight when installed correctly with
the door closed. Periodically check these conditions and correct any flaws if detected.
• Leave access to the equipment compartment for periodic spa care and maintenance.
• If your spa is going to be installed in a location known to be frequented by mice, rats or other nocturnal
creatures, Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends covering the access opening to the spa's
equipment compartment with a heavy gauge screen material available at your local hardware store.
WARNINg: damage to the spa's equipment compartment components or internal plumbing
as a result of rodent infestation is NOT covered under your warranty!

OUTdOOR ANd PATIO INSTAllATION

No matter where you install your new spa, it's important that you have a solid foundation to support it. Structural damage to the spa,
resulting from incorrect installation, or placement on an inadequate foundation, is not covered under the spa's limited warranty.
If you install the spa outdoors, we recommend a reinforced concrete pad at least four inches thick. The reinforcing rod or mesh in the
pad should be attached to a #8 AWG bonding wire per national electrical codes (contact your local electrical code compliance inspector
for more information; inspection for proper grounding may be required before pouring concrete to form the slab).
If you place the spa on the ground, even temporarily, place stepping stones under the leveling areas (see Spa Leveling Instructions).
The stones should be at least two inches thick and twelve inches square. Even with stones in place, the spa will inevitably settle and
become unlevel. Plus, a spa surrounded by dirt or grass will soon be filled with dirt or grass from users' feet; therefore, it is important to
get it onto a solid foundation as soon as possible.

deCk INSTAllATION

To be certain your deck can support your spa, you must know the deck's maximum load capacity. Consult a qualified building contractor
or structural engineer. To find the weight of your spa, its contents and occupants, refer to the Spa Specification chart. This weight per
square foot must not exceed the structure's rated capacity, or serious structural damage could result.

INdOOR/bASeMeNT INSTAllATION

Be aware of some special requirements if you place your spa indoors. Water will accumulate around the spa, so flooring materials must
provide a good grip when wet. Proper drainage is essential to prevent a build-up of water around the spa. When building a new room
for the spa it is recommended that a floor drain be installed. The humidity will naturally increase with the spa installed. Water may get
into woodwork and produce dry rot, mildew, or other problems. Check for airborne moisture's effects on exposed wood, paper, etc. in
the room. To minimize these effects, it is best to provide plenty of ventilation to the spa area. An architect can help to determine if more
ventilation must be installed.
IMPORTANT: Your Hot Spring spa is equipped with a vent to remove excessive heat from the equipment compartment. Find this vent
(it's under the bottom left or right front corner) and be sure the vent is not blocked by anything, including carpeting.
Your Hot Spring dealership can help you with local information such as zoning regulations and building codes. They can also give you a
copy of our planning guide – just ask for a Hot Spring spa Pre-Delivery Instruction.
WARNINg: Please keep the area around your spa well ventilated when it is installed indoors or in a confined area. Inadequate
ventilation around the spa could cause a build-up of a higher-than-normal concentration of spa chemicals and/or bacterial fragments.
These dispersed spa chemicals and/or bacterial fragments can be inhaled, and may result in breathing difficulties or lung damage in
certain people suffering from a compromised immune system or respiratory infection. If you or other bathers are affected by this
condition, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Installation Instructions
Page 5
WARNING
WARNING
Lowering the top of
the spa to deck level,
substantially increases
the potential of accidental
entry. Contact your Hot
®
Spring Dealer for more
information and consult
a licensed building
contractor to design or
evaluate your custom
decking requirements.