Legacy Whirlpool LW 524 Owner's Manual page 38

SITE PREPARATION / GENERAL GUIDELINES
GUIDELINES FOR PARTIALLY OR FULLY RECESSED INSTALLATION
Spas manufactured by Master Spas are designed to be installed in a variety of settings. One of
which is installing below grade. Should a spa be installed below the level of the site drainage
system (below grade), a system for preventing water collecting and pooling must be designed
based on the requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction. The drainage system must
be designed based on things such as rainfall, water runoff, splashing, draining the spa, etc. that
could potentially feed the below grade area with water. When located in designated floodways,
additional attention to maximum water load entering the area below grade must be addressed to
prevent water from accumulating below grade at all times. It is generally recommended that the
spa be installed above grade because the spa is not designed to be submerged in water. When a
proper drainage system is designed and proper ventilation is planned based on the characteristics
of the site, installing the spa below grade is an accepted method of installation.
• The unit is self-supporting when placed on a surface designed to support the full load of the spa
(see Surface/Pad Requirements). Do not backfill with sand, gravel, or earth. Doing so will void
the warranty.
• Plan for complete drainage so that water accumulation drains away from the spa perimeter and
standing water never reaches the electrical equipment.
• Plan for appropriate ventilation to remove moisture accumulation and prevent equipment
overheat.
• Provide a minimum of 3 feet service area around the perimeter of the unit. Site access issues are
not covered by the product warranty.
• The unit is not designed to be submerged in water. Water entering the equipment area creates
many hazards and resulting damage will not be covered by the product warranty.
• Make sure that the surroundings do not create any additional hazards.
• Surfaces placed around the unit should also be evaluated for walking/slipping hazards from
standing water. Proper drainage is vital to the installation of a below grade installation.
• Check all building, electrical, and plumbing codes with the authority having jurisdiction to ensure
that your installation is in compliance with all local codes.
• Additional consideration needs to be made when installing unit in designed floodways.
• Verify that site specific drainage systems such as down spouts are not going to feed the area
below grade.
• Below grade drainage system needs to be evaluated based on area specific rainfall. One size
does not fit all so an analysis by a qualified, local engineer to ensure proper drainage of all sourc-
es of water is a must when installing below grade.
DO NOT DIVE. DO NOT DIVE. 101 36