Installation; Site Preparation; Outdoor And Patio Installation; Deck Installation - Caldera Makena Owner's Manual

I
nStallatIon

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. Please 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 the Spa
Leveling Preparation.)
• Locate your equipment compartment, which houses all of the
electrical components, in a place where water will drain away
from it. Allowing water into the equipment compartment can
damage the electronics, or may result in tripping your house's
circuit breaker.
• Leave yourself easy access to the circuit breakers in the
subpanel.
• Leave access to the equipment compartment for periodic spa
care and maintenance.
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 bond wire.

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 on back cover. 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 indoors. 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.
CALDERA spas are equipped with a jet pump shroud to remove
excessive heat from the equipment compartment. Find this vent and be
sure the vent is not blocked by anything, including carpeting.
Your CALDERA dealer can help you with local information such as
zoning regulations and building codes.
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.
In addition to the above, properly clean and maintain your spa as follows:
• Follow all procedures in this owner's manual and printed
instructions on all water care (chemical) products packaging.
• Test the water regularly to ensure proper levels of sanitizers,
pH, and other water care requirements.
• Drain, clean, and refill your spa with fresh water on a regular
schedule, and in accordance with this owner's manual.
• Clean the filter at least once per month.
• Check to make sure you have proper circulation throughout
your spa water system.
• Have spa users bathe before entering the spa water.

SPA LEVELING PREPARATION

Concrete sloped at 1.5 cm per 3 m (.5" per 10') is preferred so that rain
water and water spillover will run off and not puddle underneath the spa
(water under the spa for long periods of time may cause the wood to
deteriorate). Other options are brick, stepping stone, or blocks.
It is important to note that soft surfaces, even when stepping stones are
used to evenly distribute the weight of the spa, will have a tendency to
settle, thus resulting in an unleveled spa.
NOTE: Placing the spa on grass or dirt may increase the amount of
debris which is inadvertently brought into the spa water and may cause
harm to your equipment as well as the spa surface, which is not covered
under warranty.
Page 30
3 m
Slope 1.5 cm per 3 m for proper drainage.
Stepping stones or brick may settle
causing the spa to be unlevel.
1.5 cm

Installation