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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
SITE PREPARATION
Y
ou 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 (230 volt models), or to the interrupter
switch on the end of the power cord (115 volt models).
• Never let water get into the subpanel (230 volt models), into the interrupter switch (115 volt models), or into
the electrical outlet that your spa is plugged into. Your 115 volt Hot Spring
box designed to keep out rain and water from sprinkler systems. 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
Corpoation 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
N
o 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 #10 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
T
o 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
B
e 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 right 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.
®
spa comes with a protective
Page 12
Warning!
Warning!
Watkins Manufacturing
Corporation recommends
that the Hot Spring
installed above ground.
Lowering the top of the spa
to ground level, or
employing decking which
raises standing level toward
the top of the spa
substantially increases the
hazard of accidental entry.
Consult a licensed building
contractor to design or
evaluate your custom
decking requirements.
Installation Instructions
®
spa be
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