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WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE

It’s important to have clean water. Water maintenance is one of the least understood, yet most important areas of spa ownership. Your dealer can 

guide you through the process of achieving and maintaining perfect water in your spa, given your local conditions. Your program will depend on 

your water’s mineral content, how often you use your spa, and how many people use it. 

Watkins recommends that you either use an entirely chlorine-based system, or an alternative system which uses silver ions (the 

FRESHWATER

Ag+

 

silver ion purifier). 

HOT SPRING

 

FRESHWATER

 

 

products, which Watkins recommends, are available from authorized 

HOT SPOT

  dealers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

THE THREE FUNDAMENTAL AREAS OF WATER MAINTENANCE:

  •  Water Filtration

  •  Water Sanitation

  •  Chemical Balance/pH Control

Water Sanitation is the responsibility of the spa owner, achieved through the regular and periodic (daily, if necessary) addition of an approved 

sanitizer. The sanitizer will chemically control the bacteria and viruses present in the fill water or introduced during use of the spa. Bacteria and 

viruses can grow quickly in undersanitized spa water.
The water’s chemical balance and pH control are also the responsibility of the spa owner. You’ll have to add chemicals to maintain proper levels of 

Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium Hardness (CH) and pH. Proper water balance and pH control will minimize scale buildup, extend the life of the spa, 

and allow the sanitizer to work at top efficiency.

METHODS FOR TESTING THE SPA WATER 

Accurate water testing and analysis is an important part of effectively managing your spa water. You must have the ability to test for:

•  Total Alkalinity (TA) 

 

 

•  Calcium Hardness (CH) 

 

 

•   pH
•   Sanitizer

Two types of testing methods are recognized and recommended by Watkins:

The Reagent Test Kit 

is a method which provides a high level of accuracy. The reagents come in either liquid or tablet form.

FRESHWATER  Test Strips

 are a convenient testing method used by many spa owners. Keep in mind that test strips are susceptible to heat and 

moisture contamination, which will result in inaccurate readings. 

IMPORTANT: 

Always read and carefully follow the directions included with the Test Kit or Test Strips to ensure the accuracy of the test results.

BASIC CHEMICAL SAFETY 

When using chemicals, read the labels carefully and follow directions precisely. Though chemicals protect you and your spa when used correctly, 

they can be hazardous in concentrated form. Always observe the following guidelines:

•  Allow only a responsible person to handle spa chemicals. Keep them out of the reach of children.
•  Accurately measure the exact quantities specified, never more. Do not overdose your spa.
•  Handle all containers with care. Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated place.
•  Always keep chemical containers closed when not in use. Replace caps on their proper containers.
•  Follow the emergency advice on the product label in case of accidental contact, or if the chemical is swallowed. Call a doctor or the local 

Poison Control Center. If a doctor is needed, take the product container along so that the substance can be identified. 

•  Don’t inhale fumes or allow chemicals to come in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands immediately after use.
•  Don’t let chemicals get on surrounding surfaces or landscaping. 
•  Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to clean up chemical spills.
•  Never smoke around chemicals. Some fumes can be highly flammable.
•  Don’t store any chemicals in the spa equipment compartment.

HOW TO ADD CHEMICALS TO THE WATER

IMPORTANT: 

All spa water chemicals including MPS (shock), chlorine, granulated pH increaser or decreaser, granulated total alkalinity increaser, 

calcium hardness increaser, liquid stain and scale inhibitor, and liquid defoamer must always be added directly into the filter compartment while the 

jet pump is running in high speed mode, and it must run for a minimum of ten minutes. 

Water Quality and Maintenance  Page 33 

Summary of Contents for HOT SPOT Relay

Page 1: ...HOT SPOT SPAS Tempo Rhythm Relay SX TX O W N E R S M A N U A L ...

Page 2: ... Watkins manufacturing Corporation reserves the right to change specifications or design without notification and without incurring any obligation Important In most cities and counties permits will be required for the installation of electrical circuits or the construction of exterior surfaces decks and gazebos In addition some communities have adopted residential barrier codes which may require f...

Page 3: ...nu 18 Audio Menu Optional 20 Spa Control Panel Operations for the SX TX spas Only 22 System Mode 23 Cleaning 23 Tools Menu 23 Audio Menu Optional 25 JET MENUS TEMPO Model TEM 28 RELAY Model REL 29 RHYTHM Model RHY 30 SX Model SX 31 TX Model TX 32 WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE General Information 33 Methods for Testing the Spa Water 33 HOT SPOT Spa Water Maintenance Program 34 FreshwaterAg Silver I...

Page 4: ...and equipment protection To ensure proper operation of this important safety device test according to the following instructions per electrical configuration Cord Connected 115 volt 15 or 20 amp models The GFCI is located at the end of the power cord Before each use with the unit operating push the TEST button The unit should stop operating and the GFCI power indicator will go out Wait 30 seconds ...

Page 5: ...lipping and falling Remember that wet surfaces can be very slippery Take care when entering or exiting the spa People with infectious diseases should not use the spa Keep any loose articles of clothing long hair or hanging jewelry away from rotating jets or other moving components INCREASED SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION The use of drugs alcohol or medication before or during spa use may lead to uncon...

Page 6: ...of the shell material Roll or slide the spa on its side This will damage the siding Lift or drag the vinyl cover by using the cover lock straps always lift or carry the cover by using the handles Attempt to open the electrical control box There are no user serviceable parts inside Opening of the control box by the spa owner will void the warranty If you have an operational problem carefully go thr...

Page 7: ...e 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 ...

Page 8: ...nd RHYTHM models require a dedicated 230 volt power supply When the TX or SX spas are connected to 115 volts 15 20 amp the heater will provide approximately 1000 watts of heat only when the pump is operating in LOW speed and the thermostat is calling for heat When the TX SX spas are connected to 115 volts 30 amp the heater will provide approximately 1000 watts of heat when the pump is operating in...

Page 9: ... 1 5 and 15 meters away from the spa Refer to the wiring diagram below 1 Connect the 10AWG WHITE NEUTRAL wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub panel NEUTRAL bar 2 Connect the 10AWG GREEN GROUND wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub panel GROUND bar 3 Connect the 10AWG BLACK L1 wire from the main electrical service panel to the sub panel terminal L1 4 Check the con...

Page 10: ...cate your HOT SPOT spa it is essential that you understand and apply these installation requirements Your HOT SPOT spa has been carefully engineered to provide maximum safety against electric shock Remember connecting the spa to an improperly wired circuit will negate many of its safety features 230 VOLT CONVERSION 30 OR 50 AMP SX TX Conversion instructions NOTE AnAuthorized HOT SPOT Spa Technicia...

Page 11: ...panel 50 amp GFCI breaker terminal L2 to TB 1 terminal L2 10 Connect the 8AWG WHITE wire from the sub panel 50 amp GFCI breaker terminal N load neutral to TB 1 terminal N 11 Connect the 10AWG GREEN wire from the sub panel GROUND bar to TB 1 terminal GROUND The GFCI breaker inside the sub panel supplies all of the power to the spa Before each use open the sub panel and press the TEST button located...

Page 12: ...anel 5 Connect the 8AWG WHITE NEUTRAL wire from the subpanel breaker to the Neutral terminal on the spa s control box 6 Connect the 8AWG BLACK L1 wire from the subpanel breaker to terminal L1 on the spa s control box 7 Connect the 8AWG RED L2 wire from the subpanel breaker to terminal L2 on the spa s control box 8 Connect the 10AWG GREEN wire from the GROUND terminal of the subpanel to the GROUND ...

Page 13: ...a licensed electrician CERTIFICATIONS ETL Listed OVERHEAD VIEW A Air Control Lever B Control Panel C Filter Compartment Cover D Temperature Sensor E Directional Precision Jet F Directional Hydromassage Jet G Rotary Hydromassage H Outlet for Optional Ozone I Drain Suction J Pillow K Waterfall L Waterfall On Off Valve WARNING DO NOT SIT IN THE FILTER COMPARTMENT AREA THIS IS NOT A SEAT Sitting in th...

Page 14: ...ring must be performed by a licensed electrician CERTIFICATIONS ETL Listed OVERHEAD VIEW A Air Control Lever B Control Panel C Filter Compartment Cover D Temperature Sensor E Directional PRECISIONJets F Directional Hydromassage Jet G Rotary Hydromassage Jet H Outlet for Optional Ozone I Drain Suction J Pillow K Waterfall L Waterfall On Off Valve WARNING DO NOT SIT IN THE FILTER COMPARTMENT AREA TH...

Page 15: ...ll wiring must be performed by a licensed electrician CERTIFICATIONS ETL Listed OVERHEAD VIEW A Air Control Lever B Control Panel C Filter Compartment Cover D Temperature Sensor E Directional PRECISIONJets F Directional Hydromassage Jet G Rotary Hydromassage Jet H Outlet for Optional Ozone I Drain Suction J Pillow K Waterfall L Waterfall On Off Valve WARNING DO NOT SIT IN THE FILTER COMPARTMENT AR...

Page 16: ... 130 lbs per sq ft 635 kg per m ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS 115 volt 20 amp grounded circuit 115 volt 30 amp grounded circuit optional requires 30 amp subpanel 230 volt 50 amp single phase G F C I circuit optional requires 50 amp subpanel NOTE 30 50 amp wiring must be performed by a licensed electrician CERTIFICATIONS ETL Listed OVERHEAD VIEW A Control Panel B Spa Light C Filter Lid D Pillow E Directi...

Page 17: ...00 lbs per sq ft 488 kg per m ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS 115 volt 15 amp grounded circuit 115 volt 30 amp grounded circuit optional requires 30 amp subpanel 230 volt 50 amp single phase G F C I circuit optional requires 50 amp subpanel NOTE 30 50 amp wiring must be performed by a licensed electrician CERTIFICATIONS ETL Listed OVERHEAD VIEW A Control Panel B Spa Light C Filter Lid D Pillow E Direction...

Page 18: ...ng system push the JETS button on the control pad twice three times for TEMPO RELAY to make the jet pump s run on high speed for one minute Once the jet system is fully operational as indicated by strong non surging jets priming of the spa is complete If you do not feel a steady stream of water from your jets refer to the instructions for priming the pump in the SPATROUBLESHOOTING section in the b...

Page 19: ...erature has occurred In either electrical configuration when the high speed mode of the jet pump is turned off the spa will enter a ten minute tranquil mode During this time the heating system and simultaneous operation of the jet pump at low speed will not operate unless the JETS button is pushed even if the water temperature has dropped below the control setting Once the ten minute period has ex...

Page 20: ... any reason flow through the heater is reduced or stopped the pressure switch will trip If the pressure switch has detected a no or low flow condition will display for all spa models The most common causes of inadequate heater flow are a dirty or clogged filter obstruction in the plumbing lines and non operation of the low speed heat pump Additionally the control panel will display for all spa mod...

Page 21: ...e is deactivated NOTE Once activated the jet and light functions can still be changed by pressing the JETS or LIGHT button To deactivate the System Mode press the MODE or button until the SYSON symbol is displayed on the screen Press the button to deactivate CLEANING MODE All spas are equipped with a Cleaning mode When the mode is activated the jet pump in the first jet system will turn on and run...

Page 22: ...e this function the following is required Press the MODE or button to scroll to the TOOLS screen Once displayed press the button to enter the TOOLS submenu Press the MODE or button to scroll to LIGHT screen press the button to enter DIM screen Press the button or button in the DIM screen to adjust the brightness of the lights Press the MODE button to scroll to Color screen Press the button or butt...

Page 23: ...timer is still on BRIGHTNESS LCD If you would like to change the brightness of the Control Panel screen A Press the MODE or button until the TOOLS menu is displayed B Press the button to enter the TOOLS submenus C Press the MODE or button until LCD is displayed D Press the button to enter into the LCD menu E Using the or the button adjust the desired screen brightness AUDIO MENU OPTIONAL The follo...

Page 24: ... To use the Bluetooth screen your audio Bluetooth device must be paired with the spa On your device find My Spa If you do not see this on your device you may be too far away from spa or yourAudio Source is not set to BLUE Pair your device and you will be ready to use the Bluetooth Audio must be On to use Bluetooth Only one paired Bluetooth device will work at a time TO ADJUST TREBLE From the SETUP...

Page 25: ...ouch pads that allow you to set the water temperature and adjust the skim filter cycle settings lock spa temp lock entire spa functions as well as control the hydrotherapy jets and lights from spa side LED DISPLAY The LED display on your spa side control panel continually shows the spa s actual water temperature In certain situations it will also display other messages See TROUBLESHOOTING section ...

Page 26: ...he lights are deactivated If the lights will not turn on make sure SPALOCK is deactivated SPALOCK disables the controls on the control panel see following pages for more information on SPALOCK SYSTEM MODE Your spa is equipped with a System Mode This function will allow you to conveniently turn the jet s on high speed and the light on maximum intensity at the same time To activate the system mode p...

Page 27: ...the spa lock can be applied over an already applied temperature lock Then when the spa lock is removed the temperature lock will remain on to prevent unwanted tampering with the set temperature SUMMER MODE OPTIONAL ON SX TX MODELS ONLY If your spa is equipped with a circulation pump it will also have a Summer Mode timer The Summer Mode timer can be activated during extremely hot summer months if i...

Page 28: ...RESHWATER III ozone system only works during the filter cycle To modify the length of either filter cycle A Press the SET button until the TOOLS menu is displayed B Press the TEMP button to enter the TOOLS submenus C Press the SET button until FILT1 or FILT2 is displayed on the screen D Press the TEMP button to enter FILT1 or FILT2 F1 or F2 icon will flash E Using the TEMP or the TEMP button adjus...

Page 29: ...n to display POWR 2 Press the SET button to display VOL 3 Press the SET button to display PLAY 4 Press the SET button to display TRCK 5 Press either TEMP or TEMP button to change the track song TO GO TO SETUP MENU From theAUDIO menu 1 Press the TEMP button to display POWR 2 Press the SET button to display VOL 3 Press the SET button to display PLAY 4 Press the SET button to display TRCK 5 Press the...

Page 30: ...e the Balance or press TEMP button to lower the Balance TO ADJUST SUBWOOFER From the SETUP menu 1 Press the TEMP button to display one of four audio sources IPOD TV AUX BLUE 2 Press the SET button to display TRE 3 Press the SET button to display BAS 4 Press the SET button to display BAL 5 Press the SET button to display SUB 0 to 11 6 Press the TEMP button to raise the subwoofer or press TEMP butto...

Page 31: ...foot Jets E 4 Directional PRECISION Jets in Lounge calf Jets F 1 Directional Hydromassage Jet 2 Rotary Hydromassage Jets and 4 Directional PRECISION Jets JET PUMP 2 A 10 Directional PRECISION Jets B 2 Directional Hydromassage Jets and 1 Directional PRECISION Jet C 4 Directional PRECISION Jets and 2 Rotary Hydromassage Jets D 4 Directional PRECISION Jets in footwell Page 28 Jet Menu A B C D E F A B...

Page 32: ...rectional Hydromassage Jets D 1 Water feature E 3 Directional PRECISION Jets F 2 Directional PRECISION Jets JET PUMP 2 A 4 Directional PRECISION Jets calf Jets B 2 Directional Hydromassage Jets 1 Rotary Hydromassage Jet and 2 Directional PRECISION Jets C 2 Directional PRECISION Jets and 2 Rotary Hydromassage Jets D 2 Directional PRECISION Jets A B C D E F A B C D ...

Page 33: ...PRECISION Jets and 1 Directional Hydromassage Jet D 1 Water feature E 4 Directional PRECISION Jets JET PUMP 2 A 2 Directional Hydromassage Jets B 2 Directional Hydromassage Jets 1 Rotary Hydromassage Jet and 2 Directional PRECISION Jets C 2 Rotary Hydromassage Jets and 4 Directional PRECISION Jets Page 30 Jet Menu A B C D E A B C ...

Page 34: ...Page 31 Jet Menu Page 31 SX MODEL SX JET SYSTEM MENU JET SYSTEM A 8 Directional PRECISION Jets B 1 MOTO MASSAGE Jet C 2 Directional PRECISION Jets D 2 Directional Precision Jets A B C D ...

Page 35: ...Page 32 TX MODEL TX JET SYSTEM MENU JET SYSTEM A 8 Directional PRECISION Jets B 1 MOTO MASSAGE Jet C 1 Rotary Hydromassage Jet Page 32 Jet Menu A B C ...

Page 36: ...s come in either liquid or tablet form FRESHWATER Test Strips are a convenient testing method used by many spa owners Keep in mind that test strips are susceptible to heat and moisture contamination which will result in inaccurate readings IMPORTANT Always read and carefully follow the directions included with the Test Kit or Test Strips to ensure the accuracy of the test results BASIC CHEMICAL SA...

Page 37: ...hen the spa is filled proceed to the Start Up and Refill Procedures on page 15 BALANCING THE TOTAL ALKALINITY TA A The recommended TotalAlkalinity TA for your spa water is 40 120 ppm B TotalAlkalinity is a measure of the total levels of carbonates bicarbonates hydroxides and other alkaline substances in the water TAis referred to as the water s pH buffer In other words it s a measure of the abilit...

Page 38: ... chemicals and the type of sanitizer used F When the pH is within the recommended range proceed to the final step MAINTAINING THE SANITIZER LEVEL A Sanitizer is extremely important for killing algae bacteria and viruses and preventing unwanted organisms from growing in the spa At the same time you don t want too high a sanitizer level or it can irritate your skin lungs and eyes B Always maintain t...

Page 39: ...k treatment than MPS one teaspoon of sodium dichlor has oxidizing capabilities comparable to two tablespoons of MPS Sodium dichlor may be a more appropriate weekly shock for those users that experience heavy bather load conditions IMPORTANT NOTE MPS is an oxidizer not a sanitizer EVERFRESH WATER CARE SYSTEM The EVERFRESH water care system is comprised of the FRESHWATERAg Silver ion and the FRESHWA...

Page 40: ...e it is subjected to the continuous flow of water created by the pump s 24 hour circulation The flowing water through a chemical erosion process carries with it the silver ions necessary to add a sanitizing residual to the spa water Question What happens if I do not add the weekly shock treatment Answer The contaminants in the water may coat the silver ion cartridge s ceramic beads blocking the si...

Page 41: ...the chlorine smell and to allow the proper level of free chlorine to be maintained When giving your water a super chlorination treatment open the cover at least half way for twenty minutes to allow the chlorine gas to vent off The high concentration of chlorine gas which may exist as a result of super chlorination not daily sanitation may eventually cause discoloration or degradation to the bottom...

Page 42: ... purified water CLEANING THE OZONE INJECTOR On occasion a mineral build up may clog the ozone injector causing a lack of flow or low flow of ozone bubbles To prevent this refer to the following instructions to clean the injector 1 Disconnect power to the spa 2 Access the equipment compartment 3 Locate the ozonator in the equipment compartment and unplug the ozonator from the control box 4 Place 16...

Page 43: ...a period of time the sanitizer level dispensed by the floater will fall to near zero Alow sanitizer level will allow viruses bacteria or algae to grow 2 Floaters tend to stay in one area of the spa most of the time usually over the cool down seat causing this area to be exposed to extreme sanitizer levels 3 The floater may allow pieces of the highly concentrated sanitizer to fall out and settle on...

Page 44: ...measure of the spa water s acidity and alkalinity The recommended pH for the spa water is 7 2 to 7 6 Below 7 0 considered neutral the spa water is too acidic and can damage the heating system Above 7 8 the water is too alkaline and can result in cloudy water and scale formation on the shell and heater ppm The abbreviation of parts per million the standard measurement of chemical concentration in w...

Page 45: ...ly damage the pillow This abuse is not covered under warranty 3 To reinstall the spa pillow carefully bend the pillow slightly to allow one of the pillow retainers to slip into the recess in the back of the pillow 4 Keeping the pillow slightly bent slide the other pillow retainer into the recess in the back of the pillow 5 After all the pillow retainers are in place press the pillow down into the ...

Page 46: ...f simulated wood consists of simply spraying the cabinet with a mild soap and water solution to remove any stains and residue DRAINING YOUR SPA 1 TURN OFF OR DISCONNECT POWER FROM THE SPA 2 Locate the drain valve for the spa lower front of the spa and remove the drain cap Attach the inlet of a garden hose to the drain valve to avoid flooding of the foundation surrounding the spa and route the outl...

Page 47: ...tion is coming from another jet block off the other jet using a large rag this will help pull out the water that is trapped deeper inside the main line b Filter suction fittings and filter compartment c Main drain outlet it may be necessary to cover the drain grate tightly with a rag when vacuuming the main drain to ensure water is drawn completely from the internal plumbing system 4 Thoroughly dr...

Page 48: ... blockage within the system plumbing 2 switch malfunction in the heater circuit or 3 the low speed mode of the jet pump is not functioning 5 If the heater high limit has tripped the control panel display will display Reset the heater high limit by allowing the water to cool and disconnecting power to the spa for at least thirty seconds If the heater high limit continues to trip contact anAuthorize...

Page 49: ...d by leaving the spa uncovered while empty of water and in direct exposure to sunlight this may cause solar heating distress in warm weather regions These are considered abuses and may invalidate this warranty Operation of the spa DOES NOT mean use of the spa Watkins Manufacturing Corporation does not recommend using the spa if the water temperature is above or below the spa s control panel temper...

Page 50: ...e air to escape the hand tighten the union s 3 Turn power back on activate the pump and check to make sure union is tight enough to keep it from leaking Re install pump and equipment doors SPA WATER MAINTENANCE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Problem Probable causes Solutions Cloudy Water Dirty filters Excessive oils organic matter Improper sanitization Suspended particles organic matter Overused or old wat...

Page 51: ... to allow the air to escape When water is present hand tighten the union Turn power back on activate the pump and check to make sure union is tight enough to keep it from leaking Re install equipment door NOTE Equipment compartment illustrated below will vary depending on spa model PUMP UNIONS PUMP UNIONS HEATER UNIONS DRAIN PLUG DRAIN PLUG IMPORTANT THE DRAIN CAP AND UNION FITTINGS IN THE EQUIPME...

Page 52: ... TX TXC 2015 Watkins Manufacturing Corporation All Rights Reserved Hot Spot Tempo Relay Rhythm Precision No Fault FreshWater FreshWaterAg EverFresh Clean Screen and Vanishing Act are trademarks of Watkins Manufacturing Corporation BaquaSpa is a trademark of Arch UK Biocides Limited Brominating Concentrate is a trademark of Bio Lab Inc iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc Watkins Manufacturing Corporat...

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