5
INSTALLATION
Outdoor Installation-Below Ground
The overall length of plumping between the spa and the equipment pack must be less than 20 ft. If you are installing your
spa below ground level, the base of the equipment pack must not be more than 9" above the spa rim.
Your spa should be installed so that the air intake opening on the air control assembly is not obstructed by backfill or
insulating material. If, however, your installation will cause the air intake to be restricted because of such obstruction, we
recommend that you construct a protective baffle around the intake to provide a fresh air passage to it.
Backfill Method
If your ground water level is low and drainage is good, you may use the backfill method to install your spa.
Dig a pit 6" deeper than the planned height of your spa and 6" around the outside walls. Since backfilling is below grade,
you should also trench out a plumbing run to the equipment pack at this time. Fill the bottom of the pit and level it. Make
sure the spa is at the desired height. All plumbing connections should be made at this time.
The plumbing system should be tested before completing backfill. (See "Plumbing.") Backfill beneath seat area and
perimeter, wetting the sand occasionally. Important: Use care when backfilling, both to avoid system damage and to prevent
sand from entering the air line system. The backfill should fully support the underside of the seat area and sides. Finishing
material around the spa, such as decking or patio, should not extend beneath the spa rim in such a way that the spa rim, after
shifting or settling of backfill sand, would become the main support of the spa. The spa rim is not designed to support the
weight of the spa. If the rim does support the spa, irreparable damage might occur which is not covered by the warranty.
Note:
Do not use the backfill method if ground water level is high or drainage is poor, as hydrostatic pressure may lift the
spa out of the ground. If, because of heavy rains, the ground water level is temporarily high, ensure that the spa is filled
with water (except when cleaning) to compensate for the lifting force.
SPA RIM
BACKFILL METHOD
*NOT PROVIDED
BACKFILL WITH WETTED AND
COMPACTED SAND FOR SUPPORT
6" MIN. DEPTH
2" PVC PIPING*
2" SHUT-OFF VALVES*
(LOCATE BELOW SPA
WATER LEVEL)
EQUIPMENT PACK BASE
(LOCATE LESS THAN 9"
ABOVE SPA RIM)
Do not cover piping that is to be enclosed until having
completed a 24-hour leak test. Verify that the spa and
system, once filled with water and primed, are water-
tight for a 24 hour period before covering piping.
