Pre-Delivery Instructions
Site Selection & Preparation:
Important: Site selection and preparation are your responsibility. Carefully read these instructions and consult a Prisco Representative if you have any questions.
- 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.
- Leave yourself easy access to the equipment compartment. Every four months the spa must be drained and access to the drain is in the equipment compartment. Access is also important if the spa ever needs to be serviced.
- Leave yourself access to the circuit breakers (220 volt models), or the circuit interrupter switch on the end of the power cord for (110 volt models).
If the spa is outdoors you may want to select a spot near your home's exit and entrance door, a spa is a great experience in the winter months. If the spa is located to far from your home you may be less likely to use it. Privacy may be a consideration also.
Outdoor & Patio Installation:
No matter where you install your new spa, it is 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, a reinforced concrete pad at least four inches thick is required for the Landmark, Grandee, Siberian, all CalderaSpas, and recommended for the Vanguard, Sovereign, Prodigy, Jetsetter, Bengal, Sumatran, SLXTRA, SLX, RLX, and RE Spas. All Watkins Mfg. Spas may be installed onto a deck, provided that the load capacity of the deck is greater than the dead weight of the spa (see Deck Installation). The reinforcing rod or mesh in the concrete pad should be attached to a bond wire.
If you place the spa on the ground, even temporarily, place stepping stones under the leveling areas (see spa leveling instructions in the Owners Manual). 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:
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 before you place the spa on an elevated deck or indoors. The weight of most Spas from Prisco is 150 lbs. per square foot. This weight per square foot must not exceed the structure's rated capacity, or serious structural damage could result.
Indoor 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 a 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, paint 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.
Ground Preparation for 110 volt models only:
While a concrete slab is the preferred surface the Watkins' Spas 110 volt models can also be placed on these types of surfaces.
- Pea gravel or crushed rock at least 3" inches thick.
- Railroad Ties should be used at the designated leveling areas, generally four railroad ties are needed for most models.
- Pre-cast stepping stones placed at designated leveling areas.
- Interlocking pavers.
If you are purchasing a deck package or a gazebo with your spa, a solid foundation becomes mandatory. Placing them on any surface other than a single level pad could create problems with their installation. Please consult with a Prisco Rep. when purchasing these items.
Electrical Requirements:( A Licensed Electrician is Suggested )110 Volt Models: These models require a dedicated 20 amp, 115 amp circuit. This circuit must be properly wired; that is, it must have a 20 amp GFCI breaker in the main electrical service panel, and #12 AWG wire (including ground wire) and the correct polarity throughout the circuit.
Wire Specification Note: Long electrical runs may require a larger gauge feed wire than stated. We recommend that a maximum voltage drop of 3% be used when calculating the larger wire size.
Note: The term "dedicated" means only the spa operates on the circuit.
Each 110 volt model comes with approximately 15 feet of usable power cord. ( This is the maximum length allowed by Underwriters Laboratory.) When the spa is installed, the power cord will come out of the bottom of the equipment compartment.
In addition to the dedicated 20 amp, 115 volt GFCI protected circuit, your spa requires a 20 amp single receptacle. This receptacle, which contains an outdoor rated, weather resistant receptacle cover plate, will be provided to you when you purchase a spa. The single receptacle and cover plate should be installed by your electrician prior to the delivery of your spa.
For your safety, when your electrician is installing the electrical outlet outdoors, it should be no closer than ten (10) feet and no further than fifteen (15) feet from the spa. If the spa is being installed indoors, it should be no closer than five (5) feet and no further than ten (10) feet from the spa.
Warnings: Do not connect your spa to an extension cord!!!!
230 Volt Models: All models require a 50 amp, single phase, 230 volt circuit breaker in the main electrical service panel.
Note: We recommend that a subpanel be used to supply power and protect the spa. All 230 volt models the subpanel containing GFCI breakers is included with the spa. If you convert a 115 volt model to 230 volt you must purchase the subpanel required separately.
All 230 volt models must be wired in accordance to local electrical codes, and all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. If the electrical work is not properly wired the homeowner and electrician are responsible for any damage done to the spa (this is not covered under the limited warranty.)
A licensed electrician should install a four-wire electrical service (two line voltages, one neutral, one ground) from the main electrical service panel to the subpanel. The grounding conductor must be at least #10 AWG. Your electrician should mount the subpanel in the vicinity of the spa but it should not be closer than five (5) feet from the spa water edge.
Installation Note: After the spa has been installed by the Prisco delivery crew, your electrician can connect the conduit from the subpanel to the spa's IQ 2020 Control Box and then complete the wiring connections in the control box. Complete step-by-step Installation and wiring Instructions for all models is included in the Owners Manual and inside the IQ 2020 Control Box.
Note: Prisco employees are not electricians. Prisco employees do not perform any electrical work. Electrical work is your responsibility and should be performed by a licensed qualified electrician. Prisco does not recommend for you to perform any electrical work. If you need an electrician please consult your salesperson for a recommendation.
Get Hot Spring, Caldera, Tiger River, Hot Spot, and Solana Spa Specifications and Design Renderings or AutoCad Design Files:
Auto Cad HotSpring Spa Files Pre-Delivery Pdf file
Auto Cad Caldera Spa Files Pre-Delivery Pdf file
Auto Cad Tiger River Spa Files Pre-Delivery Pdf file