How Do I Clean The Filters ?

The Filters need to be cleaned periodically depending on usage of the spa. In most cases you should remove the filter or filters every two(2) weeks and rinse them thoroughly with pressure from the garden hose. In winter months use the kitchen sink or laundry basin to rinse them out. Keep in mind that "the cleaner the filters are, the cleaner the water is." In the Hot Spring & Tiger River Spa Line all the filters are interchangeable.

Every four(4) months when you are draining the spa you should chemically treat the filters. This process will make the filters last longer and also will degrease them. You should soak them in a three (3) parts water one (1) part SpaGuard "Filter Cleaner & Degreaser" solution for a minimum of 4-6 hours. After soaking them in the solution you should rinse the filters EXTREMELY well with water pressure. If any solution remains in the filters it will cause the spa to foam up.

Some people have suggested that rinsing the filters in the dishwasher works well. We do not recommend this. The dishwasher can not get in between the pleats of the filter and if you let the dishwasher go to the dry cycle the heat can ruin a filter. Exception, The New TRI-X Filters are dishwasher safe.

We do recommend you purchase the "Spin-N-Free Filter Cleaner Unit." This is a fast convenient way to rinse the filters and it does an excellent job with very little effort from you. It spins the filter as the water pressure from the garden hose hits it. Retail price is $100.00, but it is well worth the investment.

How Do I Remove a Scum Line at The Waters Edge?

In most cases when you fill the spa up with fresh water the next morning you may see a brownish scum line at the waters edge. The best way to remove this is to use the SpaGuard "Stain & Scale Control" on a sponge while the jets are running. It is a good idea to use about two(2) caps of "Stain & Scale Control" per 100 gallons of water directly in the spa. This will eliminate the minerals in the water that caused the scum line to begin with. The following morning you should take the Filter or Filters out and rinse them well.

Why Aren't The Ozone Bubbles Coming Out?

In most cases this is a problem resulting from dirty filters. Before calling for service please take out the filters and clean them. When the filters are out check for the ozone bubbles, if they started up again you know it was a dirty filter. If it is not the filter it could be a simple thing like the check valve or a dirty ozone injector. Please refer to your "Owners Manual" to get more information regarding ozone problems and cleaning the ozone injector. The ozone injector might need cleaning, here is what it looks like.

The injector is used in the ozone purification system to "inject" ozone into the circulation system. The injector is placed in the circulation system after the heater, circulation pump and bleedline. As water passes through the injector, a vacuum is created via the ozone supply hose. The vacuum draws air through the ozonator producing the ozone gas. The ozone then travels through supply tubing to the injector and into the spa water. The tiny bubbles coming from the heater return/bottom drain are an indication that you are getting good ozone.

If it is the check valve go to your local store and get the check valve, please bring the old check valve with you. You can also call one of our service departments and they will be glad to assist you. N.J. Service: (973)427-5833, N.Y. Service (914)237-0710 ext: 111

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The Red Power Light is Blinking, Why?

This is an indication of a temperature sensor problem. Disconnect power to the spa by either unplugging (115 volt models) or turning off the breakers ( 230 volt models) for about one minute. Reconnect power and it should be fine, if the problem persists please call one of our service departments. N.J. Service: (973)427-5833, N.Y. Service (914)237-0710 ext: 111

E-Mail Service New Jersey Store: Service NJ

E-Mail Service New York Store: Service NY

What is Ozone and Silver-Ion?

Ozone is an active sanitizer. Ozone is created by taking outside air oxygen (O2) and adding one (1) molecule to it creating (O3). This is done by passing the O2 over an Ultra Violet (UV) bulb, or if you upgraded to CD ozone it passes over a Corona Discharge (CD) chamber. The O2 is being pulled through these devices by a venturi system called the Mazzie Injector. Once the ozone hits the water it kills bacteria and turns back into O2, hence the little bubbles. Ozone is a powerful sanitizer but only lasts a few seconds in water which is why it is important to buy a spa that produces ozone 24 hrs. a day. It is also important to buy a spa that oxidizes the ozone off inside a chamber and not directly into the spa water. All Watkins. Mfg. spa lines have a dedicated 10 foot contact chamber to do this. Most spa manufactures do not know about the importance of this chamber and do not provide it in their spas. When ozone is oxidized directly in the spa an ozone gas will build up under the cover and damage the spa, and even worse a gas that humans should not breath.

CD ozone produces more ozone and does not require replacement like it's counterpart UV ozone. While CD is a more expensive initial investment then UV, eventually it will pay you back the initial investment. UV bulbs need to be replaced every two (2) years, so over time a CD ozone will save you money.

Silver-Ion "Nature2 Freshwater AG +" is a passive sanitizer. Silver-Ion does not kill bacteria. Silver-Ion attaches to bacteria cells and prevents them from splitting apart and regenerating. Silver-Ion combined with ozone works so well that for the most part your spa will be Chlorine free. The Silver-Ion cartridge needs to be replaced with a new one every four (4) months.

Because bacteria loves to grow in hot water we suggest before going in the spa you put some Mono potassium persulfate (MPS) in. This way you will be 100% sure there is no bacteria.

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What is PH and Alkalinity, Aren't They The Same?

Ph is the measurement of acidicness or basicness of the water. You want to keep the PH between 7.4 and 7.6 in a spa. If the PH is lower then 7.4 it means the water is acidic. Acidic water looks very clear and clean but it will cause itchy skin and can cause damage to a spas components. If the PH is above 7.6 it means the water is to basic. A high PH can cause cloudy water and also cause scale formation if kept high for a long period of time.

Alkalinity is also the measurement of acidicness and basicness of the water. PH and Alkalinity are related and do effect each other. Alkalinity effects PH more then PH effects Alkalinity. Alkalinity in your spa should be kept around 120 to 140 PPM (Parts Per Million). To low or to high of an Alkalinity will cause PH bounce. Low alkalinity will also cause itchy skin and corrosion of the components. High Alkalinity will also cause cloudy water and possible scale formations.