Watkins SOR - Manual (Page 7)

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
No 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 bond wire.
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. To find the weight of your spa, its contents and occupants,
refer to the Spa Specifications chart on the back cover. This weight per square foot must not exceed the
structure’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 be installed. The humidity will naturally increase with
the spa installed indoors. 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.
Your spa dealer can help you with local information such as zoning regulations and building codes.
WARNING: Please keep the area around your spa well ventilated when it is installed indoors or in a confined area.
Inadequate ventilation
around the spa could cause a build-up of a higher-than-normal concentration of spa chemicals and/or bacterial fragments. These dispersed spa
chemicals and/or bacterial fragments can be inhaled, and may result in breathing difficulties or lung damage in certain people suffering from a
compromised immune system or respiratory infection. If you or other bathers are affected by this condition, please seek medical attention as soon as
possible.
In addition to the above, properly clean and maintain your spa as follows:
• Follow all procedures in this owner’s manual and printed instructions on all water care (chemical) products packaging.
• Test the water regularly to ensure proper levels of sanitizers, pH, and other water care requirements.
• Drain, clean, and refill your spa with fresh water on a regular schedule, and in accordance with this owner’s manual.
• Clean the filter(s) at least once per month.
• Check to make sure you have proper circulation throughout your spa water system.
• Have spa users bathe before entering the spa water.
SPA LEVELING PREPARATION
Concrete sloped at 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) per 10 feet (305 cm) is preferred so that rain water and water spillover will run off and not puddle underneath
the spa (water under the spa for long periods of time may cause the wood to deteriorate). Other options are brick, stepping stone, or blocks.
It is important to note that soft surfaces, even when stepping stones are used to evenly distribute the weight of the spa, will have a tendency to
settle, thus resulting in an unleveled spa.
NOTE:
Placing the spa on grass or dirt may increase the amount of debris which is inadvertently brought into the spa water and may cause harm
to your equipment as well as the spa surface, which is not covered under warranty.
Page 4 Installation Instructions
Slope 1/2 inch per 10 ft. for proper drainage.
1/2 inch
(1.3 cm)
10 ft. (305 cm)
Stepping stones or brick may settle
causing the spa to be unlevel.
WARNING
Lowering the top of the spa
to deck level substantially
increases the potential of
accidental entry. Contact
your Hot Spot Dealer for
more information and
consult a licensed building
contractor to design or
evaluate your custom
decking requirements.