ELECTRICAL
All spas need to be wired on a dedicated circuit from the main consumer unit. The supply needs protection from an RCD unit rated to the particular spa model. A waterproof isolator switch is located close to the spa unit to allow the spa to be isolated without the need to access the house.
WATER
The spa is filled using a garden hose and drained via a drain plug at the base of the spa. Water within the spa is circulated via the filter into the heater then through the pump(s) and jets back into the spa. It is a self contained system, there are no overflow tanks in a portable spa.
The drain operates on a gravity system so the spa needs to be installed at a higher level than the drain into which it will eventually exit. A pond type pump would be needed if the spa is below the drain levels.
BASE
The smallest Catalina Spa will weigh 1000kg when filled with water, the largest over 2300kgs. A concrete base with a 6” thickness is the ideal platform for placing the spa. For decks, roof terraces, balconies a structural engineer will need to provide calculations. A typical load is 290kg/m2. There are many spas installed in these types of locations but please ensure the correct loadings have been calculated.
DRAINAGE
We have fitted a number of spas that appear to be sunken into the ground. Typically a pit is made with a concrete base, retaining walls and adequate drainage. (The pit can not fill with water as it will short out the electrical compartment).
The pit will need to be at least 1 metre longer than spa on the electrical compartment side. The other sides need adequate clearance to access the sides of the spa for any future maintenence and for siting the spa squarely.
The pit depth would normally be a minimum of 10cm less than the hot tub height to allow for the acrylic lip on the spa and to allow the “skirts” on the cover to seat correctly to retain heat.
Once installed a decking platform is usually built over the pit area. A hinged trap door or removable panel is needed for access to the pumps and electrical compartment.
The base of the pit must have adequate drainage. Ideally a drain would link the pit to the surface water drains of the property.
DELIVERY
Prior to delivery it is preferred that the base and electrics are in place. Our delivery team will then require on-site assistance to position the spa. Typically 2 people are needed to install a Catalina Spa. In difficult situations it may be required to crane the hot tub into position. This is the customers responsibility.
We normally allow 3-4 hours to complete the delivery. During this time the spa will be filled, a certified electrician is required to connect the electrics and the unit is then switched on.
The customer will be guided in water chemistry (maintaining correct sanitation, ph and alkalinity levels), general maintenance (filter cleaning, water changes) and the working of the spa (keypad, filter cycles, heat settings, jet adjustment).
Prior to leaving site our delivery team will ensure that there are no leaks from pipework and that the hot tub is programmed correctly.
The water is then left to heat up which will take anything from 10-20 hours depending on the water and air temperature.
WARRANTY
Catalina offer one of the best parts warranties in the industry. This does not cover the labour element to fix problems however.
We offer a 5 year on site warranty for £250 which will cover all labour incurred in replacing faulty parts.
CHEMICAL SUPPLIES
Further supplies of chemicals are offer in small or large quantities. A 12 month Chemical supply kit is offered for £250. This comprises of 350 test strips, 10kg of Chlorine Granules, 2 litres of stain and scale inhibitor, 1kg of Filter Cleaner, 1.5 litres of Spa Clear, 1 kg of Spa Shock granules. This should last a minimum of 12 months based on three half hour sessions per week.
Alternatively we can supply chemicals in small quantities but be aware that the carriage costs for this are nearly as expensive as the chemicals themselves.
MAINTENANCE
It is imperative for owners to maintain clean water in the Spa. Due to the heat and darkness a Spa is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria! Whilst these procedures may look a little daunting to begin with you’ll find that after 2 weeks of ownership you’ll feel like an expert on water chemistry. Stick to these guidelines and you should have no problems with your Spa.
INITIAL TREATMENT
Before adding chemicals please note the water capacity of your Spa. All of the chemicals supplied will give a dosage per 1000 litres, do not overdose the water as it may cause skin irritation.
When adding chemicals always switch the main pumps on to circulate the water.
Always remove the Spa cover when adding chemicals. The gases that escape can blister the underside of the cover and this WILL NOT be covered under warranty.
|
1. |
Add 60ml of Stain and Scale inhibitor per 1000 litres. This is to reduce scale build up in the pipework and on the shell surface. |
|
2. |
Add 30ml of Spa Clear per 1000 litres. |
|
3. |
Using a test strip balance the PH to 7.2 to 7.6. Balance the alkalinity to 80-150ppm |
|
4. |
Add 2/3 to 1 capful of chlorine to bring a chlorine reading of 3-5ppm. You will see the arrows ion the test strip reading SPA OK. |
|
5. |
Leave the spa running to begin filtration, test again after 1-2 hours to check the balances and adjust as necessary. |
DAILY MAINTENANCE
Operate the filter for at least 4 hours per day. ( On delivery we will programme the Spa to run a filter cycle for this).
Test and maintain ideal levels of Chlorine, PH and alkalinity using the test strips.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
|
1. |
Add 30ml of Stain and Scale Inhibitor per 1000 litres whilst water is circulating. |
|
2. |
Add 30ml of Spa Clear per 1000 litres. |
|
3. |
Dose the Spa with Shock Granules to take the Chlorine level to 6-10ppm. It is best to do this AFTER a session in the Spa. Skin irritation will almost certainly occur if you enter the water with a Chlorine reading at this level. Ensure that the cover is removed for at least an hour when adding Spa Shock. Spa Shock is vital for eliminating bacteria. A dirty foam may occur during this treatment and this is a normal occurrence. |
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
|
1. |
Once a MONTH Switch off the Spa and remove the filter(s). Rinse in clean water, brush between the vanes with a toothbrush to remove debris. Then soak in diluted Filter Clean solution for a minimum of 12 hours. Rinse again in clean water before refitting the filter(s). |
|
2. |
It is also advisable to dismantle the skimmer basket and remove debris from this. Also look under the lip of the floating “skimmer”. This can get a build up of bacteria. Rinse and bleach the baskets and then re assemble. BE CAREFUL not to crack the retaining point on the moulding. Again this will not be replaced under warranty. |
|
3. |
The Spa will need draining and refilling every 2-3 months. The formula used for calculating when to drain the spa is; 1/3 x gallons divided by the average number of bathers per day. |
TROUBLESHOOTING
|
PROBLEM |
POSSIBLE CAUSE |
REMEDY |
|
Cloudy Water |
a) Poor filtration due to dirty filter |
Clean filter |
|
|
b) pH Hight |
Add pH Reducer |
|
|
c) Suspended particles |
Add Spa Clear |
|
|
d) High level of dissolved solids |
Change water |
|
Foaming |
a) High level of oils being agitated |
Add defoamer |
|
|
a) High level of oils being agitated by jets |
Add defoamer |
|
|
|
Check chlorine level
|
|
Eye/Skin Irritation |
a) PH and alkalinity too low |
Add Alkalinity Increaser |
|
|
b) High level of chlorine due to organic contaminants |
Add Shock Granules
|
|
Scale deposits |
a) High calcium level |
Add Stain and Scale |
|
|
b) High pH |
Add pH Reducer |
|
|
b) High alkalinity |
Reduce alkalinity |
NOTES
| 1. |
Common causes for foaming are a low level of chlorine. The Spa water behaves like a river next to a waterfall, with dirty foam building up. Short term remedy is to squirt defoamer into the water. This is usually associated with low chlorine levels. Spa Shock the water to eliminate this. |
| 2. |
If the PH level is too high adding chlorine will not register on the test strip. At a PH level above 8.0 chlorine effectiveness is diminished. A PH level below 7.0 indicates acidity which will cause discomfort and irritation. A PH level of 8.0 or above indicates an alkaline condition which will promote scaling of the pipework and spa shell. |
| 3. |
Water may need changing after high levels of bather use. It is possible to half empty and refill if preferred. |
| 4. |
Maintaining clean filter(s) will make a big difference to the water. However it is vital that the Spa is switched off when removing filters. Otherwise debris will be sucked down into the pump vanes and heater which will cause irrepairable damage. | | 
