Watkins SOLANA TX - User Manual

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Watkins SOLANA TX and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

This document provides pre-delivery instructions for the Solana spa, manufactured by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation. It is designed to guide users through the necessary steps for a safe, secure, and timely installation of their new spa, covering aspects from site selection to electrical requirements.

The manual emphasizes the importance of proper site selection and preparation, noting that these are the user's responsibility. Whether the spa is installed indoors or outdoors, on a patio or a deck, several key considerations are highlighted. The spa must always be placed on a structurally sound, level surface, as a filled spa can be very heavy. Users are reminded to level the spa before filling it. The equipment compartment, which houses all electrical components, should be located in an area where water can drain away to prevent damage to electronics or circuit breaker trips. Easy access to circuit breakers in the sub-panel (for converted 30 amp models) or the interrupter switch on the power cord (for standard models) is crucial. It is also vital to prevent water from entering the sub-panel, interrupter switch, or electrical outlet. Finally, access to the equipment compartment (front access panel for the TX model) is necessary for periodic spa care and maintenance.

For indoor installations, specific requirements are outlined. Flooring materials around the spa must be slip-resistant when wet, and proper drainage is essential to prevent water buildup. The manual highly recommends placing a carpet remnant, carpet pad, or rubber mat cut to the spa's footprint directly underneath to minimize operational noise. If a new room is being built for the spa, installing a floor drain is recommended. Users are warned that humidity will naturally increase, potentially causing dry rot, mildew, or other problems in woodwork and paper. Adequate ventilation is advised to minimize these effects, and an architect can help determine additional ventilation needs. The Solana Spa Dealer can provide local information on zoning regulations and building codes. A specific caution is given: do not install the spa on a heated floor surface, as this will damage the spa's bottom.

For outdoor installations, a solid foundation is paramount. Structural damage due to incorrect installation or an inadequate foundation is not covered under the spa's limited warranty. A reinforced concrete pad at least four inches thick is recommended, with the reinforcing rod or mesh attached to a bond wire. If the spa is placed directly on the ground, even temporarily, stepping stones at least two inches thick and twelve inches square should be placed under the leveling areas. However, the manual notes that the spa will inevitably settle and become unlevel on soft ground, and dirt or grass from users' feet will likely enter the spa. Therefore, getting the spa onto a solid foundation as soon as possible is important.

Delivery access is another critical aspect covered. Users are instructed to check the spa's dimensions (provided in the manual) in its vertical, side-laid position. They should then contact their dealer to determine the additional height and width added by the delivery cart. This information helps determine the necessary vertical and maximum width clearances. Additional overhead clearance may be needed if the spa is rolled up or down an incline or stairs. The manual explains that gates, fences, or other movable obstructions might need to be removed. In about ten percent of cases, a crane may be required to lift the spa over walls, buildings, or other obstructions due to narrow entry areas, low eaves, tight corners, or steep stairways. The crane, operated by a licensed and insured professional, can lift the spa over obstacles and place it near the installation site, typically taking about 30 minutes. Users may be required to pay for crane services.

Ground preparation guidelines state that while a concrete slab is ideal for long-term use, other foundations are acceptable if a level base is prepared. Examples of alternative foundations for spas without gazebos or other accessories include pea gravel or crushed rock, railroad ties, brick surfaces, and wood decking. If stepping stones or railroad ties are used, they should be placed at the designated leveling areas to ensure even weight distribution. However, soft surfaces will still tend to settle unevenly. Placing the spa on grass or dirt may increase debris in the water. For deck packages or gazebos, a solid foundation is mandatory. The manual clarifies that delivery crews are generally not equipped to level and prepare spa sites, making it the homeowner's responsibility to provide a suitable, level foundation. For concrete slabs, brick surfaces, or wood decks, the Solana dealer can recommend qualified contractors. Proper leveling after installation is crucial for the spa to operate correctly and for internal plumbing to drain completely. The manual includes diagrams indicating recommended shimming points on the spa's base support system, and the delivery crew can assist with this procedure.

Electrical information is presented as a critical component of installation. The manual stresses that the required electrical service must be installed by a qualified, licensed electrician before delivery. Connecting the spa to an improperly wired circuit will negate safety features. Solana spas are designed for maximum safety against electrical shock. There are three electrical configurations: standard 115 volt 15 amp or 20 amp cord-connected, and an optional 115 volt 30 amp hard-wired configuration. In the standard configuration, the heater and high-speed jet pump do not operate simultaneously, which might cause a slight drop in water temperature during extended use. The 30 amp configuration allows simultaneous operation and requires conversion by an authorized technician, including electrical modification within the control box and installation of a subpanel.

The spa must be connected to a grounded circuit (15, 20, or 30 amp for converted models) with a minimum of 104 volts under load. A dedicated circuit is required, meaning it should not be used for other high-load electrical items. Overloading a non-dedicated circuit will cause "nuisance tripping" of fuses or the house breaker. The circuit must be properly wired: for 115 volt 15 amp, a minimum 15 amp GFCI circuit breaker, #14 AWG or larger wire (including ground), and correct polarity. For 115 volt 20 amp (SX Spa only), a minimum 20 amp GFCI circuit breaker, #12 AWG or larger wire (including ground), and correct polarity. For converted 115 volt 30 amp, a minimum 30 amp circuit breaker, #10 AWG or larger wire (including ground), a subpanel with an appropriate GFCI breaker, and correct polarity. A pressure wire connector on the exterior of the control box allows connection of a bonding ground wire to metal equipment, enclosures, pipe, or conduit within five feet of the spa, using at least #8 AWG solid copper wire. A strict warning is given: NEVER CONNECT THE SPA TO AN EXTENSION CORD!

Each Solana spa comes with approximately 15 feet of usable power cord, the maximum length allowed by regulatory standards. The power cord is stored in the equipment compartment for shipping and should be carefully pulled out to the desired length. If converting to 115 volt 30 amp operation, a licensed electrician must install the subpanel (available from the Solana dealer). For safety, the electrical outlet for cord-connected configurations should be 5 to 10 feet from the spa. A GFCI module is located at the end of the power cord and can be tested by pressing the TEST button, which should trip the GFCI to the "off" position. Resetting involves pressing the RESET button. If the GFCI does not function, the cord should be unplugged, and an authorized Solana Spa Service Technician contacted. Local code authority should be consulted regarding outlet covers.

The 30 amp subpanel must be within 100 feet of the main electrical service panel and 5 to 50 feet from the spa. A licensed electrician should install three-wire electrical service (one line voltage, one neutral, one ground) from the main panel to the subpanel. The grounding conductor must be at least #10 AWG. The subpanel should not be closer than five feet from the spa water edge. Installation and wiring instructions for 30 amp models are included in the Owner's Manual and with each subpanel. Removing or bypassing GFCI circuit breakers will void the warranty and create an unsafe spa. Long electrical runs may require larger gauge feed wire, with a maximum voltage drop of 3% recommended.

The manual also lists additional products available from Solana spa dealers, such as chlorine-free oxidizer, water care systems, replacement filter cartridges, vinyl covers, spa vacuums, cover shields, upgrade jet kits, hydro-pulse face plates, ozone purification systems, stain and scale defense, spa shine, instant filter cleaner, filter cleaner, pH-alkalinity down/up, defoamer, and pillows. Services available from Solana spa dealers include pre-delivery site inspection, delivery and unwrapping, setup and leveling, filling the spa, connecting power, explaining and testing operation (jet system, comfort control, lamp, temperature control, panel functions), explaining safety features (GFCI, heater high limit, heater thermal cut-off), general spa operation and maintenance orientation, water quality and maintenance orientation (adjusting TA, CH, pH, sanitizing water), inspecting and placing the spa cover, reviewing winterizing instructions, reviewing the Owner's Manual and Warranty Card, follow-up calls, and in-store spa water analysis.