12MAINTENANCEWater Level/DrainThe water level in the spa must be maintained at itsnormal level. Evaporation and splashing will cause thewater level to drop.When concentrations of impurities from evaporation,water quality chemicals, body oils, perfumes, dirty feet,wind, etc., accumulate in the spa and cannot be filtered out,it is necessary to drain your spa and refill it with fresh water.This should be done every 2 months or more often depend-ing on the amount of use.To drain the spa, turn all controls to OFF, then turn offcircuit breakers at the main electrical panel. Connect agarden hose to the hose bibb on the suction plumbing. Turnthe handle and drain the spa.After draining the spa, clean the spa shell and the suctionstrainer and refill the spa with fresh water; then check thepH level and maintain water quality.WARNING: Remove the skimmer cover and suctionstrainers only for cleaning. The strainer is a safetydevice and must be in place over the suction fitting tominimize potential hazard of hair and body entrap-ment.If heavy rains raise the spa water level, drain the spa toits normal level, which is 6" below the spa rim.A spa cover (available as an option), when in place overthe spa, will help reduce evaporation and control theamount of debris entering the spa when the spa is notoccupied. In addition, its use will reduce energyconsumption.FILTER ACCESSAIR VENT PLUGCAPTURN RINGTO LEFTTO OPENTURN RINGTO RIGHTTO CLOSEPLUG(PULL DOWNWARDTO REMOVE)NORMAL WATER LEVEL6"Filter MaintenanceThe filter should be checked periodically. In normal use,check the filter at least once a month. Keep the filter clean;an obstructed filter reduces water quality and inhibits propersystem performance.To clean the filter, first drain the water from the spa untilthe water level is just below the cap of the filter housing.Then drain the filter housing by loosening the drain plug atthe bottom of the housing. Turn the locking ring to the leftuntil it snaps loose. Grasp the filter housing firmly, androcking it gently side to side, pull the housing downwarduntil it is free of the cap. To remove the filter cartridge, turnthe housing upside down. Clean the filter by separating thefolds of the filter and spraying with fresh water from agarden hose; then reinstall the cartridge in the housing andreplace the housing, reversing the above procedure. Atube of silicone lubricant is provided with the product. Applya film of lubricant to the rubber o-ring on the filter housingcap when necessary.Oils will coat the filter, eventually reducing the flow. Toremove such materials, soak the cartridge in a plastic pailcontaining a commercial filter cleaning solution (availablefrom your dealer or most pool supply stores). Follow themanufacturer’s instructions for use. Another method is tosoak the filter cartridge in a plastic pail containing a mildsolution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. An hourof soaking time is usually required to break down oilcoatings from the cartridge. Use a stronger solution of TSPand water to remove algae. Most hardware or paint storesstock TSP. Use the same method of cleaning when thecartridge becomes plugged with clay or vegetation. Re-placement cartridges are available through your JacuzziWhirlpool Bath dealer.Suction Strainer MaintenanceThere are two suction strainers on your spa. One is located in the foot well area of the spa; the other is located underthe skimmer cover, which can be pulled off easily for access to the suction strainer. The strainers should be checked at leastonce a week for collected debris, such as leaves, hair, etc., and cleaned as necessary. Remove the center screw with aPhillips screwdriver and clean each strainer by flushing with water from a hose.WARNING: Be sure to replace the suction strainer immediately after cleaning. It is a safety device and must be in placeover the suction fitting at all times!