Marquis Spas Signature Guide

HOW TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF YOUR HOT TUB
There are some simple steps you can take to prolong the life of your hot
tub. Please follow the guidelines listed below to ensure the most trouble free
and enjoyable use of your spa.
Rinse your feet
Please remember to rinse your feet before getting into the hot tub. This will
help prevent sand and dirt from entering the plumbing system where it can
clog valves and filters.
Use a suction sock
Please also use a suction sock to further reduce the amount of debris that
can enter the plumbing system.
Maintain your valves
If one of your valves begins to feel hard to turn, please remove the valve
and rinse it. To remove the valve, please turn the power off to the spa
and remove the handle for the valve. Turn the top portion of the valve cap
counter clockwise to expose the valve insert. Using the valve stem, please
pull straight up on the insert. Rinse the valve and put back the insert into the
sleeve and then replace the cap and handle. If the valve is scratched, it is
a good idea to use a fine grit sand paper to smooth the valve insert before
reinstallation.
Keep the cover on
Always keep your hot tub cover closed when the spa is not in use. This
helps prevent unwanted debris from entering the hot tub and prevents sun
exposure that could damage the surface and the jets of the hot tub. For full
warranty coverage, please note the spa must remain covered at all times
when not in use.
Keep the water clear and balanced
Water chemistry is another important part of spa ownership. Please be sure
to use only factory recommended products. In addition, please make sure
you maintain proper pH and sanitizer levels. Drain and refill your hot tub with
fresh water every 3 to 4 months. On a regular basis, please use a spa vacu-
um to remove dirt and sand that can be seen on the floor of the hot tub.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
Removing Debris
Remove any debris and leaves from the Vortex skimmers and suction
guard(s) on the inside of the spa. Blocked intakes can impede the flow of
water through the jetting system.
Water Level
Replenish the water level if necessary so that it is approximately two-thirds up
the Vortex skimmer opening. (See STARTING YOUR SPA.) Low and high water
levels can damage your spa. It is important to check your water level often.
MARQUIS SPA MAINTENANCE
1

MONTHLY MAINTENANCE
Filter Care
We cannot stress enough the importance of a clean filter for proper water fil-
tration. Dirty filters can restrict water flow, cause hazy water, and prevent your
chemicals from working properly. Dirty filters can also cause low flow from
jets, poor water clarity and sensors to activate error codes. It is important to
clean filters regularly. Many water treatment products clear or clarify the water
by clumping microscopic particles and minerals together so that these larger
particles can be effectively trapped in the filter. A filter clogged with debris and
calcium deposits does not trap particles properly. Soak your filter cartridges in
Filter Cleaner monthly.
Removing the Filter
Twist lock the filter basket counter-clockwise and lift filter out.
Reinstalling the Filter
Repeat above directions.
CAUTION: Overtightening of the filter can cause the filter or filter housing to
crack. Tighten filter until it is just snug.
NOTE: Filters and filter lids do not qualify for labor coverage. These parts can
be purchased or exchanged under warranty at your authorized Marquis®
dealer.
Leakage Detection
Open the equipment door and check for signs of water leakage around the
pump(s). Pump seals wear out over time, especially with improper water
chemistry. Early detection of pump seal failure can significantly reduce repair
costs. Pump seals, heater gaskets and pump gaskets must be checked each
month to ensure they are not leaking. Further damage caused by a leak from
any component is not covered under the warranty.
MARQUIS SPA MAINTENANCE
2

EVERY THREE TO FOUR MONTHS
Draining and Filling the Spa
The average spa needs to be drained every three to four months. After
months of continually adding chemicals to the water and introducing body
oils and lotions, the water can be difficult to manage and chemicals are not
as effective as usual. You may also notice excessive foaming. More frequent
draining may be required depending on use.
Draining the Spa
1. Turn off the power to the spa.
2. Open the equipment compartment (see EQUIPMENT DIAGRAM). Re-
move the hose bib cap from the connection and attach a hose.
3. Open the drain valve. Gravity causes the water to drain out of the hose.
4. When the spa is empty, close the drain valve and remove the hose. Rein-
stall the hose bib plug.
NOTE: Keep the drain valve closed at all times except when draining the
spa (do not rely on the cap to stop the flow of water). Not doing so could
result in damage to the drain valve due to freezing water.
Replacing the Mineral Cartridge
The In-line mineral cartridge should be replaced every three to four months.
You may still feel the “spent” minerals inside, but they are no longer effective
and need to be replaced. (See ADJUST THE MINERAL CARTRIDGES, Blue
Mineral Cartridge.)
Clean the DuraShell®Interior
Once the spa is drained, clean the DuraShell interior thoroughly – especially at
the water line. We suggest the Glove Sponge to clean without scratching.
Marquis®Gloss & Guard or Spa Brite is the recommended cleaning agent
for DuraShell – other products should be avoided except as stated below.
To maintain the high gloss and elegant look of DuraShell®, just follow these
simple steps: For normal care and cleaning use a soft cloth or sponge and
water. Rinse well and dry with a soft, clean cloth. Never use abrasive clean-
ers. Do not allow your acrylic surface to come into contact with products
such as ammoinia (Windex) ketones or esters such as acetone or ethyl
acetate (nail polish remover), Wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate), nail polish,
dry cleaning solution or other chlorinated organic solvents, lacquer thin-
ners, gasoline, aromatic solvents, citrus cleaners, pine oil, etc. Remove dust
and dry dirt with a soft, damp cloth. Clean grease, oil, paint and ink stains
with diluted isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (do not let alcohol pool or remain on
acrylic). Dry with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid using razor blades or other sharp
instruments that might scratch the surface.
NOTE: Due to the high-gloss, fine finish of the acrylics, imperfections in the
surface texture may occur. A natural aging process in acrylic can lead to a
process called crazing. Fine spider web-like lines can form on the cosmetic
surface of acrylic over time after exposure to the elements and chemicals.
MARQUIS SPA MAINTENANCE
3

Crazing represents no structural weakening of acrylic and is not covered
under the warranty. Fading, staining and discoloration may also occur but
represent no structural degradation and are not covered under warranty.
NOTE: Do not leave an empty spa uncovered. Direct sunlight on the spa
surface can cause severe damage or blemishing, cause fittings to discolor
and can result in the voiding of any surface warranties.
Refill the Spa
Fill the spa with fresh water from a garden hose and balance the water as
described in the Water Treatment section. The use of a Fill Filter is recom-
mended when filling especially in areas of high mineral content in the water.
Attach to the end of a garden hose to filter out any grit and sediment that
could accumulate in the spa and potentially scratch the spa surface.
AS NEEDED MAINTENANCE
Cover Care
It is recommended that you use Marquis Cover Cleaner to keep the Dura-
Cover™ clean and conditioned. Proper care of the cover increases the life
and keeps it looking great in even the harshest conditions. NOTE: Do not
use regular household products or products that contain silicone, alcohol,
steel wool, or bleach.
1. Remove the cover from the spa and gently lean it against a wall or fence.
2. Use a garden hose to spray the cover and loosen and rinse away dirt or
debris.
3. Use a large sponge and/or soft bristle brush with a very mild soap
solution. Scrub the vinyl top in a circular motion. Rinse vinyl clean before a
soap film has a chance to dry.
4. Scrub the perimeter of the cover and side flaps. Rinse clean with water.
5. Rinse off underside of cover with water only (no soap) and wipe clean
with a dry rag.
6. Use Cover Cleaner to condition the top of the cover after cleaning.
Cushioned Headrest Care
To increase the life of your cushioned headrest, remove and replace them
with care only when necessary.
Remove Cushioned Headrest
Slip your fingers under each end of the interior cushioned headrest part and
gently pull straight towards you. Damage caused to attachments due to
improper removal is not covered under warranty. Pillows and attachments
are warranted to be free of defects at delivery only.
Exterior Care
Clean the exterior of the spa with a mild soap and water solution. Cleaners
that contain alcohol or high levels of solvents, along with Acetone, Nitroben-
zene, and Cyclohexanol, can dissolve and discolor the DuraWood exterior.
Excess Debris
Grit and debris tracked into the spa should be removed with a spa vacuum.
MARQUIS SPA MAINTENANCE
4

Water Line
To avoid buildup of oils and lotions at the water line, clean the interior weekly or
when needed. We suggest the Glove Sponge to clean without scratching.
NOTE: Do not use the same brush or sponge to clean the exterior of the spa
and the interior of the spa. Soap and other product residue used on the out-
side of the spa can cause foaming of the spa water and scratches to the spa
surface if used on the inside of the spa.
SUSPENDED USE OR WINTERIZING THE SPA
If you decide to discontinue the use of your spa for any extended period of
time, we suggest you follow the steps below.
NOTE: During long periods of inactivity, damage can occur to equipment
from condensation within the equipment compartment. Failure to follow these
instructions during freezing conditions will result in cracked fitting(s) and glue
joints, and other damage.
1. Turn off the power to the spa.
2. Drain the spa. (See DRAINING AND REFILLING THE SPA.)
3. Remove all residual water from the seating and footwell. If necessary, bail
out the remaining water then dry the spa with towels. A wet/dry vacuum
is recommended for best results.
4. Using the wet/dry vacuum, place vacuum nozzle over each jet nozzle to
remove water from plumbing lines, starting with the highest jet and finish-
ing with the lowest jet. NOTE: The spa is equipped with a Tri-Zone control
which is used to divert water between different jet zones. The valve must
be “open” to the particular jets you are vacuuming.
5. Unscrew the pump plug(s) from the pump(s).
6. Again, using the wet/dry vacuum, place nozzle over the exposed pump
opening(s) to remove excess water. The pump(s) should be removed from
the spa and stored in a climate-controlled room.
7. Clean the spa interior.
8. Clean the filter cartridges.
9. Reinstall the DuraCover™ and lock in place. NOTE: Direct sunlight on the
spa surface can cause severe damage or blemishing and can result in the
voiding of any surface warranties.
VACATION CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Short time periods: 3-5 days
1. Adjust the pH (see WATER CARE).
2. Sanitize the water by following the shock procedures (See WATER CARE).
3. Lock your spa cover in place with cover locks.
4. Upon return, shock sanitize water.
Long time periods: 5-14 days
1. One day before leaving, set the temperature to approximately 80°F, 27°C.
2. Adjust pH as needed.
3. Shock sanitize water.
4. Upon return, shock sanitize water.
5. Return temperature to original setting.
6. Test water chemistry and adjust as necessary.
MARQUIS SPA MAINTENANCE
5