Sunrise Tradex FIJI User manual

2008 OWNER’S MANUAL

FIJI SPAS OWNER’S MANUAL
Welcome To Ultimate Relaxation!
Thank you for choosing your new spa built for Fiji Spas. Please read the entire
Owner’s Manual before installing and using your spa. The goal of this manual is
to provide you with safety and operational information plus some tips that will
help you enjoy your spa to its fullest.
At the time of print, this manual is accurate in its information. Fiji Spas reserves
the right to change or improve its product without prior notice.
RECORD OF OWNERSHIP
Name ______________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________
City _____________________________________ State __________ Zip ______________
Date Purchased ______ /______ /_______
Model ______________________________ Serial #________________________________
Dealer Name________________________________________________________________
Phone # (______)________-__________
Service Tech Rep ____________________________________________________________
*SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION
The serial number for your spa is located in the filter area, on the spa system
pack, or on the listing plate on the skirting. It will start with "M" followed
by a 6-digit number. Ex. M804590
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Instructions..................................................................................................3-10
Glossary of Spa Terminology ....................................................................................10
Electrical Installation Requirements ........................................................................11
Wiring Schematic ................................................................................................12
Site Preparation / General Guidelines ..........................................................13-14
Installation Instructions ......................................................................................15
Water Chemistry Terms You Should Know ........................................................16-17
Water Quality Maintenance Schedule......................................................................18
Spa Water Maintenance – Start-Up ....................................................................19-21
Spa Water Maintenance Trouble-Shooting Guide ..................................................22
Why Chemicals are Important in a Spa....................................................................23
Maintenance Recommendations ..............................................................................24
Winterizing Your Spa ................................................................................................25
Fiji Spa
Specifications ......................................................................................................26
Controls ..........................................................................................................27-28
Diagnostic Messages......................................................................................29-30
Spa Trouble-Shooting Guide................................................................................31-32
Regular Maintenance Procedures........................................................................33-34
Spa Care and Maintenance Record ....................................................................35-36
2

SAFETY INFORMATION
3
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Included with your new spa is a safety sign. The sign is for you and your guest’s
protection and is suitable for outdoor use in wet locations. The sign should be placed
in a location visible to all users of the spa.
Please take time to point out the physical location of the safety sign and the importance
of the safety precautions displayed on the safety sign to all of your guests. Remember,
your safety and the safety of anyone who enjoys the use of your spa is our utmost
concern.
The sign should be mounted with screws or another type of permanent fastener.
Additional or replacement signs can be obtained from your dealer or direct from
the factory.
INTRODUCTION
It’s time to relax! You now have your very own portable spa by Fiji Spas. By fully
understanding the operation of each of the features of your new Fiji Spa, you will
be assured of many years of hassle-free, hot water therapy and fun.
Your safety is of paramount importance to the Fiji Spas family. We urge you to read
and become thoroughly familiar with all safety aspects addressed in this manual.
Through reading and totally understanding the important information in your owner’s
manual, you will realize that you now own THE ULTIMATE RELAXATION MACHINE!

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
When installing and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions should be
observed including the following:
READ AND FOLLOW ALL
INSTRUCTIONS
1. WARNING - To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this
product unless they are closely supervised at all times.
2. DANGER - RISK OF CHILD DROWNING. Extreme caution
must be exercised to prevent unauthorized access by children. To avoid accidents,
ensure that children cannot use this spa unless they are supervised at all times.
*NOTE: A wire connector is provided on this unit to connect of a minimum No. 6 AWG
solid copper conductor between this unit and any metal equipment, metal enclosures of
electrical equipment, metal water pipe, or conduit within 5 feet (1.5m) of the unit.
3. DANGER - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Install spa at least
five (5) feet (1.5M) from all metal surfaces. A spa may be installed within five (5) feet
(1.5M) of metal surfaces if, in accordance with the National Electrical Code, each
metal surface is permanently connected by a minimum No. 6 AWG (8.4mm) solid
copper conductor attached to the wire connector on the terminal box. A grounding
lug is provided for this purpose.
4. DANGER - RISK OF INJURY. The suction fittings in this spa are
sized to match the specific water flow created by the pump. Should the need arise to
replace the suction fittings or the pump, be sure that the flow rates are compatible.
*NOTE: Never operate the spa if the suction fittings are broken or missing. Never replace
a suction fitting with one rated less than the flow rate marked on the original suction fitting.
5. DANGER - To reduce the risk of injury to persons, do not remove the suction
grate. Suction through drains and skimmers is powerful when the jets in the spa are
in use. Damaged covers can be hazardous to small children and adults with long hair.
Should any part of the body be drawn into these fittings, turn off the spa immediately.
As a precaution, long hair should not be allowed to float in the spa.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
5
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS (CONT.)
6. WARNING. Install the spa so that water can be easily drained out of the
compartment containing electrical components so as not to damage equipment.
Also, when installing spa, allow at least 2 feet of clearance around the perimeter
of the spa to provide enough room to access for servicing. Contact your local dealer
for their specific requirements.
7. WARNING - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY:
(A) Reminder - Never allow anyone to dive into a spa. Always enter feet first.
(B) Always enter and exit a spa slowly.
(C) Do not use the spa alone.
(D) Before entering the spa, always measure the water temperature with an accurate
thermometer. Tolerance of water temperature regulating devices can vary as much
as plus/minus 5° F (3° C).
(E) Persons suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, diabetes,
high or low blood pressure or circulatory system problems should consult a physi-
cian before using the spa.
(F) Since excessive water temperatures have a high potential for causing fetal damage
during early months of pregnancy, pregnant or possibly pregnant women should
limit spa water temperatures to 100° F (38° C).
(G) Excessive water temperature can be dangerous. The water in the spa should
never exceed 104° F (40° C). Water temperatures between 100°F (38˚C) and
104°F (40˚C) are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower water temperatures
are recommended for extended use (exceeding 10 minutes) and for young
children. Long exposures at higher temperatures can result in hyperthermia.
(H) The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication before or during spa use may lead to
unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning.
(I) Persons using medication should consult a physician before using a spa since some
medication may induce drowsiness while other medication may affect heart rate,
blood pressure and circulation.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS (CONT.)
HYPERTHERMIA
Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level several
degrees above the normal body temperature of 98.6° F.
THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHERMIA INCLUDE:
Dizziness • Fainting • Drowsiness • Lethargy • Increase in Internal Body Temperature
THE EFFECTS OF HYPERTHERMIA INCLUDE:
Unawareness of Impending Hazard • Failure to Perceive Heat • Failure to Recognize the
Need to Exit Spa • Physical Inability to Exit Spa • Fetal Damage in Pregnant Women •
Unconsciousness Resulting
in a Danger of Drowning
(I) Children’s body temperature can increase more rapidly than adults in the same
water with elevated temperatures (above 99° F). Children should spend less time in
water above body temperature than adults.
8. WARNING - The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication can greatly increase the
risk of hyperthermia.
(J) The use of alcohol, drugs, or medication before or during spa use may lead to
unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning.
(K) Persons using medication should consult a physician before using a spa since some
medication may induce drowsiness while other medication may affect heart rate,
blood pressure, and circulation.
9. Reminder: A safe temperature for swimming or aquatic exercise is around 80˚ F.
10. People with infections, sores or the like should not use the spa. Warm and hot water
temperatures may allow the growth of infectious bacteria if not properly disinfected.
11. DANGER - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Do not permit any
electric appliance, such as a light, telephone, radio or television, within five (5) feet of
the spa. Never operate any electrical appliances from inside the spa or while wet.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS (CONT.)
12. WARNING - RISK OF SUFFOCATION. If this spa is
equipped with a gas heater, it is intended for outdoor use only, unless proper v
entilation can be provided for an indoor installation.
13. WARNING - PREVENT ELECTROCUTION. Do not serv-
ice this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to danger-
ous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
If the power cord is damaged, water is entering the electrical equipment compart-
ment area, the protective shield is showing signs of deterioration, or there are signs
of other potentially hazardous damage to the unit, turn off the circuit breaker from
the wall and refer servicing to a qualified service personnel.
The unit should be subjected to periodic routine maintenance once every quarter to
make sure that the unit is operating properly.
14. DANGER - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Do not permit
any electric appliance, such as light, telephone, radio, or television, within 5 feet
(1.5m) of a spa.
15. A green coloured terminal or a terminal marked G, GR, Ground, Grounding or the
symbol shown in Figure 14.1 of UL1563 is located inside the supply terminal box or
compartment. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this terminal must be connected
to the grounding means provided in the electric supply service panel with a continu-
ous copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying this equipment.
16. At least two lugs marked “Bonding Lugs” are provided on the external surface or
on the inside of the supply terminal box or compartment. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, connect the local common bonding grid in the area of the spa to
these terminals with an insulated or bare copper conductor not smaller than
No. 6 AWG.
17. All field-installed metal components such as rails, ladders, drains, or other similar
hardware within 3m of the spa shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus
with copper conductors not smaller than No. 6 AWG.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
7

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
8
WARNING: CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE SPAS OR HOT TUBS WITHOUT ADULT
SUPERVISION
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS LAISSER LES ENFANTS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAX-
ATION SANS SURVEILLANCE
WARNING: DO NOT USE SPAS OR HOT TUBS UNLESS ALL SUCTION GUARDS ARE
INSTALLED TO PREVENT BODY AND HAIR ENTRAPMENT.
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER QUE LES CHEVEUX OU UNE PARTIE DU CORPS
PUISSENT ÊTRE ASPIRES, NE PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION SI LES GRILLES DI PRISE
D’ASPIRATION NE SONT PAS TOUTES EN PLACE
WARNING: PEOPLE USING MEDICATIONS AND/OR HAVING AN ADVERSE MEDICAL
HISTORY SHOULD CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING A SPA OR HOT TUB.
AVERTISSEMENT: LES PERSONNES QUI PRENNENT DES MÉDICAMENTS OU ONT
DES PROBLÉMES DE SANTÉ DEVRAIENT CONSULTER UN MÉDECIN AVANT D’UTILISER UNE
CUVE DE RELAXATION
WARNING: PEOPLE WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASES SHOULD NOT USE A SPA OR HOT TU B
AVERTISSEMENT: LES PERSONNES ATTEINTES DE MALADIES INFECTIEUSES NE
DEVRAIENT PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION
WARNING: TO AVOID INJURY EXERCISE CARE WHEN ENTERING OR EXITING THE SPA
OR HOT TUB.
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER DES BLESSURES, USER DE PRUDENCE EN
ENTRANT DANS UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION ET EN SORTANT
WARNING: DO NOT USE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL BEFORE OR DURING THE USE OF A
SPA OR HOT TUB TO AVOID UNCONSCIOUSNESS AND POSSIBLE DROWNING
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR ÉVITER L’ÉVANOUISSEMENT ET LA NOYADE
ÉVENTUELLE, NE PRENDE NI DROGUE NI ALCOOL AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAX-
ATION NI QUAND ON S’Y TROUVE
WARNING: PREGNANT OR POSSIBLY PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD CONSULT A
PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING A SPA OR HOT TUB.
AVERTISSEMENT: LES FEMMES ENCEINTES, QUE LEUR GROSSESSE SOIT CONFIR-
MÉE OU NON, DEVRAIENT CONSULTER UN MÉDECIN AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE
RELAXATION

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: WATER TEMPERATURE IN EXCESS OF 38˚C MAY BE INJURIOUS TO YOUR
HEALTH
AVERTISSEMENT: IL PEUT ÊTRE DANGEREUX POUR LA SANTÉ DE SE PLONGER
DANS DE L’EAU A PLUS DE 38˚C
WARNING: BEFORE ENTERING THE SPA OR HOT TUB MEASURE THE WATER TEMPER-
ATURE WITH AN ACCURATE THERMOMETER
AVERTISSEMENT: AVANT D’UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION MESURER LA
TEMPÉRATURE DE L’EAU À L’AIDE D’UN THERMOMÉTRE PRÉCIS
WARNING: DO NOT USE A SPA OR HOT TUB IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING STRENUOUS
EXERCISE
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS UTILISER UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION IMMÉDIATEMENT
APRÉS UN EXERCISE FATIGANT
WARNING: PROLONGED IMMERSION IN A SPA OR HOT TUB MAY BE INJUROUS TO
YOUR HEALTH
AVERTISSEMENT: L’UTILISATION PROLONGÉE D’UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION PEUT
ÊTRE DANGEREUSE POUR LA SANTÉ
WARNING: DO NOT PERMIT ELECTRIC APPLIANCES (SUCH AS LIGHT, TELEPHONE,
RADIO, OR TELEVISION) WITHIN 1.5 M OF THIS SPA OR HOT TUB
AVERTISSEMENT: NE PAS PLACER D’APPAREIL ÉLECTRIQUE (LUMINAIRE, TÉLÉ-
PHONE, RADIO, TÉLÉVISEUR, ETC) À MOINS DE 1.5 M DE CETTE CUVE DE RELAXATION
CAUTION: MAINTAIN WATER CHEMISTRY IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTION
ATTENTION: LA TENEUR DE L’EAU EN MATIÉRES DISSOUTES DOIT ÊTRE CONFORME
AUX DIRECTIVES DU FABRICANT
Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level several
degrees above the normal body temperature of 37˚C. The symtoms of hyperthermia include
drowsiness, lethargy, and an increase in the internal temperature of the body. The effects of
hyperthermia include
(a) unawareness of impending hazard;
(b) failure to perceive heat;
(c) failure to recognize the need to exit spa;
(d) physical inability to exit spa;
(e) fetal damage in pregnant women; and
(f) unconsciousness and danger of drowning.
WARNING: THE USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS CAN GREATLY INCREASE THE RISK OF
FATAL HYPERTHERMIA IN HOT TUBS AND SPAS
LA CONSOMMATION D’ALCOOL OU DE DROGUE AUGMENTE CONSIDÉRABLEMENT LES
RISQUES D’HYPERTHERMIE MORTELLE DANS UNE CUVE DE RELAXATION.
9

10
SAFETY LITERATURE
1. DRAINING YOUR FIJI SPA. The drain is located behind the
front panel on the far right side, grasp the hose bib cap
and turn it counter clockwise. Attach a garden hose, if
desired. Turn the black knob on the side of the valve a
quarter turn. Draining times may vary by model using the
external hose bib. A sump pump may also be used to drain
the spa quickly.
2. MAIN PUMP. This produces water flow through the main jets in the spa.
The first pump may be operated on two speeds. Low speed will produce
efficient water circulation during filtration and gentle jet action. High speed
should be used for maximum jet action. The main pump is controlled by the
“Jets” or “Jets I” button on the Topside Control Panel.
3. SECONDARY PUMP. This produces water flow through the other jet system in
the spa. The second pump operates similar to the main pump and is controlled
by the “Jets 2” button on the Topside Control Panel.
4. PUMP UNION. These are used by service personnel to easily
service the pump(s).
5. HEATER UNION. These are used by service personnel to easily
service the heater.
6. OZONATOR. Your optional ozonator will operate in conjunction with your
filtration system. It will deactivate when any other control function is
manually activated and will reactivate after one hour of inactivity.
7. AIR CONTROL VALVES. These are located around the top of your spa. You
may increase or decrease the force of your jets by opening or closing the air
control valves. Typically, one dial controls the air to water ratio and mix to one
group of jets. When not in use the air controls should be kept in the closed
position, as air bubbles tend to cool the water.
There are additional available publications related to spa safety. These
documents include booklets entitled: “Children aren't Waterproof;” “Pool
and Spa Emergency Procedures for Infants and Children;” “Layers of Protection;”
and “Sensible Way to Enjoy Your Spa.” All of these publications are published
by National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI) / Association of Pool and Spa
Professionals (APSP).
GLOSSARY OF SPA TERMINOLOGY

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
HAVE YOUR ELECTRICIAN READ THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS
Electrical connections made improperly, or the use of wire gauge sizes
for incurring power which are too small, may continually blow fuses in the
electrical equipment box, may damage the internal electrical controls and
components, may be unsafe and in any case will void your warranty.
It is the responsibility of the spa owner to ensure that electrical
connections are made by a qualified electrician in accordance with the
National Electrical Code and any local and state electrical codes in force
at the time of installation.
These connections must be made in accordance with the wiring
diagrams found inside the control box. This equipment has been
designed to operate on 60Hz. alternating current only, 240 volts are
required. Make sure that power is not applied while performing any
electrical installation. A copper bonding lug has been provided on the
electrical equipment pack to allow connection to local ground points.
The ground wire must be at least 6 AWG copper wire (unless local
or state codes require a heavier gauge wire) and must be connected
securely to a grounded metal structure such as a cold water pipe. All
Fiji Spas equipment packs are wired for 240 VAC only. The only electrical
supply for your spa must include a 50 AMP switch or circuit breaker to
open all non-grounded supply conductors to comply with section 422-20
of the National Electrical Code. The disconnect must be readily accessible
to the spa occupants, but installed at least five feet from the spa. A
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must be used to comply with
section 680-42 of the National Electrical Code. A ground fault is a current
leak from any one of the supply conductors to ground. A GFCI is designed
to automatically shut off power to a piece of equipment when a current
fault is detected.
Power hook-up to the spa must be 240 volt 3 wire plus ground
(6 AWG copper).
Route the cable into the equipment area for final hook-up to terminals
inside the control panel. The spa must be hooked up to a “dedicated” 240
volt, 50 amp breaker and GFCI. The term “dedicated” means the
electrical circuit for the spa is not being used for any other electrical items
(patio lights, appliances, garage circuits, etc.). If the spa is connected to
a non-dedicated circuit, overloading will result in “nuisance tripping”
which requires resetting of the breaker switch at the house
electrical panel.
Rev. 11/07
11
Permanently Connected Equipment Assembly with Pump(s), Heaters, Luminaine,
Ozone, Spa Side Control(s) and Pump shut off device.
NOTE: Some of the above components may be optional or not available with
every spa model.

WIRING SCHEMATIC - 240 VOLT SPA HOOK-UP
12
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
50 50
50
TEST
50
1
2
3
4
5
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
BLACK (HOT)
RED (HOT)
GREEN (GROUND)
Instruments
Balboa
Incorporated
Wire Key
House Breaker Box
G.F.C.I Breaker Box
Spa System Box
Green (Ground)
Red (Hot)
Black (Hot)
White (Neutral)
NOTE: For a 240 V
dedicated hook-up, the
white neutral wire is
not required between
the G.F.C.I. and the
system box.
GRN
GRN (GROUND)
RED (HOT)
BLK (HOT)
BLK (HOT)
RED (HOT)
RED (HOT)
WHT (NEUTRAL)
WHT
WHT
BLK (HOT)
GRN (GROUND)
TB1
IDF00007.mac 6/17/97
* Actual wiring of GFCI will vary by manufacturer of GFCI. The GFCI shown is a
Square D. Improper wiring of GFCI may result in permanent damage to spa system box.
Repair / replacement of spa system box is not covered under warranty when damage
results from improper wiring.

SITE PREPARATION / GENERAL GUIDELINES
Portable spa installation is simple when properly planned. To that end, it is
important that you read the following information carefully and consult with
your Fiji Spas dealer.
1) Access - The actual dimensions of your new spa will determine the amount of
space that is needed in moving the spa from curbside to its final installation
area. Be sure to measure side yard dimensions, gates or doors and vertical
obstructions such as roof overhangs and overhead cables. Any other space
limiting obstacles such as trees or shrubs must be evaluated.
2) If the spa is being installed indoors, dimension limitations such as stairs,
ceilings and walls must be taken into consideration. Please have your
Fiji Spas dealer or delivery service review site or installation plans
prior to delivery.
3) Surface/Pad Requirements - When your new spa is filled with water and
bathers, it may weigh as much as several tons. It is imperative that the base
beneath the spa can support the actual weight. The spa must be on a
uniformly firm, continuous, and level surface. The recommended foundation
is a concrete pad with a minimum thickness of four (4) inches with steel
reinforcement bars crossed throughout the pad.
IMPORTANT
When installing your spa indoors, on a wood deck, or balcony, the same
load requirements must be met. Total load may be as much as 90 pounds per
square foot. You should speak with a qualified contractor or your local building
department to confirm that your surface is adequate for supporting a spa.
Be sure to locate your spa so that equipment remains above grade and is
not subject to flooding.
The equipment side(s) of the spa must be accessible in the event that
future service is needed. Periodical maintenance checks require entry into the
equipment bay. When possible, it is wise planning for the future to leave access
to all sides of the spa in the event your spas plumbing requires maintenance.
Your spa warranty does not cover the cost of providing access for service.
13

SITE PREPARATION / GENERAL GUIDELINES
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION
Again, proper planning will increase your total enjoyment factor with your new
spa. Listed below are some additional items to consider when planning your
installation.
• How spa will complement landscaping and vice versa
• View from inside spa and view of spa from inside of home
• Exposure to sunlight and shading from trees
• Privacy
• Getting to spa from house and return
• Proximity to dressing rooms and bathrooms
• Storage for spa chemicals
• Local building codes (if applicable)
• Power cable
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDOOR INSTALLATION
Installing your spa indoors creates an entirely different set of considerations.
With proper planning, no matter what room your spa goes in, it will be your
favorite room.
• Work with your Fiji Spas dealer and contractor to insure all local building,
electrical and plumbing codes are met
• Plan for a floor drain to drain off excess water or for draining
and cleaning your spa
• A ventilation fan may be necessary due to high humidity created by your spa
• Finished material in your spa room should also be capable of withstanding
increased humidity
14

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.) Put spa in final position that allows for access to equipment
and spa components.
2.) Remove front side panel (This is the side where
the main topside control panel is located) so
electrical can be hooked up to the spa system pack.
Panels are removed by unscrewing the screws in the
corner sections and side panels (using #2 square bit).
Using a phillilps screwdriver may result in stripping
of the screw.
3.) Fill spa at least 1" above filter. We recommend filling
the spa through the filter area.
4.) Turn the power on to the spa. Spa will go through its priming mode.
This lasts approximately 5 minutes.
5.) It may be necessary to bleed air from the motor(s) on your spa if, after start
up, your spa pumps do not operate.
Due to the nature of water flow and hydro-therapy pumps, please be advised
that air locking of pumps may occur. Fiji Spas has taken measures to reduce
the possibility of this, but it still may occur, especially after refilling
a spa. This is not a service covered under warranty.
To relieve an airlock situation, loosen the union (see picture) on the discharge
of the pump (the end of the pump that water is being pushed through).
Water should leak out. Tighten the union and test the pump for proper jet
flow. If needed repeat process.
6.) Adjust water chemistry according to the instructions provided in the
“Spa Water Maintenance Section” (page 19).
7.) Your spa water will heat approximately 5° - 8° per hour, for all 240V spas.
This varies depending on the size of the spa. Step into the soothing waters
of your new Fiji Spa!
RELAX AND ENJOY.
15
Pump Union
Airlock

WATER CHEMISTRY TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Before jumping into the Spa Water Maintenance, here are some terms to help you.
1. Parts per million, or ppm: This is a form of measurement used in most pool
or spa chemical readings. Best described as any one million like items of equal
size and make up, next to one unlike item , but of equal size. This would be
one part per million.
2. Average size spa: What is it? The national spa and pool institute (NSPI)
states; 350 to 400 U.S. gallons is average. As a general rule, chemical dosages
are the same for any spa between 100 and 500 U.S. gallons. Spas over 500
U.S. gallons the dosage would be double. Under 100 U.S. gallons would be
on a case by case basis.
3. Total Alkalinity: This is a measurement of the ability of the water to resist
changes in pH. Put another way, it is the water’s ability to maintain proper
pH. Total alkalinity is measured in parts per million from 0 to 400 plus, with
80 to 150 ppm being the best range for spas. With low alkalinity, the pH will
flip, or change back and forth, and be hard to control. With high alkalinity it
becomes extremely difficult to change the pH.
4. pH or potential hydrogen: This is a measurement of the active acidity in the
water, or it is the measurement of the concentration of active hydrogen ions
in the water. The greater the concentration of active hydrogen ions, the lower
the pH. pH is not measured in parts per million, but on a scale from 0 to 14,
with 7 being the neutral. In spas when ever possible, a measurement between
7.2 and 7.8 is best. Whenever possible, it should be between 7.4 and 7.6. With
low pH, the results can be corroded metals, etched and stained plaster, stained
fiberglass or acrylic, eye / skin irritation, rapid chlorine or bromine loss, and
total alkalinity destruction. With high pH, the results can be cloudy water, eye
/ skin irritation, scale formation and poor chlorine or bromine efficiency.
5. Shocking: This is when you add either extra chlorine (superchlorinate)
by raising the chlorine level above 8 ppm, or add a non-chlorine shock
(potassium monoperoxysulfate or potassium monopersulfate) to burn off the
chloramines or bromamines. A non-chlorine shock acts by releasing oxygen
in the water, which serves the same function as chlorine. The advantage to
using non-chlorine shock, is you can enter the water within 15 minutes after
shocking. Using chlorine, you must wait until the total chlorine reading is
below 5 ppm. One thing to remember, a non-chlorine shock will not kill
bacteria or disinfect.
6. Sequestering: This can be defined as the ability to form a chemical
complex which remains in solution, despite the presence of a precipitating
agent (i.e. calcium and metals). Common names for sequestering chemicals
are; minquest, stain and scale control, metal-x, spa defender, spa metal
gone, (etc.).
16

WATER CHEMISTRY TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Before jumping into the Spa Water Maintenance, here are some terms to help you.
7. Filtration: Filters are necessary to remove particles of dust, dirt, algae, etc.
that are continuously entering the water. If the spa is not operated long
enough each day for the filter to do a proper job, this puts a burden on the
chemicals, causing extra expense. Filtration time will depend on the spa size,
pump and filter size, and of course, bather load. A spare cartridge should be
kept on hand to make it easy to frequently clean the cartridge without the
need for a long shut down. This will also allow the cartridge to dry out
between usages, which will increase the cartridge life span as much as twice.
Replace the cartridge when the pleats begin to deteriorate. Cartridge cleaning
should be done a minimum of once a month. More often with a heavy bather
load.
8. Sanitizers: This is what kills the germs and bacteria that enter the water from
the environment and the human body.
A. Chlorine
1. Only one type is good for spa use
a. Sodium dichlor which is a granule, fast dissolving, and pH neutral
2. Chlorine is an immediate sanitizer.
B. Bromine
1. Two types of tablets.
a. Hydrotech
b. Lonza
2. Bromine is a slow dissolve chemical and may take a few days to
develop a reserve or reading in the water.
9. Total dissolved solids (TDS): Materials that have been dissolved by the water.
i.e. Like what happens when you put sugar in coffee or tea.
10. Useful life of water (in days): Water should be drained at least once every
180 days. Useful life may vary by usage and bather load.
11. Defoamer: Foaming may be caused by body oils, cosmetics, lotions, surface
cleaners, high pH or algeacides as well as other organic materials. Low
levels of calcium or sanitizer can also cause foaming. Also, double rinse
your bathing suits as they will hold residual soap after being washed.
12. Calcium hardness: Water that is too hard (over 250 ppm) can promote scale
formation in components and on spa surface. Water that is too low (below
180 ppm) may also shorten the life of metal components on the spa.
NOTE: Always leave spa cover open for 15 min. after adding chemicals
to prevent off gas from damaging your spa cover, spa pillows, and other
critical parts.
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WATER QUALITY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
BEFORE EACH USE - Check spa water with a test strip for proper sanitation
levels and adjust accordingly to the proper levels.
ONCE A WEEK - Add 3 Tablespoons of a non-chlorine shock or
1 teaspoon of Dichlor to spa per 250 gallons.
3 TIMES A WEEK - Test water using chemical test strips. Adjust sanitizer,
pH and Alkalinity accordingly.
ONCE A MONTH* - Soak your filter element overnight in a bucket with
spa Filter Cleaner and then rinse with clean water
before re-inserting.
EVERY 180 DAYS - Drain and refill your spa. Repeat start up procedure.
AFTER EACH USE - Add 1 tablespoon of non-chlorine shock or 1/3
teaspoon of Dichlor to spa per 250 gallons.
AS NEEDED - If water looks hazy, shock treat with 1 teaspoon of
Dichlor per 500 gallons.
* These are general recommendations for water quality maintenance that
may vary by usage and or bather load. Depending on bather load and
frequency of use, drain and refill times may vary as well as the frequency
of cleaning your filters.
* Foam Gone may be used when excessive foaming occurs. Be sure to use
only a drop or two at a time. Over use of Foam Gone will result in cloudy,
milky water.
NOTE:
As an alternative to non chlorine shock, Dichlor may be substituted.
1 tsp. Dichlor = 3 tablespoons of non chlorine shock
USE ONLY SPA CHEMICALS
(some pool chemicals are not suitable for spa use).
* when cleaning filters, be sure to never have the pump(s) running without
the filter in place. Failure to do so may result in debris in the pumps causing
unwarranted damage.
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