9
FILLING, CHECKING AND STARTING YOUR SWIM SPA
CHECKING
Although your swim spa was thoroughly water-tested in the
factory, some loosening of fittings can occur during shipping.
Before any decking, tiling or carpeting is completed around
the installation, fill and operate your hot tub to test for leaks
(this ensures easy access and inexpensive correction).
Check all union connections and plumbing for minor leaks.
In the event of a leak, ensure all union connections and
pump plugs are tight and all o-rings/gaskets are in place.
Also check the tightening of the screws and all the electrical
connections which could loosen during shipping.
STARTING
Before applying voltage to power-up your swim spa, it is
very important that you understand the sequence of events
that occur when the system is activated in order that the
pump can be primed efficiently and damage to the system
can be avoided.
• Turn the main power “on” at your electrical panel.
• Follow the control instructions for your particular model
swim spa to put the pump into low speed.
See section THERMOSPAS CONTROL SYSTEMS
PUMP PRIMING/RELEASING AN AIR LOCK
• On some systems a message will appear on the display
indicating that the system is in PUMP PRIMING MODE.
This mode will last for 4 to 5 minutes before automatically
entering the normal operation mode. See complete details
for your spa in section THERMOSPAS CONTROL
SYSTEMS.
When the pump is located below water level, the water
should start circulating immediately. If the motor works but if
you do not notice water circulation within the first 15
seconds, the pump may require priming due to trapped air
(referred to as an ‘air lock’). To prime (inset 2), open the
hose-bib to allow trapped air to escape. Close as soon as
the water flow from the jets becomes regular. If the pumps
have not primed after 2 minutes, and water is not flowing
from the jets, DO NOT allow the pumps to continue to run.
Turn power off at the main house panel (or GFCI) and try
releasing the air again by loosening the union on the
discharge side of the pump(s) while the motor is not running.
Turn the power back on. If the pump(s) does not prime after
15 seconds, sometimes momentarily turning the pump(s) off
and on will help the system to prime (note: do not do this
more than 5 times). Repeat if necessary.
• Important: Under NO circumstances should the pump(s)
be allowed to operate without priming beyond 5 minutes, as
this may not only cause unwarrantable damage to the pump,
it may also cause the control system to go into an overheat
condition.
Definition: ‘Priming’ a pump is a term used to describe the
process in which air trapped in the plumbing and pump
wetend (referred to as an ‘air lock’) is released, allowing the
pump to move water efficiently through the plumbing system
and to the jets.
FILLING
• When adding water for the first time, the swim spa should
be filled through the skimmer opening (helps to prevent air
locks) using a standard garden hose, turning the tap on
slowly to prevent damage to the surface by a jerking hose
connection.
• Pull up the handles on the intake and return gate valves and
clip on the stem locks. (handles are pulled up when valves
are open and pushed down when valves are closed).
• Ensure the drain valve is closed.
• Ensure that all jets are open.
• Fill the swim spa to the recommended level as indicated.
PROPER WATER LEVEL