GLOSSARY OF SPA TERMINOLOGY
| NAME | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| THERAPY JETS | Located throughout the spa to offer a variety of therapy combinations. |
| NECK JETS (if equipped) | Three jets located on the neck & shoulders seat, above the normal water level to provide massaging action to the back of the neck. |
| SHOULDER JETS (if equipped) | Three jets located on the neck & shoulders seat, above the normal water level to provide massaging action to the shoulders. |
| MASTER BLASTER® FOOT THERAPY JET (if equipped) | Large jet with several fixed nozzles located in the bottom of the spa near the floor to provide excellent massage to the feet. |
| JET DIVERTER VALVE* (if equipped) | Located on the top flange of the spa, this large valve physically diverts the flow of water from one group of jets to another. Be sure that no sand or particles are brought into the spa as they will cause the diverter to seize up. It is best to turn the diverter valve only when the pump is turned off. |
| WATER FEATURE VALVE* (if equipped) | Located on the top flange of the spa, this smaller valve adjusts water flow to the waterfalls and/or water features in your spa. NOTE: When the spa is not in use, this valve should be turned mostly shut (not completely shut) to prevent the water features from allowing water to hit the cover while it is closed. If left mostly open, water may hit the cover and possibly run out of the spa causing water loss. |
| 3-WAY DIVERTER JET* (if equipped, Getaway Hot Tubs) | This large jet can turn 180 degrees to 3 different points and diverts the flow of water from one group of jets to another. With the pump turned off, twist the face of this jet 1/4 turn at a time clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust. |
| AIR CONTROL VALVE* | These smaller valves 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. Each air control valve will typically function 1 to 2 groups or seats of jets in the spa. When not in use the air controls should be kept in the closed position as the air being introduced into the water can tend to cool the water and increase the dissipation rate of sanitizer levels. *NOTE: See Pump Diagrams in the back of your manual for location of valves, controls, and jets. |
| TOPSIDE CONTROL PANEL | You may safely control spa functions from inside or outside your spa using the Topside Control Panel. This panel is used to control the water temperature, pumps, the spa light, automatic filtration cycles and other advanced functions. The digital display will give you a constant temperature readout and will notify you in case of certain malfunctions. Several user programmable functions are also available. |
| PERSONAL REMOTE CONTROL* (if equipped) | Select spa models may have an additional remote which allows the user to control the jet therapy while remaining in the seat (if applicable). By pressing the control one time, you will activate the pump. Press again for high speed and again to turn it off. |
| ACCESS PANELS | These are the skirt panels located around all four sides of the spa. All the skirt panels are removable should service be required. Master Spas recommends at least 3 feet of access be provided around the spa. |
| EQUIPMENT ACCESS PANEL | This is the “Front” or “A” side skirt access panel, typically the same side as the Topside Control Panel. This area houses most components responsible for the spa’s operation. These components include the pumps, heater, spa control system, ozonator (if equipped), and LED light system (if equipped). Pump and equipment placement may vary by model. |
| FILTER LID | This lid fits over the filter area and weir gate to cover the filters. Remove filter lid to access filters for maintenance. For models equipped with a telescoping filter housing, simply lift up to remove this floating assembly to access the filter. At low-speed water flow or when the filtering/heating pump is off, the telescoping part of the filter assembly will float at or near the waterline. At high-speed water flow, it will be drawn downward. See Accessing Filters in the Regular Maintenance Procedures section for detailed instructions on filter assemblies. |
| WEIR GATE | The weir gate is the horizontal door located in front of the filters that helps keep debris trapped in the filter area. |
| SPA CONTROL SYSTEM | This houses the wiring and electrical components necessary to operate the spa. |
| SPA HEATER | This is an electric heater housed in a stainless-steel tube. It is thermostatically controlled and equipped with high-limit temperature safety shut-off sensors. |
| SLICE VALVES | These valves are used by service personnel to shut off water to the heating system (heater and pump plumbed to the heater) so that the spa water does not need to be drained if the spa requires service to the heating system (varies by model). NOTE: Slice valves must be completely open during normal operations. |
| MAIN THERAPY PUMP | This produces water flow through the main jets in the spa. The first pump may be operated at two speeds (varied by model). Low speed (if applicable) will produce efficient water circulation during filtration, heating of the spa water, and gentle jet action. High speed provides maximum jet action. The main pump is controlled by the “Jets” or “Jets I” button on the Topside Control Panel. |
| SECONDARY THERAPY PUMP (if equipped) | This produces water flow through 1 to 2 groups or seats of jets in the spa. The second pump operates like the main pump and is controlled by the “Jets 2” or “Aux” button on the Topside Control Panel. |
| THIRD THERAPY PUMP (if equipped) | This produces water flow through 1 to 2 groups or seats of jets in the spa. This is controlled by the “Jets 3” button on the Topside Control Panel. |
| CIRCULATION PUMP (if equipped) | This produces water flow through the heater in the spa and provides the water flow necessary to actuate the ozone injector. This smaller energy efficient pump is used for filtration and heating instead of utilizing the high-power main therapy pump. |
| PUMP UNION | This connects the plumping and pump together. These are used to help relieve possible pump air locks or for service personnel to easily service the pumps. |
| HEATER UNION | This is the 2” black split nut union located beneath the control pack and at both ends of the heater. These are used by service personnel to easily service the heater. |
GLOSSARY OF SWIM SPA TERMINOLOGY
| NAME | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| THERAPY JETS | Located throughout the swim spa to offer a variety of therapy combinations. |
| NECK JETS (if equipped) | Three jets located on the neck & shoulders seat on the spa side, above the normal water level to provide massaging action to the back of the neck. |
| SHOULDER JETS (if equipped) | Three jets located on the neck & shoulders seat on the spa side, above the normal water level to provide massaging action to the shoulders. |
| MASTER BLASTER® FOOT THERAPY JET (if equipped) | Large jet with several fixed nozzles located in the bottom of the swim spa near the floor to provide excellent massage to the feet. |
| JET DIVERTER VALVE* (if equipped) | Located on the top flange of the swim spa, this large valve physically diverts the flow of water from one group of jets to another. Be sure that no sand or particles are brought into the swim spa as they will cause the diverter to seize up. It is best to turn the diverter valve only when the pump is turned off. |
| WATER FEATURE VALVE* (if equipped) | Located on the top flange of the swim spa, this smaller valve adjusts water flow to the waterfalls and/or water features in your swim spa. NOTE: When the swim spa is not in use, this valve should be turned mostly shut (not completely shut) to prevent the water features from allowing water to hit the cover while it is closed. If left mostly open, water may hit the cover and possibly run out of the swim spa causing water loss. |
| AIR CONTROL VALVE* | These smaller valves are located around the top of your swim spa. You may increase or decrease the force of your jets by opening or closing the air control valves. Each air control valve will typically function 1 to 2 groups or seats of jets in the swim spa. When not in use, the air controls should be kept in the closed position as the air being introduced into the water can tend to cool the water and increase the dissipation rate of sanitizer levels. |
| TOPSIDE CONTROL PANEL* | You may safely control swim spa functions from inside or outside your swim spa using the Topside Control Panel. This panel is used to control the water temperature, pumps, the swim spa light, automatic filtration cycles, and other advanced functions. The digital display will give you a constant temperature readout and will notify you in case of certain malfunctions. Several user-programmable functions are also available. |
| AUXILIARY BUTTON/PERSONAL KEYPAD CONTROL* (if equipped) | Some swim spa models may have an additional button/keypad which allows the user to control components of the swim spa while being away from the main panel. |
| ACCESS PANELS | These are the skirt panels located around all four sides of the swim spa. All the skirt panels are removable should service be required. Master Spas recommends at least 3 feet of space be provided around the swim spa. |
| EQUIPMENT ACCESS PANEL | This is the skirt panel located on the spa end of the swim spa. This area houses most components responsible for the swim spa’s operation. This includes the pumps, heater, swim spa control system, ozonator (if equipped), and LED light system (if equipped). Pump and equipment placement may vary by model. NOTE: On Challenger 18D Pro models, equipment will be found underneath the skirt panel of the propulsion end. |
| FILTER LID | This lid fits over the filter area and weir gate to cover the filters. Remove filter lid to access filters for maintenance. For models equipped with a telescoping filter housing, simply lift up to remove this floating assembly to access the filter. At low-speed water flow or when the filtering/heating pump is off, the telescoping part of the filter assembly will float at or near the waterline. At high-speed water flow, it will be drawn downward. See Accessing Filters in the Regular Maintenance Procedures section for detailed instructions on filter assemblies. |
| WEIR GATE | The weir gate is the horizontal door located in front of the filters that helps keep debris trapped in the filter area. |
| SWIM SPA CONTROL SYSTEM | This houses the wiring and electrical components necessary to operate the swim spa. |
| SWIM SPA HEATER | This is an electric heater housed in a stainless-steel tube. It is thermostatically controlled and equipped with high-limit temperature safety shut-off sensors. |
| SLICE VALVES | These valves are used by service personnel to shut off water to the heating system (heater and pump plumbed to the heater) so that the swim spa water does not need to be drained if the swim spa requires service to the heating system (varies by model). NOTE: Slice valves must be completely open during normal operations. |
| MAIN THERAPY PUMP | This produces water flow through the main jets in the swim spa. The first pump may be operated at two speeds (varied by model). Low speed (if applicable) will produce efficient water circulation during filtration, heating the swim spa water, and gentle jet action. High speed provides maximum jet action. The main pump is controlled by the “Jets” or “Jets 1” button on the Topside Control Panel. |
| SECONDARY THERAPY PUMP | This produces water flow through 1 to 2 groups or seats of jets in the swim spa. The second pump operates similarly to the main pump and is controlled by the “Jets 2” or “Aux” button on the Topside Control Panel. |
| THIRD THERAPY PUMP (if equipped) | This produces water flow through 1 to 2 groups or seats of jets in the swim spa. This is controlled by the “Jets 3” button on the Topside Control Panel. |
| CIRCULATION PUMP (if equipped) | This produces water flow through the heater in the swim spa and provides the water flow necessary to actuate the ozone injector. This smaller energy-efficient pump is used for filtration and heating instead of utilizing the high-powered main therapy pump. |
| PUMP UNION | This connects the plumbing and pump together. These are used to help relieve possible pump air locks or for service personnel to easily service the pumps. |
| HEATER UNION | This is the 2” black split nut union located beneath the control pack and at both ends of the heater. These are used by service personnel to easily service the heater. |
| SWIM SPA LIGHT | The on/off control for the lighting in your swim spa is located on the topside control panel near the therapy seats. |
| EXERCISE/SWIM JETS (H2X Swim Spas) | These large jets are grouped at the end of your swim spa to offer water flow for exercising against. A jet diverter valve may control the flow for these jets. |
| SWIM SPA JUNCTION BOX (MP Swim Spa Only) | The internal junction box for connecting your electrical service(s) to the swim spa is located behind and accessible by removing two of the access panels. Standing behind the spa, it will be the 7’ 10” panel behind the spa and the panel directly to the left of the spa on the long side. |
| PROPULSION SYSTEM ACCESS (MP Swim Spa Only) | The propulsion control system of the MP Swim Spas is located directly behind the propulsion system. The propulsion motor, propulsion control pack, and pulleys for the system are in this area. |
| PROPULSION SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL (MP Swim Spa & H2X Challenger Models Only) | You may safely control the speed of the propulsion system or variable speed swim jets from the inside of your swim spa by using the touchscreen control panel mounted in the swim area. This control panel is used to turn the water flow for exercising on and off and to adjust the intensity. This control panel may be safely used from inside or outside of the swim spa to adjust the water flow. |
GLOSSARY OF WATER CARE TERMINOLOGY
| NAME | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| PARTS PER MILLION (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. |
| TOTAL ALKALINITY | Measures substances in your water such as hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates. When at the proper levels, these elements keep your water from clouding and growing bacteria, as well as prevent the inner workings of your hot tub from deteriorating or forming scale. TA also helps to stabilize pH. The higher the TA level (if it is within the recommended range), the less likely the pH is to change. With low alkalinity, the pH will fluctuate and be harder to control. With high alkalinity, it becomes extremely difficult to change the pH. |
| PH OR POTENTIAL HYDROGEN | This indicates the acidity or basicity of the water. The goal is to have a neutral, stable pH to prevent spa damage and unhealthy conditions. Low pH levels can corrode metals, etch or stain fiberglass or acrylic, cause unsanitary conditions that irritate the eyes or skin and destruct the total alkalinity of the water. High pH can cause cloudy water, eye or skin irritation, scale formation and poor chlorine or bromine efficiency. Note that the chemicals you are using to sanitize and clean your hot tub can also lower or raise the pH level in the water. Unfortunately, there are lots of variables to prevent high pH in your hot tub. |
| SHOCKING | By shocking the water in your hot tub, you remove organic compounds from the water, kill bacteria, remove bromamines or chloramines and reactivate the bromides in the spa for cleaner water. You should shock your water once a week, after heavy bathing use or any time free chlorine levels test lower than total chlorine levels. To do this, either add oxidizer/non-chlorine shock to burn off the chloramines or add extra chlorine to raise the chlorine level. Oxidizer/non-chlorine shock acts by releasing oxygen in the water, which serves a similar function as chlorine. An advantage to using this type of shock is that the water is safe to enter after 15 minutes of application and excessive sanitizer (chlorine) levels do not occur. However, an oxidizer/non-chlorine shock doesn’t disinfect the water for bacteria. If you use chlorine to shock, you must wait until the total chlorine reading is at a level safe to reenter the water. |
| 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). If the minerals and metals in water are not sequestered, they can cause a reaction, turning the water brown, red, orange or green depending on the minerals and metals present in your water. It is important to add a sequestering agent when adding water to your spa and even on a regular basis (if bottle instructions recommend doing so). Common names for sequestering chemicals are: minquest, stain and scale control, metal-x, spa defender, spa metal gon, etc. |
| 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 water capacity, pump and filter size and, of course, bather load. Spare filter cartridges 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 at least once a month. More often with a heavy bather load. See Cleaning Your Filter Elements in the Regular Maintenance section. |
| SANITIZERS | Germs and bacteria enter the water from the environment and the human body; a sanitizer keeps the water balanced and safe to use. Either chlorine or bromine can be used as a sanitizer to create a healthy water environment. The two most popular sanitizers for a spa are granulated chlorine or bromine tabs. NOTE: Bromine use is not recommended with EcoPur® filters as it can hinder being able to maintain proper reserve/residual levels for maintaining sanitary conditions. WARNING: Nonslip, Comfort Floor System mats are not compatible with bromine and will result in unwarranted deterioration of the material. Do not use bromine if your spa is equipped with these mats. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| DEFOAMER | A chemical used to temporarily reduce foaming. Causes of foaming include body oils, cosmetics, lotions, surface cleaners, high pH or algae, as well as other organic materials. Low levels of calcium or sanitizer can also cause increased foaming. Note that you may need to physically remove the foam and/or drain all or part of your water to remove or dilute the causes of the foam. |
| CALCIUM HARDNESS | This measurement tells you how much magnesium and calcium are in your water. However, calcium hardness can react with all the chemicals, bacteria, dirt and other substances that your water dissolves and get thrown out of balance. Just like the other elements, calcium levels must remain balanced and need to be monitored, or you run the risk of metal deterioration, water foaming or clouding and scale formation at the surface of your water. |
| BIOFILM | This is any group of microorganisms in which cells stick to each other and often these cells adhere to a surface (i.e. spa plumbing and shell). Biofilm can occur over time during the use of your spa. |