Aqua Tower Owner s Manual 1-800-659-0790
Table of Contents Introduction. 2 Safety Rules and Information..... 3 Tower Overview. 7 Assembling Your Aqua Tower........ 8 How to Launch...17 Cleaning and Storage......21 Repairs........ 23 Warranty Information...... 25 Contents in 3 boxes: Main tower tube (1) Central climbing tube (2) Central climbing cover (1) 20 ft. Launch tube (1) PVC connection pins (13) Side curtains (2) Ball bungee short (10) 20 Shock cord ass y (3) 12 Shock cord ass y (2) 38 Straps w/ two clips (2) 96 Straps w/ one clip (4) 42 Buckle strap (2) 150 Buckle strap (2) Boarding ladder (1) Anchor Connector Kits (6) High Volume Inflator (1) Spare Shock Cords (5) Inflation Adapter (1) Repair Kits (3) Owners Manual (1) Warranty Card (1) Please make sure you have received the contents listed, then record the following information for future reference: Product Serial Number: Date Purchased: Purchased from: Copyright All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Requests should be mailed to RAVE Sports, Inc., 3325 Labore Rd., St. Paul, MN 55110. 1
Introduction Water sports can be safe and fun for all levels of enthusiasts. The Owner s Manual is presented to enhance your enjoyment of the sport. It is intended to alert you to some of the potentially dangerous conditions that can arise in all water sports. Please take a few minutes to read this manual before assembling and using the product. Although the product is simple to use, this manual contains important safety information that you and all users must understand to safely enjoy the Aqua Tower. If you have any questions regarding this product, please call RAVE Sports at 1-800-659-0790. Please have the serial number from your product ready when you call.! W A R N I N G UNSAFE USE OF THE AQUA TOWER CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. To reduce the risk of injury, read and follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. Do not use this product unless you understand and accept the risk of injury involved with this activity. 2
Safety Rules and Information Read and understand all of the information contained in this owner s manual before assembling and using your product. Make sure that everyone who uses the product is provided with and understands these safety rules and information. The Aqua Tower is designed to be used only in large bodies of water in a depth of at least 10 feet of water. Do not use or allow anyone else to use the product on land or any other hard surface or in swimming pools. Consider the height and weight of the users of the Aqua Tower, as well as the activities performed on the Aqua Tower when you are selecting a safe location. Always maintain a safe distance between the Aqua Tower and any dock, platform, boat or pier. Choose a location for your product that is most protected from wind, is of sufficient water depth, and free of obstructions. Always anchor the Aqua Tower securely before it is used. Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III (PFD) vest when using the product. Never use the product after sunset, before dawn, or any other time in poor lighting conditions. Never use the product in rough surface water conditions, during storms, or when there is lightning. If an unexpected storm arises while using the product, seek shelter on shore. Do not stay on the product. Never use the product under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always stay under control while using the product. 3
Do not allow more than two people on the Aqua Tower deck, one person on the Launch bag and one person climbing on the Aqua Tower at one time. Never dive off of the Aqua Tower head first or jump off the product. This could result in serious injury to the jumper and/or swimmers around the product. Never use the product while tired or fatigued. Use extreme caution while swimming between the shore and the product. Do not attempt to swim this distance if you are tired, fatigued or if you are unsure of your ability to swim this distance. Never swim or play under the Aqua Tower. Always inspect the areas around and under the product before each use to ensure the water is deep enough and free of all rocks, logs, sand bars, and underwater obstructions and that the product is a safe distance from above water hard objects. Ask about local water conditions before using the product in unfamiliar water. When not in use, secure the product against unauthorized or unsupervised use. Periodically inspect your product for any loose, worn, defective, or missing parts. Correct before using. Do not slide head first or attempt other acrobatic maneuvers on the product. Use the Aqua Tower only under mature, knowledgeable adult supervision. To provide maximum control and supervision of activity on this product, we recommend positioning a supervisor at the top of the Aqua Tower at all times. This will provide the best sight lines to the water all around the product to ensure the coast is clear for the next 4
person being launched. This person should also manage the flow of people up the tower and ensure proper use of the product. Allow only one person other than this supervisor on the top of the tower and one person climbing the tower at a time. Due to wet conditions, climbers may sometimes slip when ascending the tower. Persons waiting to climb the tower should stay clear of the boarding area and should look upward until they see the previous climber successfully make it to the top. Do not exceed 500 lbs. at the top of the tower, 700 lbs. total including climber. Do not lean against side curtains. They are only meant to be barriers to prevent people from jumping from these locations and are not designed to support significant loads. Always have side curtains in place at the top of the tower unless a slide or other activity attachment is in place in those openings. Use caution when climbing and while at the top of the tower to prevent slipping and falling. Not recommended for children under age six. DO NOT OVER-INFLATE. Over inflation can cause seam rupture. Check air pressure within the tubes periodically throughout the day and adjust as necessary to maintain proper pressure. Ensure the structural tubes of the tower are equally inflated and firm before using. DO NOT USE IF THE TOWER IS SOFT AND UNSTABLE. 5
! C A U T I O N DO NOT OVER-INFLATE. Do not exceed 2 PSI if filling with compressed air. Excessive pressure can cause the tube to rupture with potentially damaging force to eyes, ears, skin and limbs. Use of an air compressor or over-inflation can rupture the tube beyond repair, thus voiding the warranty.! W A R N I N G Due to wet conditions, climbers may sometimes slip when ascending the tower. To avoid being struck by a falling climber, persons waiting to climb the tower should stay clear of the boarding area and should look upward until they see the previous climber successfully make it to the top. 6
Aqua Tower Overview Center Climb Section Optional Slide accessory Main Tower tube Side Curtains Launch tube (bag) 7
Assembling Your Aqua Tower Step 1: Unpack and unroll main tower tube. Locate one of the two valves on the ends of the main tube. Inflate fully with the RAVE Sports Hurricane inflator / deflator (supplied) and stand upright on flat ground. OPEN CLOSE To open valve, depress stem and rotate clockwise. To close valve, depress stem and rotate counter-clockwise. The valve stem should be in the depressed position while inflating. Once inflation is complete, remove the inflator and quickly close the valve to avoid loss of pressure. Step 2: Lay out climbing cover upside down (blue climbing blocks are face down) on ground and make sure all straps are layed to the outside of the cover. Unroll both center climbing tubes and lay in cover with tube seams and valves pointing upward, and the D-rings to the outside. NOTE: The tips of the longest legs (with the valves) should fit into the pocket end of the cover. Install the three pins and retaining clips to lock the tubes together. Partially inflate both tubes, alternating inflation between the two tubes to keep them even. 8
Pull the back of the cover up and around the tubes. Loosely attach the straps around the tubes. Do not tighten yet. Stand upright and adjust position of the cover on the tubes. NOTE: The corner seams of the cover should line up with the corner seams of the tubes and the rings & pin mounts on the outer tubes should line up and protrude through the cutouts in the cover. Inflate fully and tighten the straps. NOTE: The cover is difficult to adjust when the tubes are fully inflated. If needed, let some air out of the tubes, adjust the cover position, then re-inflate. When properly set up, this section should stand vertically (not leaning to one side), the corner seams of the cover are aligned with the corner seams of the tubes, the cover is stretched smooth and taught and evenly spaced across both tubes. Step 3: Insert center section into main tower. NOTE: The vertical leg of the center section fits between the uprights and the inclined end fits over the bottom cross tube of the main tower tube. 9
Align the pin mounts so they fit together like the hinge on a door. Insert the bottom four pins between the center section and main tower tubes. For all pins: Place pin into mount so the tether line is coming straight out at you. This will orient the holes in the pin for easy clip insertion in the bottom of the pin. Insert clips onto pins, ensuring both ends of the clip are securely inserted into the holes on both sides of the pin. NOTE: The head of the pin should be on top for all vertically oriented pins. If you have trouble aligning the pin mounts, let a little air out of the tubes to adjust. Wrap both straps of the vertical cover section around the outer tubes and buckle together on the inside of the structure. Ensure the straps are running nice and horizontal to the ground and each other. Align the mounts and pull straps taught to draw the tubes and mounts together. Insert the top four pins of the vertical tube connection and securely install their corresponding retaining clips. Grab the four 96 long straps having a brass clip at one end. Climb to the top of the tower and attach brass clip end to the large D-rings on the outward sides of the center section tubes. 10
Note: Connect both straps with black buckles on the same side of the tower and the two plain-end straps on the other side. Wrap the ends of the straps around the outermost tubes and buckle together underneath the upper deck. Ensure both straps are running straight and parallel with each other. Insert the remaining two pins into the mounts on the underside of the upper deck and lock in place with their corresponding clips. Check inflation pressure of all tubes to ensure they are good and firm. Add air if necessary. Tighten all straps. Step 4: Attach the two 42 long buckle straps between climbing cover and main tower on both sides and tighten. Run the long (150 ) buckle strap between rings on the main tower vertical tubes and across the underside of the climbing tubes. Pull taught. Locate the two 38 long straps with brass clips at both ends. Clip both straps between the rings at the base of the tower. Secure all loose strap ends by tucking them between the tube and strap or tying back to itself. 11
Important: Check all of these straps periodically during use of the Aqua Tower to ensure they haven t come loose or been tampered with. Step 5: Attach side curtains to the top of the Tower using short bungee cords. First insert the bungee through the mount and pull till the ball rests on the mount. Feed bungee through grommet on the net and hook back onto the ball. Repeat for all 5 attachment points on each side curtain. NOTE: The ball end must be tight against the mount to ensure it remains securely fastened. Step 6: Carry (DO NOT DRAG) the unit to shallow water using the four handles provided. Step 7: Roll out and inflate Launch bag. Inflate until tip of side gauge straps are just touching the ground. Carry (DO NOT DRAG) to the water. Attach Launch bag to Tower while floating it in shallow water. Attaching Launch bag to tower: Run one long (150 ) strap through both lower rings on the rear of the Launch bag. 12
Feed ends of strap between outer most upright tubes of the Launch tower and base, immediately below the pinned connection. Buckle together on the inside of the tower and pull strap tight. Attach the three long shock cords between the rings on the Launch apron and upper rings on tower. Note: Orient the cords so the sewn end of the Long nylon outer sleeve is towards the upper ring and the open end is towards the apron. Attach the remaining two short shock cords between the rings on the Launch and Tower tubes making sure the open end of the sleeve is again oriented towards the Launch bag. Ensure the nuts on the shock cord quick links are closed securely, the lower portion of the shock cord sleeves are pulled down over the lower links and the safety covers are fully covering the upper three shock cord connection rings and links. Note: extra shock cords are provided with your Tower. Inspect periodically and replace if worn or damaged. Step 8: Attach ladder by clipping onto bottom rings of the climbing cover. Step 9: Slowly tow to desired position on the water where there is a minimum of 10 feet water depth. Short 13
Step 10: Anchoring There are four anchor rings on the bottom of each outer-most corner of the tower. Orient the Tower so the Launch bag is pointing towards the deepest water. Elastic shock lines (included) are important to absorb vertical motion caused by waves and play on the product. This will reduce the stress on your anchors and help keep them in place. Adjust anchor line length so there is a slight pretension on the elastic bungees. Use a land screw or other permanent anchoring system on one of the corners on the climbing side of the tower and a minimum of 80 lbs. of anchor weight on the other three corners of the tower. Use two more anchors and shock cords at the far end of the launch. Orient the anchor lines downward and slightly outward in the directions shown. Adjust length of the anchor lines until there is a slight tension on each line (no slack). Do not tie off product using ropes and/or lines extending horizontally across the surface of the water. 14
WARNING: To avoid injury, make sure anchor lines are not extending into areas where participants will be entering the water. Anchor lines should be oriented as vertical as possible to minimize accidental contact by the users. Do not allow users of the product to hold onto the anchor lines while the product is in use. When not in use, or if you anticipate high winds, pull the Aqua Tower into protected water near shore. You can also disconnect all but the permanent anchor line to allow the tower to pivot diagonally into the wind, minimizing the wind forces against it.! WARNING Once on the water, it is normal for the air pressure within the inflated tubes to fluctuate depending on air and water temperatures. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO INCREASE OR DECREASE THE AIR PRESSURE IN YOUR PRODUCT ACCORDINGLY. To avoid damage on extremely hot days, it may be necessary to check and release air pressure as needed throughout the day. 15
! WARNING DO NOT USE IF PRODUCT IS UNDER OR OVER INFLATED. An under inflated tower will be unstable and could tip under sudden weight shifts of the users. An over inflated product could rupture in the heat of the sun, causing sudden release of air and subsequent instability of the structure. Maintain 1-2 PSI internal air pressure for proper operation. 16
How to Launch Step 1: Have supervisor or Life Guard stationed on the top deck of the Aqua Tower at all times. Step 2: Make sure a Coast Guard approved PFD is worn by all people using the Aqua Tower. Step 3: Allow only one other person other than the supervisor on the deck of the tower and one person climbing the tower at a time. Step 4: ALWAYS land on the Launch in a seated position with feet forward or legs crossed. Never allow feet or head first landing on the Launch bag. Have the Launchee jump or drop down from upper deck of Tower, seat first, and crawl out to the end of the Launch until their seat is beyond the blue line. Sit with feet out towards the water and back towards the tower. Get as close to the end of the Launch bag as possible to ensure that you are launched outward as well as upward. WARNING: Failure to position the launchee far enough towards the tip of the Launch bag could result in the launchee landing back onto the Launch bag. Always position the back of the launchee beyond the blue line. 17
Blue Line Launchee Sit Here Launcher Land Here Step 5: The supervisor will then have the Launcher stand at the edge of the tower deck and ask if the Launchee is ready. Wait for them to raise their arm indicating they are ready, and have the Launcher jump, seat first with legs forward or crossed, directly in the center of the target area on the top of the Launch. CAUTION: Landing short of the target area may cause damage to the shock cords and can cause the Launcher to roll backwards uncontrollably. Landing off to one side of the target area may result in the Launcher glancing off the side of the Launch bag uncontrollably. Step 6: Make sure the Launchee is out of the water, and the area is clear, before anyone else is launched. Step 7: Repeat steps 1 through 6. 18
The following procedure will simplify and speed up take down of your Tower and subsequent set-ups. Step 1: Move to a flat, dry area. Detach Launch portion from the Aqua Tower and deflate. Fold into fourths along the length of the product. Roll starting from the end of the Launch and working towards the valve, forcing all the air out. Step 2: Remove all straps and pins connecting the center section to the main tower. Step 3: Lift the center section from the main tower. Make sure no water is trapped inside the cover and the tubes are dry. Do not remove cover. This will greatly speed up setup at a later date. Lay center section on its back with climbing blocks face down on the ground. Open both air valves and let the unit fold down onto itself. To speed up deflation, use the RAVE Sports Hurricane inflator/deflator or pull the air out using a shop vac. Fold along the length of the tubes to the edges of the climbing blocks and roll towards the valve, forcing all remaining air out. Step 4: Tip the main tower tube onto its back (climbing side) and open both valves. Allow the unit to settle straight down. When soft enough, guide the two long legs toward the center so all four long legs are laying side by side and parallel with each other. 19
To speed deflation of this tube, use the RAVE Hurricane inflator/deflator. NOTE: Close other valve when power deflating, otherwise you ll just draw air back into the tube from the opposite end. Fold outer tubes onto their adjacent tube, then fold in half one more time so that all tubes are laying flat on top of each other. Roll up starting from the end opposite the valves, forcing all remaining air out as you roll. 20
Cleaning and Storage Clean the inflatable completely with a mild soap and fresh water. NEVER USE PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS OR SOLVENTS FOR CLEANING. NEVER USE A POWER WASHER SINCE THE HIGH PRESSURE WATER JET WILL DAMAGE THE TUBE BEYOND REPAIR. Citrus based cleaners are also very effective in cleaning the surface of the PVC. Ensure product is completely dry before deflating and storing. Place in a rigid, vented container, preferably one that rodents can t chew through. Store product in a cool, dry, covered and shaded area. This will help protect it against ultraviolet (UV) rays and extend the life of the product. Do not store product directly on concrete surface or in contact with any petroleum products. Place mothballs around stored inflatable to keep rodents and insects away. Secure against unauthorized or unsupervised use. 21
::::::::::: Important :::::::::::: Rodents like muskrats may be attracted to the PVC vinyl of your product. When your product is on the water, maintaining full air pressure during periods of nonuse will discourage them from chewing the vinyl. Another way to ease the problem of nuisance rodents is to remove the temptation by taking the product out of the water at night. Another option is to make the whole area unattractive to rodents by changing the environment, making the area less hospitable for rodents. Removing any food source from the shoreline can also be a good deterrent. Check with your local DNR for additional guidance or possible restrictions. 22
Repairs For large holes, tears or seam failures, contact RAVE Sports Customer Service at 1-800-659-0790. For minor holes or tears: Inflate the product and locate the leak by spraying the tube with mild soapy water. Determine the hole size and cut a patch 1-2 inches wider than the diameter of the hole. Make sure all corners of the patch are rounded. Deflate the product and clean the patch and area around the hole with rubbing alcohol. Let dry. READ AND UNDERSTAND THE WARNINGS ON THE GLUE CONTAINER. Apply glue to the patch and the area around the hole. Let the glue dry approx. 1-2 min. until it is tacky to the touch. Lay the product on a flat, hard surface and apply the patch. Working from the center to the outer edge, rub out any air bubbles between the patch and the product. Let the patch dry for 24 hours before attempting to inflate the product. 23
Return Authorization Policy 1. Customer agrees to ship the product covered by the Return Authorization (R/A) number within thirty (30) days of receipt of the R/A number. Customer understands that failure to ship the product within thirty (30) days will result in the forfeiture of the R/A. RAVE Sports, Inc. (RAVE) will not accept any product that fails to ship within the thirty day time period and the customer will be responsible for all expenses related to shipping and return of rejected product. 2. Customer agrees that RAVE, at its own discretion, will determine whether the product being returned under the R/A Policy is covered by RAVE s Limited Warranty. 3. RAVE agrees to notify or provide, within a reasonable time period, the customer with: a. The acceptance or rejection by RAVE of the warranty claim with regard to the product returned. b. For products outside of the Limited Warranty, a price quote for the repairs required to return the product to a usable state including a cleaning charge for excessively dirty products. The customer agrees that rejection of the price quote or failure to approve the price quote in accordance with Section 3(c) below will result in the immediate return of the product, in the condition it was received by RAVE, FOB shipping location to the address provided by the customer. Customer further authorizes RAVE to charge the customer s credit card for the costs of shipping and handling associated with the return of the product, and the customer agrees to accept such charges. c. If RAVE does not receive an approval from the customer within 45 days of first attempt, the product will be returned to the customer at the customers expense. Customer authorizes RAVE to charge the customer s credit card for the costs of shipping and handling associated with the return of the product, and the customer agrees to accept such charges. 4. Upon customer approval, RAVE will complete all necessary repairs. If while repairing the product additional damage is discovered and the cost of the repair is less then 10% of the original quote or $25.00, RAVE will proceed with the repair. The customer agrees to accept these additional charges. If the additional cost exceeds 10% or $25.00, RAVE will contact the customer for approval. 5. Once all repairs are complete, the customer authorizes RAVE to charge the customer s credit card for the costs of the repairs, and all shipping and handling associated with the return of the product, and the customer agrees to accept such charges. 6. RAVE will ship the product to the address provided FOB shipping location. 24
Lifetime Warranty The Lifetime Warranty set forth below is given by RAVE Sports, Inc. with respect to product(s) purchased and used in the United States and internationally. RAVE Sports reinforced PVC product(s), when delivered to you in a new condition in original container, are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for life so long as the product remains the possession of the original owner. Defective product(s) returned to RAVE Sports or authorized service location and proven to be defective upon inspection, will be repaired or exchanged for new product(s) or part(s) where applicable. The warranty period for any replacement product shall be consistent with the terms of the Lifetime Warranty. When returning any product under this Lifetime Warranty, you must first contact RAVE Sports to obtain a return authorization number. The product must be packaged in its original carton with a copy of the bill of sale (or invoice of purchase), together with a complete explanation of the problem. Shipping charges, if any, must be prepaid. Products covered by this Lifetime Warranty will be returned to you without charge by RAVE Sports. This Lifetime Warranty covers all defects encountered in normal use of the product and does not apply in the following cases: a) Loss or damage to the product is due to abuse; mishandling; alteration; accident; failure to follow operating, maintenance or storage instructions; service performed by a party other than RAVE Sports authorized service personnel; or any acts of God, including storm or animal damage. b) The product has had its serial number(s) or dating altered or removed. c) Wear and tear from normal use and weathering. No implied warranty (or condition), including any implied warranty (or condition) of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, applies to the product after the applicable period of express warranty stated above, and no other express warranty or guaranty, except as mentioned above, given by any person, firm, or corporation with respect to the product shall bind RAVE Sports. (Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you). RAVE Sports shall not be liable for loss of revenue or profit, failure to realize savings or other benefits, or for any other special, incidental or consequential damages caused by the use, misuse or inability to use the product regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based, and even if RAVE Sports has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Nor shall recovery of any kind against RAVE Sports be greater in amount than the purchase price of the product sold by RAVE Sports and causing the alleged damage. Without limiting the foregoing, you assume all risk and liability for loss, damage or injury to you and your property and to others and their property arising out of the use, misuse, or inability to use any product sold by RAVE Sports not caused directly by the negligence of RAVE Sports, (Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you). This Lifetime Warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser of any product, or the person for whom it was purchased as a gift. This Lifetime Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province. 25
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3325 Labore Rd. St. Paul, MN 55110 800-659-0790 www.ravesports.com December 2004 27