USER'S MANUAL User Instructions For The SwimEx Aquatic Therapy Pools Models SX400OT, SX470T, SX472T, SX500T, SX500OT, PT500, SX60T, SX600T, SX700T Copyright: SwimEx,Inc. c1987-2005 846 Airport Road, Fall River, MA 02720 800-877-7946
PRECAUTIONS Wear goggles whenever you swim. A qualified instructor must always be present. Never turn the machine on when the floating cover is in place. Never enter the swim area unless the floating cover is completely removed and stored. Never run the filter system's pump when the shut off valves are in the off position. This will cause severe damage to the system and burn out the pump (shut off valves are located on the water lines running from the SwimEx (2 valves near the skimmer) to the filter system and back from the filter system to the SwimEx (1 valve at each of the eyeball inlets). Keep the water level at the prescribed amounts. Low water levels will cause noisy operation (air in the system) and high speed operation could damage the machine. High water levels will not damage the machine but will cause excess splashing and create waves (not the smooth current that is desired). Always check and adjust the water quality and temperature before using the SwimEx as needed. Safety & effectiveness in persons suffering from any heart conditions have not been established. All persons with heart conditions or on any medications, must seek the advice of a physician before using the SwimEx.
SAFETY FEATURES All SwimEx pools are made to the highest standards in the industry. Listed below are some of the major safety features of SwimEx pools. * Pneumatic (Air) Button Swimmer Controls - stop, start, slow, and fast air push buttons let you adjust the current from inside the pool. * Rear Shut-Off Bar - Air tube mounted along the entire length of the rear of the pool - push anywhere on the tube to immediately stop the current. * E.T.L. (Electronic Testing Laboratories) Approved. The entire SwimEx pool and options have been tested and approved by E.T.L. under UL specifications (UL1563). * Front and Rear Safety Grilles - 3/4" thick stainless steel front and rear grilles protect the user from the paddlewheel propulsion system. Also, the rear grille (intake) openings are only 1/8" wide. * Front and Side Handrails - stainless steel grabrails surround the water area for added safety. * Non-Skid Surface - The entire pool floor is manufactured with a non-skid surface that will not wear down. * Main Drain & Filter Intakes - The main drain is not accessible from the water area. There are two filter water intakes (suction lines). One is not accessible from the water area, and the other is protected by a basket located in the skimmer.
HOW THE SWIMEX WORKS The enclosed paddlewheel at the rear of the tank pulls water from the water area and propels it down and under the false-bottom floor or side channels of the SwimEx. The water is guided forward, and when it reaches the front of the unit, it is then turned towards the water area where it flows through the grille and into the water area. The water current is 18" to 36" inches deep, depending on the model, and as wide as the water area. This current travels down the length of the water area and is pulled through the rear grate where the paddlewheel again propels the water through the system to create the smooth, continuous water current. Pneumatic (air) control buttons are used to "start" and "stop" and to adjust the water current using the "slow" and "fast" buttons. These are located on the front wall of the water area. The H.T.R. (remote control), which is mounted near the pool, contains a set of these buttons: "stop", "start", "slow" and "fast". The H.T.R. comes with a 15' cable that enables the therapist/user immediate control and mobility. All of the air buttons operate independently - no buttons can be "overridden". There is also a "stop bar" located on the top lip above the paddlewheel grille. Pushing or depressing the stop bar with your hand will stop the paddlewheel, as does the "stop" button located on the front lip of the pool and "stop" button on the H.T.R. Air tubes between these control buttons and the AC Tech controller carry the air pulses (a pulse of air is generated when you push in these buttons) from the buttons to the AC Tech controller where the air pulse enters a sensor and is turned into an electrical current. Air pulses can be generated in two different ways. First, by depressing the button and immediately letting up -- a short air pulse is generated. This is ideal for the start and stop buttons. Secondly, if you depress and hold in the button for up to 4 seconds, you generate a longer air pulse, which will cause the electric current in the AC Tech controller to remain on for the 4 seconds. This is ideal for the fast and slow commands, as it allows for a longer response (faster or slower) to increase or decrease the water current speed. NOTE: The use of "air" controls assures you and your patients a totally safe environment. We recommend telling your patients about the use and operation of these "air" buttons. The electrical current that is controlled by the air buttons regulates the power (amps) going from the AC Tech controller to the paddlewheel motor. The amount of power sent out to the paddlewheel motor will determine the paddlewheel rotation speed; thus, controlling the water current speed. Once it is set, the power output to the paddlewheel motor, will remain constant assuring you that the water resistance you have selected for your patient(s) will remain constant.
SWIMEX USER'S GUIDE Always consult a physician before using the SwimEx or beginning any exercise or therapy program. Never operate the pool alone. Never dive into the SwimEx. Make sure the floating thermal blanket is removed from the water area and stored away before starting paddlewheel. Keep water filled to normal level: 1/4" above the front lip for 5 h.p. drive system 1/2" above the front lip for 7.5 h.p. drive system Check and adjust water temperature and chemical levels as needed. Patients must enter the pool via a pool lift, the ladder or stairs located in the rear of the SwimEx. Review the protocols with the patient(s) and position them accordingly in the pool. Press START button (this activates/starts paddlewheel). Press FAST button until desired water speed is reached. Allow 30 seconds from "start" to let water speed attain desired setting before use, and allow 15 seconds for water speed to attain desired settings when adjusting the water speed via "slow" or "fast" buttons. Slightly adjust water speed slower or faster as needed. To change water speeds, use either the SLOW or FAST buttons and adjust to desired water speed (remember to allow approximately 30 seconds to reach desired speed). Do not allow anything to obstruct the front or rear grate. SwimEx recommends replacing the floating thermal blanket nightly and when the pool will not be used for long periods during the day.
PROTOCOLS/EXERCISES/VARIATIONS Various aids may be used in the SwimEx to enhance training and therapy. Among the items being used are: *Kickboards *Mask, fins, snorkel *"Pull" buoys/boards *Hand paddles/swim mitts *Flotation vests/aquajogger *Life Line (Rope) Any aid usable in water is safe to use in the SwimEx. Use your imagination - the aids and variations are limitless. NOTE: Do not let these aids get pulled onto the rear grate. This may cause severe damage to the paddlewheel drive system. After you are done using these aids, place them out of the water area. The following pages contain diagrams highlighting the physical features of the pools and general suggestions for use. For more detailed information on specific use, educational seminars or workshops and a video demonstrating protocols, contact SwimEx at 800-877-7946. We will put you in contact with other professionals experienced in the use of SwimEx Aquatic Therapy pools.
MAINTENANCE DAILY: Check/Test water quality at least three times daily, adjust as needed (see Water Quality section of this manual for proper care and maintenance of the pool water). Check with your local health department you may be required to monitor and record pool readings more frequently. SwimEx recommends keeping a record of these readings and the adjustments. (See Water Quality Section.) Local water conditions, usage, temperature, evaporation rate and other factors must be considered when planning and maintaining your water quality control. See your local water chemical supplier for information. It is best to bring a sample of your pool water for accurate analysis and local professional advice. Remember that the SwimEx holds approximately 2,600 gallons of water (3200 gallons for Model 600T, 3800 gallons for the 600T with a two-foot extension, 3300 gallons for the 700T, 7500 gallons for Model 1000T and 2300 gallons for the 60T), therefore, requiring only small amounts of chemicals at each application. Check/adjust water level. 5 h.p. SwimEx: ¼ above front inside wall 7.5 h.p. SwimEx: ½ above front inside wall Check skimmer for any objects. Check water temperature, adjust heater thermostat if needed. Wipe down the water line (scum line) with a clean, wet rag/towel. WEEKLY: Bleed (release air) filter (Please refer to Manufacturer s Manual). For heavy use, bleed filter daily. Check hair catcher (located just before filter pump) for any objects, and remove if need be. Clean sides of the SwimEx at the water line (scum line). We recommend wiping side walls with a clean (wet) towel/rag at least once a week or as needed. Check to make sure all electrical equipment is functioning properly, i.e. ozonator, heater, etc. (See Manufacturer s Manual).
MONTHLY Check filtration pressure (Refer to Manufacturer s Manual). Clean filter cartridge (See Manufacturer s Manual). Light Use: Medium Use: Heavy Use: Every 2-3 months Every month Weekly or as needed NOTE: Use the following as a guide for usage rates. Light Use: Medium Use: Heavy Use: 0-2 hours of daily operation 2-6 hours of daily operation Over 6 hours of daily operation Check all electrical connections, all ground wire connections, and test all circuit breakers for proper function. YEARLY: Replace filter cartridges (See Manufacturer s Manual). Check manual for size. Most local pool stores carry replacement filters or call the SwimEx Customer Service Department. For heavy use, replace filters often, as needed. Clean out (vacuum or blow unit on compressed air) the air vent holes on the filter pump motor (see Manufacturer s Manual). Lubricate and grease paddlewheel shaft bearings using a waterproof lithium-based grease. Light Use: Medium Use: Heavy Use: Every year Every 6 months Every 6 months Check colored workstations for any discoloration or fading. Extended exposure to chemicals (especially high levels of chlorine), water temperature and other factors may lead to discoloration or fading of workstations. A repair kit is available call SwimEx Customer Service Department for details.
MAINTENANCE CONTINUED: Change paddlewheel motor gear box oil per manufacturer s instructions. (See chart on the following page.) Light Use: Medium Use: Heavy Use: Every 2 years fill to continuous oil level Every year fill to continuous oil level Every 6 months fill to continuous oil level SwimEx recommends using a synthetic gear oil such as Mobil SHC 634, which is the gear oil supplied in the gearbox. (The capacity for the 7.5 hp gearbox is 8 pints the 5 hp is 4 pints). SwimEx stocks this oil. Contact the SwimEx Customer Service Department for details. Lubricate the electric (paddlewheel) motor per manufacturer s instructions. Light Use: Medium Use: Heavy Use: Every year Every 6 months Every 6 months Check all air tube lines to make sure they are securely attached to the air buttons and to the controller. Also, inspect for any crimps or obstructions in the air lines. AS NEEDED: Vacuuming: For the vacuum system follow manufacturer s instructions. Cleaning of Fiberglass Surfaces: A Fantastic or Soft Scrub cleaner is recommended. Use a clean, dry cloth and be careful not to get the cleaner in the water. If the SwimEx needs to be drained to reach these stains or drained once a year as part of the regular maintenance, simply open the main drain water shut off valve located under the front section of the SwimEx. While the pool is drained, carefully inspect the pool looking for any structural cracks or abnormalities in the surface or seams, fading of colored workstations, and check both the front and rear grates to make sure they are secure. (Refer to the SwimEx Installation Manual.) Turn the drain valve to the closed position before refilling with fresh water. For tough stains, Benckiser s Lime-A-Way or Lysol s Hard Water Stain Cleaner are recommended. A fiberglass polishing compound can also be used. If used, buff out the stain with a clean buffing pad. After cleaning, the fiberglass surfaces should then be waxed. Do not wax the top lip of the pool. A fiberglass boat wax will stand up best, or use any wax that stands up well to constant exposure to warm water. You should clean, polish and wax your fiberglass surfaces if the surface starts to yellow or stain and as needed. For severe stains, call SwimEx. To prevent staining due to minerals in your local water supply, see Water Quality Section.
Maintenance Charts: The following are SwimEx maintenance charts. We recommend keeping the original copy intact with this manual and keeping a waterproof copy handy for quick reference.
TROUBLESHOOTING Keep all manufacturer's manuals handy and refer to them as needed. If machine shuts down and will not start: Press the stop button and then press the start button. If this does not work, go to the circuit breaker panel, and flip the circuit breaker to the electronic controller off. Wait 5 minutes then turn the circuit breaker back "on". DO NOT attempt to do this while you are wet! Now press the start button. NOTE: The AC Tech electronic controller will shut down the machine if unusual electrical or mechanical problems exist. The controller has a built-in G.F.I. (ground fault interrupter) circuit built into it for equipment protection. This monitors the current going to the paddlewheel motor. If there is an imbalance in the amps going to the paddlewheel motor, which may be caused by a number of things, this G.F.I. electronic breaker will shut off, thus, shutting down the machine. The controller must be reset by depressing the stop button. It will then be ready for a start command. If the machine shuts off again, there is a problem, and it must be handled by a licensed electrician, or call the SwimEx Customer Service Department. If water current seems slow, check the water level and adjust to proper (marked) level. Too many air bubbles coming out of the water return eyeball: (The water line from filter to swim area.) Note: A small amount of air bubbles is normal if you are using an ozonator. Check to see that the air trapped inside the filter is released by "bleeding" the filter (refer to manufacturer's manual). Check for any obstructions in the skimmer basket or hair catcher. Check for any leaks in the water lines. * Filtration system problems (heater, pump and filter): Refer to Manufacturer's Owner's Manual or call SwimEx.
TROUBLESHOOTING CONTINUED If paddlewheel is making strange noises: Make sure you have the proper water level. Make sure there is nothing blocking the rear grille. Did you lubricate the paddlewheel shaft bearings? (See maintenance section.) Air getting "sucked" into the paddlewheel causing air bubbles to flow through the system and exit out the front grille into the water area. Check to make sure nothing is blocking the rear grille covering the paddlewheel. Check water level and adjust if needed. To remove the air trapped in the system, simply stop the paddlewheel by depressing the stop button. This will "burp" the air out of the SwimEx. Before restarting, make sure there is nothing blocking the rear grille, and the water is at the proper level. Colored or cloudy water: Contact SwimEx of your local pool care professional (See Water Quality Guidelines Section). For additional information and assistance, call SwimEx at 800-877-7946.
WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES Preparing the Water for Use Check/Test water quality at least three times daily, adjust as needed. Local water quality guidelines and procedures must be followed. These guidelines and procedures are available by contacting your local Board of Health Dept. Your local health department may require you to monitor and record pool readings more frequently. SwimEx recommends keeping a record of these readings and the adjustments. After totally cleaning, rinsing and waxing the pool, fill the SwimEx with water to the proper level. No matter how you are going to treat (purify) the water, it must first be SHOCKED WITH CHEMICAL (See note at end of this section). Even if you are using an ozonator, this must be done. We recommend using a dry/granular chlorine, an algaecide and a demineralizer. During the filling process, you will need to add three ½ cups of chlorine (1 ½ cups total). The first time is when you begin filling. Allow the water to rise approximately 2 above the floor and then spread the first ½ cup of chlorine over the water. When the unit is halfway filled, spread the second ½ cup of chlorine over the water. The third 1/2 cup is spread when the unit is filled to the proper level. You should now have 1 ½ cups of dry/granular chlorine in your unit. After the unit is filled, add the algaecide per directions on the container. We recommend using Back-Up by Biogard or equivalent. Add the demineralizer per directions on the container. Now, run your filter system for 48 hours. After the filter has been on for 48 hours, you need to adjust your Ph. The Ph should always be between 7.2-7.6 (Ideally 7.4). Now test the total alkalinity of the water. You should take a sample of the water to a local pool store for this analysis. The total alkalinity should be in the 115-120 ppm range. If not, ask your local pool company what kind and what amount of chemicals to put in the water to bring the total alkalinity to the 115-120 ppm range desired. Test yearly or after refilling the pool. Keeping the total alkalinity in the proper range, will also help to stabilize your Ph. After the 48 hour filter period, normal water maintenance now begins. The following is a guideline to keep your water clean and sparkling. IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure that all minerals (iron, copper, magnesium, etc.) are removed from your water supply, thus preventing any staining to occur, we recommend a water softening system be used to remove these minerals. Chemical additives remove a large portion of the minerals, but small amounts can stain the pool surface. This system must be located on the water supply (fill) line before the water enters the SwimEx.
WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES CONT D. If the pool s surface begins to stain (usually a light brownish color), this could be colbalting a reaction of the pool s surface with the chemicals in the water. If you suspect that this is the case with your pool, we recommend using a chemical agent called KEETROL PLUS. Keetrol Plus is odorless, colorless, tasteless and will start to work immediately if the stain is due to the colbalting effect. It can be obtained at most local pool stores. Follow the directions on the container. NOTE: THESE ARE GUIDELINES ONLY! Local water conditions, usage, temperature and other factors may require variations in your water maintenance. We also recommend having a local swimming pool maintenance company on file, should you experience difficulty in maintaining your water quality. If you are using an ozonator as a supplement to the chemicals, follow the manufacturer s start-up guidelines and procedures for preparing the water for ozonation. In most cases, a chemical to demineralize the water is recommended by the manufacturer. Note: SHOCKING or superchlorination is a process of adding significant does of chlorine to the water, bringing the test reading to at least 3.0 ppm. See the following Water Quality Guideline Chart for recommended frequency of SHOCKING the water.
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION The SwimEx Customer Service Department is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday. The Customer Service phone number is 800-877-7946. Our Customer Service Department staff is extensively trained and very knowledgeable. We ask that you call only after you have reviewed the proper procedures outlined in the SwimEx User s Manual and the other manufacturer s user s manuals outlined below. Note: Make sure you have your serial numbers and model numbers available before calling. Pump & Filter Units: Pentair Pool Products Technical Services (800) 831-7133 Any questions or problems relating to the water circulation and filter operation, etc. Electronic Controller: AC Technology Corp. (508) 278-6781 Any questions or problems concerning the electronic controller, i.e.: LED warning/caution lights light-up You cannot start the SwimEx after reviewing and following procedures outlined in the SwimEx Installation Manual. Ozonator (Model CD4000): PureZone (416) 739-9699 (800) 724-5901 (US & Canada) Any questions or problems with your ozonator or water quality if you are using an ozonator to purify your water. Paddlewheel motor and gear box: Any questions or problems concerning the Swimometer, call SwimEx Customer Service at 800-877-7946. Gas & Electric Pool Heaters: Electric: Coates Heater Co.
Model 12406ST 253-872-7256 Gas: Pentair Pool Products Model Minimax 100 800-831-7133 Swimometer: Any questions or problems concerning the Swimometer, call SwimEx Customer Service at 800-877-7946. The SwimEx Customer Service Department will assist you in any way with other areas of interest and concern not listed above. 846 Airport Road Fall River, MA 02720 Phone: 800-877-7946 Fax: 508-675-0525
SWIMEX PARTS RETURN POLICY In order to process your parts return so that you may receive the proper credit, SwimEx has established the following Parts Return Policy: It is essential to obtain a Return Authorization Number from the SwimEx Customer Service Department prior to shipping back the part. After you have been given a Return Authorization Number, please make sure it is visibly written on the outside of the package being returned. Parts shipped as warranty replacement orders will initially be invoiced to the customer s account until receipt of the defective part at SwimEx. Upon determination that warranty coverage is to be extended, SwimEx will credit the account. If the defective warranty part(s) are not received at SwimEx within 30 days, the invoicing for the replacement order will remain on the customer s account, and it will be treated as a regular parts order. A 15% restocking fee will be charged for parts returned that do not involve defective, warranty-covered, or incorrectly shipped merchandise. IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMATION After your SwimEx installation is completed, it is extremely important to fill out and return the warranty cards to the respective manufacturers. These cards (packed with the individual item) need to be on file with the manufacturer in order to complete and expedite any warranty claims. Warranty cards that need to be returned include: SwimEx,Inc., AC Technology, Pentair, Electra Gear and Coates.