One accessory hose item you will need is a short length of hose for routing the air output from the compressor to the input of the reserve tank. The type of hose that is needed depends upon the compressor you are using. Diaphragm models that operate in the 30 to 50 p.s.i. range use a simple hose connector that is made of hookah air hose.

The high pressure, high volume piston compressors that are capable of delivering pressure of 100 p.s.i., require a connector made of special certified "heat resistant steam" hose, due to the fact that these models discharge air at higher temperatures.

We highly recommend that all hookah systems be equipped with a particle filter. The particle filter should allow nothing larger that 40 micron to pass. This filter is best located at the discharge of the air reserve tank.

When setting up a Hookah air system, you will frequently need an array of metal fittings. For use around water, you should use stainless steel or brass fittings only. This is especially important when diving in salt water.

Fittings made of ferrous metal will rust or corrode when used in, or near a water environment.

If your Hookah compressor is powered by a gasoline engine, make every effort to ensure that the engine exhaust (which contains deadly carbon monoxide gas), is always placed DOWNWIND from the compressor. This will help prevent exhaust from being accidentally pulled into the compressor's air inlet. Always use a “snorkel” extension on any compressor that can elevate the intake of the air supply away from engine exhaust contaminates.

Never use a gasoline powered compressor in confined areas, such as underneath piers, in close, narrow grottos, etc. This will prevent the exhaust gases from dissipating into the atmosphere safely. Also, never dive in an area where there is little ventilation or air movement. Take special precautions when diving in areas where the air is extremely still, as dead air spaces, or poor ventilation can cause exhaust gases to linger in the immediate area of the engine and compressor unit.

Always install a long extension on the intake of your compressor to avoid the possibility of contamination of Carbon Monoxide Gas from the engine exhaust system. The air intake of a compressor must tower over the engine exhaust at a sufficient height or distance to avoid intake of engine exhaust gas. If this gas is inhaled even in small quantities for short periods, it can cause severe headaches and possibly result in sickness. In larger quantities it can kill you, so please be careful!

If you are using Hookah equipment around salt water, be sure to rinse off all your components with freshwater afterwards. This includes your regulator, diving mask, harness, metal fittings, and air hose (flush it out on the inside as well as outside). A salt water environment will quickly corrode aluminum parts such as: Hookah compressors and gasoline engines. It is advisable to keep all metal components freshly painted and cleaned to avoid excess corrosion.

If you are using a gasoline powered compressor always shut of the engine before attempting to refuel. Do not attempt to refill the engine's gas tank while the engine is still running, as this will increase the possibility of spilling gasoline onto a hot engine, which could result in a potential fire or cause an explosion.

A diver should always surface and shut off the engine first prior to refueling and allow time for the engine to cool down. Always use a funnel for refilling the gas tank, or a special spill proof gas container to prevent spillage.

Every Hookah diver should understand the basic rudiments of engine and compressor maintenance, and should always keep his equipment in top condition. If you take proper care of your equipment, it will give you many years of trouble free service. Knowing how to work on your own equipment will also come in handy, should you experience any mechanical failure on a diving trip. It is a good idea to carry along some spare parts for your air compressor, and the necessary tools to make repairs.

All of the basic "rules of the deep" that apply to SCUBA diving also apply to Hookah diving as well.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU DIVE ALONE!
Always Hookah dive with a partner who owns his own regulator,
harness and air hose.

Make sure that his or her equipment as well as yours is attached to the air system at all times. If you were to experience underwater problems, your "diving partner" should be available to come to your immediate assistance.

Even though no formal instruction is required to use Hookah equipment, we strongly recommend that all divers should take a “CERTIFIED SCUBA” course at your local county or diving supply store.

You should also read books on the subject of underwater diving safety and study them thoroughly. This will further familiarize you with the "rules of the deep."

WARNING: CARBON MONOXIDE GAS

If you're considering diving with a "Hookah Compressor" , It is most important that you become aware of Potential Danger associated with exhaust emissions. We place a caution label on the engine, warning of dangerous engine fumes and also illustrate further warning in " Introduction to Hookah Diving" and Safety in Gold Dredging that is issued with the purchase of all diving equipment.

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE GAS?

Carbon Monoxide is an invisible odorless gas which gives no warning of its presence. It is the product of the incomplete burning of any material such as Oil, Gasoline, Wood, Coal, etc. that contains carbon.
 

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE?

Carbon Monoxide deprives the blood of its ability to carry oxygen throughout; the body. When Carbon Monoxide is inhaled , it chemically combines with hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in the blood. Even if there is plenty of oxygen in the air, hemoglobin combines much more readily with Carbon Monoxide than with oxygen. As the oxygen level of the blood is reduced, the heart must pump faster in an effort to supply sufficient amounts of oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. When the brain does not receive enough oxygen, symptoms of headache, dizziness and mental confusion occur. Further exposure to the gas causes lack of coordination, weakness and nausea. The final effect of excessive exposure are convulsions, coma and death.

Needless to say, we cannot emphasize strongly enough that caution must be excersized. Never dive alone, never dive in an enclosed area, or in an area where good ventilation is not eminent such as under piers, narrow grottos, under heavily overgrown brush or trees or in any area where a good breeze does not occur. Always make an effort to position your air unit to allow the prevailing breeze to carry any exhaust emissions away from the air intake of the compressor.

Remember, Carbon Monoxide is the product of incomplete burning of gasoline and oil, so it most important to keep your unit properly running and clean. Never allow gasoline to overfill or spill anywhere near engine and compressor.

 
THE SAFETY AIR SNORKEL DOES NOT ELIMINATE CARBON MONOXIDE GAS!
IT ONLY AIDS IN THE REDUCTION OF FUMES.
ALL THE SAFETY CAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED!

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