Use and Care Manual

11
Water Chemistry
Spa water chemistry (or water balance) affects the safety of your equipment as well as the appearance of your spa
water. Water balance has five factors: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature and total dissolved solids.
pH is the most critical but total alkalinity and calcium hardness must also be watched closely. Low calcium hardness
can lead to corrosion of equipment, while high calcium hardness can lead to scaling, cloudy water and staining. Water
temperature should never exceed 40°C (104°F), and total dissolved solids should be kept below 1500 PPM.
Algicidal and sanitizing chemicals are either alkaline or acid. Sodium and calcium hyprochlorites are alkaline. Chlorine
gas and practically all other dry chlorine spa products are acid. On the market are a number of bromine sanitizers.
Bromines are usually preferred since they don’t emit a strong chlorine odor.
SEE YOUR SPA WATER EXPERT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Damage due to improper chemistry may void warranty
1. Check and adjust water conditions. You must maintain proper chemical balance to insure safe sanitary conditions
and to prevent your spa from becoming a breeding place for bacteria. This is done by:
A. Test daily and maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Adjust if necessary, above 7.8 use pH decrease, if below 7.2 use
pH Increase. Improper pH can damage spa finish, equipment, cause eye irritation and chemical loss. Use dosage
according to manufacturer’s label.
B. Test alkalinity and maintain at 80 ppm to 140 ppm. Adjust if necessary, above 140 ppm use pH Decrease, if
below 80 ppm use Total Alkalinity Control. Use dosage according to manufacturer’s label.
C. Test daily and maintain proper sanitizer level. It’s recommended to use bromine sanitizer and maintain bromine
at 3.0
5.0 ppm. Typically two or three bathers relaxing in an average spa with 103°F (39°C) temperature will consume
all the bromine sanitizer in about twenty minutes. Therefore, prolonged or heavy use may require additional
bromine to maintain safe sanitary conditions.
D. “Shock” (with a non-chlorine shock) once a week and after each water change. Do not use spa until the bromine
residual has dropped to less than 5.0 ppm. NOTE: Improper pH will cause early corrosion to your pump.
Corrosion is not handled under any warranty.
SPA MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
DAILY
Test and maintain pH: Ideal range 7.2 - 7.8b.
Test and maintain bromine: Ideal range 3.0 - 5.0 ppm.
WEEKLY
Test and maintain alkalinity 80 - 140 ppm. Shock with a non-chlorine shock.
Add Spa Clear.
MAINTENANCE
Add defoamer as needed.
Inspect filter cartridge every 2 weeks and clean when needed.