Owner`s manual

Owner’s Manual Page 31
Owner’s Manual Water and Your Spa
Controlling pH (Potential Hydrogen)
1. Always follow printed instructions on the bottle and/or packages.
2. Always adjust Total Alkalinity and sanitizers first.
3. Chlorine users will generally use more pH/ Alkalinity Down.
4. Bromine users will generally use more pH/ Alkalinity Up.
5. Make sure test stripes are not wet or outdated prior to testing.
6. Never test immediately after using oxidizer shock (allow 30 minutes of circulation with the spa cover half
off prior to testing).
7. Always add chemicals when the pump(s) are on high speed.
8. Always premix pH/ Alkalinity Down chemicals in a half bucket of water prior to introducing them to the
spa.
9. Never attempt to adjust pH or Total Alkalinity in large increments. Adjustments are made easier, and will
stay set longer if you make them in small increments.
Do Not Use Vinegar or Baking Soda to Adjust pH and Total Alkalinity
Vinegar
You would need to use 100 times the amount of vinegar to equal 1/2oz. of Cal Spas pH/ Alkalinity Down.
Vinegar will also add a large amount of organic waste in the spa water requiring the need for more sanitizers.
Baking Soda
Although very similar to common baking soda, pH/ Total Alkalinity Up is different. The primary difference is
pH/ Alkalinity Ups ability to dissolve quickly. Common baking soda will cause a paste-like substance to
accumulate on the floor and seats of your spa.
What is Total Alkalinity
Total Alkalinity is the basic capacity of the spa water to resist change in the pH. When alkalinity is low, the pH
and alkalinity will change very easily with bather use or chemical adjustment. The opposite will happen when
the alkalinity is high. It will take a lot of bathers or chemicals to change the pH and alkalinity levels. The
optimum Total Alkalinity level is between 80 and 100 parts per million (ppm).
Controlling the Total Alkalinity
1. Always follow printed instructions on the bottle and/or packages.
2. Always adjust Total Alkalinity and sanitizers first.
3. Chlorine users will generally use more pH/ Alkalinity Down.
4. Bromine users will generally use more pH/ Alkalinity Up.
5. Make sure test stripes are not wet or outdated prior to testing.
6. Never test immediately after using oxidizer shock (allow 30 minutes of circulation with the spa cover half
off prior to testing).
7. Always add chemicals when the pump(s) are on high speed.
8. Always premix pH/ Alkalinity Down chemicals in a half bucket of water prior to introducing them to the
spa.
9. Never attempt to adjust pH or Total Alkalinity in large increments. Adjustments are made easier, and will
stay set longer if you make them in small increments.
You will be using the same chemicals to lower the pH/ Total Alkalinity. This does create concern with some
people by throwing off one level to correct another. It is recommended to throw off the pH level in an effort to
adjust the alkalinity level properly first. This will make it easier to adjust and maintain the pH.