Owner`s manual

METHODS FOR TESTING THE SPA WATER
Accurate water testing and analysis is an important part of effectively managing your spa water. You must have the ability to test for:
Total Alkalinity (TA)•
Calcium Hardness (CH)•
pH•
Sanitizer•
Two types of testing methods are recognized and recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation:
The Reagent Test Kit1. is a method which provides a high level of accuracy. The reagents come in either liquid or tablet form.
Test Strips2. are a convenient testing method used by many spa owners. Keep in mind that test strips are susceptible to heat and moisture contamination,
which will result in inaccurate readings.
IMPORTANT: Always read and carefully follow the directions included with the Test Kit or Test Strips to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
BASIC CHEMICAL SAFETY
When using chemicals, read the labels carefully and follow directions precisely. Though chemicals protect you and your spa when used correctly, they can be hazardous
in concentrated form. Always observe the following guidelines:
Allow only a responsible person to handle spa chemicals. • KEEP THEM OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
Accurately measure the exact quantities specified. Never use more. Do not overdose your spa.•
Handle all containers with care. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.•
Always replace the caps on their proper containers when not in use. •
Don’t inhale fumes or allow chemicals to come in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands immediately after use.•
Follow the emergency advice on the product label in case of accidental contact, or if the chemical is swallowed. Call a doctor or the local Poison Control •
Center. If a doctor is needed, take the product container along with you so that the substance can be identified.
Don’t let chemicals get on surrounding surfaces or landscaping. •
Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to clean up chemical spills.•
Never smoke around chemicals. Some fumes can be highly flammable.•
Don’t store any chemicals in the spa equipment compartment.•
HOW TO ADD CHEMICALS TO THE SPA WATER
IMPORTANT: All spa water chemicals (other than SPA FROG cartridges), including MPS+ (shock), chlorine, granulated pH increaser or decreaser, granulated
total alkalinity increaser, calcium hardness increaser, liquid stain and scale inhibitor, and liquid de-foamer must always be added directly into or in front of the filter
compartment while a jet pump is running, and it must run for a minimum of ten minutes.
TO ADMINISTER SPA WATER CHEMICALS:
Fold back the cover and remove the filter compartment cover. 1.
Push the “CLEAN” button to turn on the jet pump.2.
Carefully measure the recommended amount of chemical and slowly pour it over the filter basket area. Use care not to splash chemicals on your hands, in your 3.
eyes, on the spa sheet surface, or on the siding.
Replace the filter compartment cover. After ten minutes, shut off the jet pump(s) and close the cover. 4. Risk of Drowning: Never leave an open spa unattended!
WARNING: High sanitizer levels can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin. Always allow the sanitizer level to fall to the recommended range before
using the spa.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT “SUPER CHLORINATION/NON-CHLORINE SHOCK TREATMENT”: After administering a super chlorination treatment or non-chlorine
shock to your spa, leave the cover open for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the oxidizer gas to vent. A high concentration of trapped oxidizer gas which may exist as a
result of the shock treatment (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration or vinyl degradation to the bottom of the cover. This type of damage is considered
chemical abuse and is not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
THE WATKINS SPA WATER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Each step in your water maintenance program is dependent on the completion of the previous steps. Omitting a step or failing to reach the recommended range may
cause an imbalance in your water’s chemistry. Unbalanced water chemistry can damage the spa and its components, as well as cause discomfort for the user.
BALANCING THE TOTAL ALKALINITY (TA)
A. The recommended Total Alkalinity (TA) for your spa water is 80 - 180 ppm.
B. Total Alkalinity is a measure of the total levels of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances in the water. TA is referred to as the water’s
“pH buffer”. In other words, it’s a measure of the ability of the water to resist changes in pH level.
C. If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate widely from high to low. Fluctuations in pH can cause corrosion or scaling of the spa components. Low TA can be
corrected by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up).
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WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE