Owner`s manual

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Balancing the Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity (TA) is the measure of the total
levels of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and
other alkaline substances in the water. TA can be
considered a pH buffer. It is the measure of the
ability of the water to resist changes in pH level.
The recommended total alkalinity is
80 - 120 ppm.
If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate
widely from high to low. Low TA can be corrected
by adding alkalinity increaser.
If the TA is too high, the pH level will tend to be
too high and may be difficult to bring down. High TA
can be corrected by adding pH decreaser.
When the TA is balanced, it normally remains
stable, although adding water with high or low
alkalinity will raise or lower the TA level.
Balancing the Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness (CH) is a measure of the total
amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Calcium
helps control the corrosive nature of the spa’s
water and is why soft water is not recommended.
The low calcium content of soft water is very cor-
rosive to the equipment and can cause staining of
the spa shell.
The recommended calcium hardness is
150 - 200 ppm.
If the CH is too low, add liquid hardness increaser.
If the CH is too high, dilute the spa water with soft
water or, if this is not available, add stain and scale
defense.
When the CH is balanced, it normally remains sta-
ble, although adding soft water or very hard water
will raise or lower the CH level.
Balancing the pH
The pH level is the measure of the balance between
acidity and alkalinity.
The recommended pH is 7.2 - 7.6.
If the pH is too low, it can cause corrosion of metal
fixtures and the heating element. See chart to bal-
ance.
If the pH is too high, it can cause scaling by allowing
metals or minerals to form deposits and stain spa
surfaces. See chart to balance.
If Using Chlorine as a Sanitizer
• If you choose to use chlorine as a sanitizer, only
use granulated chlorine, not liquid chlorine.
• Once a week, check the chlorine level using either
a test strip or a reagent kit. See table for the ideal
range.
• Add one or two tablespoons of chlorinating gran-
ules to the spa water weekly. Note that chlorine
dissipation rate will be faster at higher water tem-
peratures and slower at lower temperatures.
• When you add chlorine, make sure no bathers are
in the spa, open all jets and run the spa at high
speed with the cover open for at least 30 minutes.
• Follow the maintenance schedule on page 24.
If Using Bromine as a Sanitizer
Bromine is a very effective sanitizer that produces
low chemical odors. Unlike chlorine, it can break
down bacteria and other impurities to a safe level
with a low burn-out rate. The bromine generator
requires different water chemistry tests from chlo-
rine systems.
If you choose to use a bromine generator, you can
purchase one at your Strong Spa retailer or other
local spa retailer. Retail specialists will help you de-
termine the best product to purchase and can rec-
Maintaining Spa Water Quality
Too alkaline,
causes scaling
8.2
8.0
7.8
Ideal balance
7.6
7.4
7.2
Too acidic,
causes corrosion.
7.0
6.8
6.6
Decrease the
p
H level.
Increase the
pH level.