Full Product Manual

16
ADDING START-UP CHEMICALS
WATER CHEMISTRY GUIDELINES
Spa water chemistry is ultimately the responsibility of the spa owner. Improper water chemistry may result
in costly repairs not covered under the spa warranty.
If unsure about any step in the process, please
contact a Customer Care Associate at [phone] Ext. 8440.
Initially, it is advisable to identify what minerals (e.g. iron) are present in the local source water.
This will provide a better understanding of how to treat the water. Please follow the four steps
below and be sure to achieve the correct levels in each area before moving onto the next step.
STEP #1: ESTABLISH PROPER PH LEVEL:
The recommended range for pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. Above 7.8, the water is too alkaline and can
result in cloudy water, and scale formation on the shell and heater. To lower the pH use a pH Down/
Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). Below 7.0 (considered neutral), the spa water is too acidic and can
damage the heating system. To increase pH, use a pH Up/Increaser (sodium hydrogen carbonate).
Any pH Up or Down should be added one teaspoon at a time, waiting one-half hour between
application and re-measuring.
STEP #2: MEASURE TOTAL ALKALINITY:
The Total Alkalinity is the amount of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides present in the spa
water. Proper total alkalinity is important for pH control. If the TA is too high, the pH is difficult to
adjust. If the TA is too low, the pH will be difficult to hold at the proper level. The ideal range is
between 40-120 parts per million (ppm). Reduce TA by using an Alkalinity Down/Decreaser (sodium
bisulfate). Increased TA by adding an Alkalinity Up/Increaser (sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen
carbonate). These products should be added in small amounts - 5 ml at a time. After adding 5 ml, wait
one half hour before re-measuring. Once the safe range of total alkalinity is established, proceed to the
next step.
STEP #3: DETERMINE CALCIUM HARDNESS:
It is important to bring the calcium reading to between 75-150 ppm. If the reading requires
adjustment, it should now be corrected. If the water is too soft (a low reading) calcium
hardness should be added to the water to increase the ppm reading. If the water is too hard
(a high reading), it can be corrected by either: (A) a mixture of hard and soft water added
to attain a reading in the safe range, or (B) addition of stain and scale control. If calcium
hardness is a problem with the local source water (either too hard or too soft) a test kit, which
measures calcium hardness, is essential.
STEP #4: SANITIZING:
After steps 1-3 are complete, the spa must be sanitized using Chlorine (sodium dichlor).
Add 2 teaspoons of Chlorine, and increase as necessary to reach a level of 3-5 ppm. Check
and maintain this level weekly, and before and after using the spa. IMPORTANT NOTE: A
granulated sodium dichlor is highly recommended for sanitizing spa water,
granular bromine
may also be used.
Never use compressed sanitizers even with a floater. As with any other
chemicals, the sanitizer should be introduced to the spa with the jets running for 10 minutes.
WEEKLY SHOCK:
Using a potassium monopersulfate (MPS) shock, add approximately 2 oz. (60 ml) spreading
it over the water while the jets are running. Shocking is achieved by adding the MPS to
turbulent water. Leave the cover up and jets on high for 10 minutes. Then shut jets off and
return the cover to the closed position to maintain heat.