Cal Spas LES, Owner'S Manual

Page: 34 / 64

33
Balancing the pH
The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7.8 are alkaline; those below 7.2 are acidic.
Maintaining the proper pH level is extremely important for optimizing the effectiveness of the sanitizer,
maintaining water that is comfortable for the user, and preventing equipment deterioration.
If the spa water’s pH level is too low, the following may result:
• The sanitizer will dissipate rapidly.
• The water may become irritating to spa users.
• The spa’s equipment may corrode.
If the pH is too low, it can be increased by adding sodium hydrogen
carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up) to the spa water.
If the pH level is too high, the following may result:
• The sanitizer is less effective.
• Scale will form on the spa shell surface and the equipment.
• The water may become cloudy.
• The filter cartridge pores may become obstructed.
If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding sodium bisulfate (pH/Alkalinity Down) to the spa water.
NOTE: After adding sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium bisulfate, wait two hours before testing the
water for pH. Measurements taken too soon may not be accurate.
It is important to check the pH on a regular (weekly) basis. The pH will be affected by the bather load, the
addition of new water, the addition of various chemicals, and the type of sanitizer used.
When the pH is within the recommended range, proceed to sanitation.
8.2
8.0
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0
6.8
6.6
Ideal pH balance
Add a pH
decreaser
Add a pH
increaser
pH too high
Too alkaline, causes
scaling
pH too low
Too acidic, causes
corrosion
pH
balance
120
140
160
180
100
80
Ideal TA balance
Add an alkalinity
increaser
Add an alkalinity
decreaser
60
40
20
TA too low
pH will fluctuate
wildly
TA too high
pH will be too high
and may be difficult
to stabilize pH
TA
balance
200
225
250
275
175
150
Ideal CH balance
CH too low
Causes equipment
corrosion
CH too high
Causes scale to
deposit on spa and
equipment
Add a calcium
hardness increaser
Dilute the spa
with soft water
125
100
75
CH
balance
4.5 Sanitation and Shock 4.5 Sanitation and Shock
Sanitizers kill bacteria and other organic waste by breaking them down to non-harmful levels which are filtered
out. Before you fill your spa, you need to decide which chemical sanitizer you wish to use. Consult your Cal Spas
dealer for the right decision with regards to your lifestyle and spa usage.
We recommend either bromine or chlorine as your sanitizer. Both work well when maintained regularly
NOTE: DO NOT use Trichlor. Trichlor is very acidic and the hot temperature of the spa causes it to dissolve
too quickly. It will cause damage to your spa and will void your warranty.
Whichever plan you decide on, follow it completely and don’t take shortcuts. It will provide you with clean, safe,
clear spa water with a minimum of effort. Spa owners with an ozonator still need to use a chemical sanitizer. See
page 39 for a description of how the ozonator works.
Whenever you test your chemical levels, your test strip will likely have a test for chlorine or bromine. Make sure
your sanitizer falls within the range shown on the next page.