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VACATION WATER CARE
INSTRUCTIONS
If you plan to be away from home, follow these instructions to ensure
that the water quality of your spa is maintained:
SHORT TIME PERIODS (3-5 DAYS):
1. Adjust the pH by following the instructions outlined in the Water Quality
and Maintenance section.
2. Sanitize the water by following the shock procedures also listed in the
Water Quality and Maintenance section.
3. Lock your cover in place using the coverlocks.
4. Upon your return, sanitize the water by following the shock procedures,
and balance the pH.
LONG TIME PERIODS (5-14 DAYS):
Prior to leaving:
1. At least one day before you leave, set the temperature to its lowest
level. This setting should represent an approximate water temperature
of 27°C (80°F)
IMPORTANT:
Spa water oxidizers such as sodium dichlor (chlorine)
maintain their level of effectiveness substantially longer in warm water
27°C (80°F) than in hot water 38°C - 40°C (101°F to 104°F).
2. Adjust the pH as required. Sanitize the water by following the shock
procedures.
Upon your return:
3. Sanitize the water by following the shock procedures. Return the set
temperature to its original setting. The spa water will be safe for you to
use once the Free Available Chlorine residual level has dropped below
5.0 ppm.
IMPORTANT:
If you will not be using your spa for an extended period
of time (in excess of 14 days) and an outside maintenance service (or
neighbor) is not available to assist with the water maintenance, draining
or winterizing of the spa is recommended.
SUPPLEMENTAL WATER MAINTENANCE
Proper water sanitation and mineral balance (pH control) are absolutely
essential for a complete spa water maintenance program. Here are two
other popular water additives that are optional:
Mineral Deposit Inhibitors
As water evaporates from your spa and new water is added, the amount
of dissolved minerals will increase. (Minimize evaporation by keeping
the cover on the spa whenever possible.) The spa water may eventually
become “hard” (Calcium Hardness too high) enough to damage the
heater by calcifying its surface. Proper pH control can minimize this.
Normal soap build-up will require water replacement regularly enough
that mineral deposits normally are not a problem.
Occasionally, high iron or copper content in the water may produce
green or brown stains on the spa. A stain and scale inhibitor may help to
reduce these metals.
IMPORTANT:
Well water may contain high concentrations of minerals.
The use of a low water volume, extra-fine pore water filter (in-line pre-
filter such as the
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-filter) will help to remove many of
the larger particles during the filling of the spa. In-line pre-filters can be
purchased at your local
CALDERA
dealer.
Foam Inhibitors
Spa water requires changing due to the buildup of soap in the water.
Typically, soap will cause the spa water to foam when the jets are used.
Soap is introduced into the spa water from two sources: users’ bodies,
which retain a soap residual after showering, and swimming apparel,
which retains soap after washing.
Foam inhibitors can suppress foam, but cannot remove soap from the
water. Soap is very difficult to remove from the water because soap is
not oxidized by any chemical added to the spa. Only ozone can oxidize
soap. Eventually the soap build-up in the water will be concentrated,
resulting in an unclean feeling on the bather’s skin, which is impossible
to remedy. When this occurs, it’s time to drain and refill the spa.
Depending on the soap input, the water should last about four months
before needing to be drained.
Water Quality and Maintenance
