Page 38 Water Quality and Maintenance
• DO use MPS for spas only, such as
HOT SPRING
MPS chlorine-free oxidizer.
• DO store all chemicals in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
• DON’T use bromine, sodium bromide or biguanides. These are an active sanitizer and will combine with the silver ions to inactivate them.
• DON’T use a water clarifier. Clarifiers will cause the spa water to become cloudy.
CHLORINE (SODIUM DICHLOR)
A. Sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine, are oxidants that kill bacteria and viruses in the water. The Free Available Chlorine (FAC) is a measure
of the amount of unused chlorine available to sanitize the spa. The recommended FAC for your spa water is 3.0-5.0 ppm.
B. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends the use of
HOT SPRING
FRESHWATER
Concentrated Chlorinating Granules (sodium
dichlor) for sanitizing the water. Sodium dichlor is preferred because it is totally soluble, dissolves quickly and is nearly pH neutral.
C. Maintaining the proper level of chlorine during use is extremely important.
D. If the FAC is too low, bacteria and viruses can grow rapidly in the warm water.
Increase the FAC by adding granulated sodium dichlor.
E. If the FAC is too high, the water can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin.
Simply allow some time to pass. The FAC level
will naturally drop over time.
F. When the Free Available Chlorine is within the recommended range, the spa is ready to be enjoyed.
WARNING:
There are several forms of stabilized chlorine available for use in spas and swimming pools and each form has specific
chemical characteristics. It is extremely important that the one you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect product
such as tri-chlor, which has a very low pH (2.6), dissolves too quickly in hot water resulting in extremely high levels of chlorine, and is designed
for concrete or plaster swimming pools,
WILL
cause damage to your spa. Use of a liquid or any type of compressed bromine or chlorine, acid
or any type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
WILL
damage your spa and is specifically not
covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
IMPORTANT:
Granulated chlorine (sodium dichlor) will degrade if stored improperly. We recommend purchasing chlorine in one , two, or four
pound containers and storing it in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.
SUPER CHLORINATION
Super Chlorination is designed to “burn-off” the build-up of chloramines (used chlorine), to
eliminate the chlorine smell and to allow the proper level of free chlorine to be maintained.
When giving your water a super chlorination treatment, open the cover at least half way for
twenty minutes to allow the chlorine gas to vent off. The high concentration of chlorine gas which
may exist as a result of super chlorination (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration
or degradation to the bottom of the cover, which would not be covered under the terms of your
warranty.
WARNING:
There are several froms of stabilizer chlorine available for use in spas and
swimming pools. Each from has specific chemical characteristics. It is extremely important that the
form you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect product such as tri-
chloro, which has a very low pH (2.6) dissolves too quickly in hot water resulting in extremely high
levels of chlorine, and is designed for concrete or plaster swimming pools. WILL cause damage to
your spa. Use of a liquid, or any type of compressed bromine or clorine, acid, or any type of
sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corportation, WILL damage your
spa and is specifically not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
SUPPLEMENTAL WATER MAINTENANCE
Proper water sanitation and mineral balance (pH control) are absolutely essential for a complete spa water maintenance program. Here are three
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. To reduce hardness, use the
VANISHING ACT
calcium remover.
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. Using the
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-filter when
adding water to the spa will help to reduce these metals.
NOTE:
Well water may contain high concentrations of minerals. The use of a low water volume, extra-fine pore water filter (such as the
CLEAN
SCREEN
pre-filter) will help to remove many of the larger particles during the filling of the spa.
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-filters can be purchased at
your local
HOT SPOT
Spa Dealer.
CHLORINE
DPD TEST
KIT OR
TEST STRIP
READING
DO NOT USE THE
SPA UNTIL THE
TEST KIT READING
IS BELOW THIS
LEVEL
RECOMMENDED
LEVEL
SAFE
ADD CHLORINE
DO NOT USE SPA;
ADD CHLORINE
TO REACH
RECOMMENDED
SAFE LEVEL
