pg. 15
Water Treatment Guide
Water Balance
– pH, Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness
Water balance is important to the overall performance of your hot tub. No hot tub
’s water conditions are exactly
alike. The water source, location of the hot tub and frequency of use all effect the water balance. Unbalanced
water can damage the equipment, make the water uncomfortable for the user, and decrease the effectiveness
of the disinfectant. Total alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness must be within the correct ranges to balance the
water.
o
pH:
Simply, pH is a scale indicating whether hot tub water is basic, neutral or acidic. Hot tub
water should be slightly basic with a reading of 7.2-7.8
Too low a pH (below 7.2) leads to corrosion of hot tub equipment and will irritate the skin of the
bathers. Also, the sanitizer will dissipate more rapidly.
▪
A low pH can be corrected by adding pH Increaser.
Too high a pH (above 7.8) promotes scaling on heat exchanger tubes, creates cloudy water,
calcium deposits and reduces the effectiveness of disinfecting agents.
▪
A high pH can be corrected by adding pH Reducer.
o
Alkalinity:
Total alkalinity is a measure of the alkalines in the water. They act as pH buffer
(stabilizer) preventing large changes in the pH. The total alkalinity should be between 80-120
ppm.
A low total alkalinity causes: the pH to wander; corrosive water; disinfectants to be ineffective
▪
To raise the total alkalinity, add Alka-Rise.
▪
A high total alkalinity causes: cloudy water; scale formation.
▪
To lower the total alkalinity, add pH Reducer.
o
Calcium Hardness:
Calcium hardness is the hardness present due to dissolved calcium. The
desired range is 250 - 500 ppm
A low calcium hardness causes: corrosive water; staining of surfaces
To raise calcium hardness, add Cal Rise.
A high calcium hardness causes: scaling of heating pipes; cloudy water; staining hot tub
▪
To correct this problem add Prevent II. Do not fill the hot tub with soft water!
Initial Start-up
Before adding chemicals, know your hot tub water capacity in litres or gallons.
YOUR HOT TUB CONTAINS
Softub 300 (6 person) 1137 liters
Softub 220 (4 person) 833 liters
Softub 140 (2 person) 530 liters
Scale can accumulate on hot tub surfaces and inside filters and heaters, greatly reducing their effectiveness.
Protect your hot tub equipment from scale caused by calcium deposits.
