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E. When the Calcium Hardness is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.
baLanCIng The ph
A. The ideal pH level for your spa water is 7.4-7.6.
B. The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7 are alkaline; those below 7 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.
• Preventing equipment deterioration.
C. 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 Hot Spring FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up, or sodium hydrogen carbonate to the spa
water.
D. 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.
The WaTkInS WaTeR MaInTenanCe qUICk RefeRenCe gUIde
Ideal Range (ppm)
What Chemicals to Use
Steps
Min.
Max.
To Raise
To Lower
1 Total Alkalinity
40
120
Sodium Hydrogen
Carbonate, or
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bisulfate
2 Calcium Hardness
100
150
Calcium Hardness
Increaser
Use a mixture of
75% hard water
and 25% soft water
or use a Stain and
Scale Inhibitor
3 pH
7.4
7.6
Sodium Bisulfate
4 Sanitizer
See section on Maintaining the Sanitizer Level
If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding Hot Spring FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down, or sodium bisulfate 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.
E. It is important to check the pH on a regular 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.
F. When the pH is within the recommended range, proceed to the final step.
MaInTaInIng The SanITIzeR LeveL
A. Sanitizer is extremely important for killing algae, bacteria and viruses, and preventing unwanted organisms from growing in the spa. At the
same time, you don’t want too high a sanitizer level, or it can irritate your skin, lungs, and eyes.
B. Always maintain the sanitizer level in your spa at the recommended level for each type of sanitizer.
C. Watkins recommends only the following sanitizers:
• Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
• Brominating Concentrate
™
(one step granular bromine)
• BaquaSpa
®
(please consult your BaquaSpa manual for instructions on the use of this product).
WARNING:
DO NOT use tri-chlor chlorine, bromo-chloro-dimethyl-hydantoin (BCDMH), or any type of compressed bromine or chlorine, acid or
any type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation.
Water quality and Maintenance
Summary of Contents for Bengal
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