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FUNDAMENTALS OF
WATER MAINTENANCE
• Testing:
Test the water weekly or each time the spa is used with
convenient 5-way test strips or more accurate liquid/tablet reagent test
kit per instructions. Critical parameters: sanitizer level, pH, Calcium
Hardness (CH), and Total Alkalinity (TA). Store test equipment in a
dark, cool, dry place to maintain potency.
• Water Filtration:
The filtration used in
CALDERA
spas helps keep
water clean by circulating sanitizer and removing waste from the spa.
Regularly inspect and clean filters for peak performance.
• CALDERA
spas provides the best approach to keeping water clean
by constantly circulating sanitizer and removing waste from the spa.
Regularly inspect and clean filters for peak performance.
• Chemical Balance/pH
Control:
It is important to
adjust the primary water
parameters (Total Alkalinity,
Calcium Hardness, pH) into
the recommended ranges
so that they are stabilized
or balanced. Balance the
water chemistry every
time you fill the spa with
new water and then
during the life of that body
of water. Keeping the
water in balance prevents
damage by holding the pH in a safe range and preventing calcium scale
formation on spa equipment. A low pH can damage metal components
whereas a high pH can cause high levels of calcium to form scale. Your
dealer should provide a detailed water chemistry orientation soon after
your new spa is filled for the very first time.
• The following three water components must be kept in balance to avoid
damage to the spa. Do balance these components in the order they
are listed here as each will help you balance the next using a minimum
amount of chemicals.
1. Calcium Hardness (CH) – CH is the measure of the amount
of dissolved calcium in the water. Low levels can make the
water corrosive and high levels cause scale formation of spa
components. The recommended CH reading is between
50 - 150 ppm
. If the CH level is too high, lower it with the
VANISHING ACT
calcium remover per instructions. Once in
balance, the CH reading normally remains stable until new water is
added. Great care must be taken when filling the spa from a water
softener to ensure that the calcium remains in balance and avoid
damage to the spa.
2. Total Alkalinity (TA) - TA is a measure of the water’s ability to
resist changes of pH or buffer capacity. A low TA allows the pH to
fluctuate easily. The recommended TA reading is between
40 - 120
ppm
. To raise the TA, use
MONARCH
pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium
hydrogen carbonate). To lower the TA, use pH/Alkalinity Down
(sodium bisulfate). Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains
stable until the next drain/refill. We recommend you check the TA
reading once per month. Raising/lowering the TA may cause the
pH readings to fluctuate widely. Ignore the pH readings on the test
strip while you are balancing the TA.
3. pH - The pH is the measure of the acidity and alkalinity.
Maintaining the proper pH level will optimize the effectiveness of
the sanitizer, preventing damage to the spa and physical discomfort
for spa users. A low pH dissipates sanitizer, causes corrosion, and
irritates spa users. A high pH level will neutralize sanitizer, promote
scaling and cloud water. The recommended pH reading is between
7.2 - 7.8
. To lower the pH level, use
MONARCH
pH/Alkalinity
Down (sodium bisulfate). To raise the pH level, use pH/Alkalinity
Up (sodium carbonate).
• Water Conditioners:
Spa fill water varies from location to location and
user to user, therefore it is important to consult with your dealer for an
appropriate program.
a.
VANISHING ACT
– High levels of calcium and some minerals
can be removed from the water with the single use
VANISHING
ACT
. High calcium levels can cause scale formation on the spa
equipment and shell.
b.
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-filter –The
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-flter
should be used at every fill and top-off to remove contaminants
from the fill water, especially iron, copper, and manganese. Many
water sources including well water contain high concentrations of
minerals that can cause staining of the shell and plastics.
c. Stain and Scale control – For water high in calcium and minerals,
it may be necessary to use an anti-scalant like Stain and Scale
control. As water evaporates from your spa and new water is
added, the amount of dissolved minerals like calcium, copper, iron,
and manganese will increase. (Minimize evaporation by keeping
the cover on the spa whenever possible.) High iron or copper
content in the water may produce green or brown stains on the spa.
d. Foam Inhibitors - Soap is introduced into the spa water from users’
bodies and swimming apparel and can cause the spa water to
foam when the jets are used. Low levels of calcium hardness
(soft water) can increase foaming. Although ozone can oxidize
soap residual, it may become necessary to add Foam Inhibitors
to suppress the foam. Excessive soap in the water may require a
water change to resolve.
• Oxidizers:
Ozone and Monopersulfate (MPS) are oxidizers used to
prevent the buildup of contaminants, maximize sanitizer efficiency,
minimize combined chlorine, and improve water clarity. They are to be
used in conjunction with EPA registered sanitizers. The
MONARCH
III high output ozone system uses Corona Discharge technology to
produce a high concentration of ozone which is injected into the spa
water 24 hours per day. Chlorine-Free Oxidizer, Monopersulfate (MPS)
is a granular oxidizing chemical.
• Sanitizers:
Maintaining the recommended residual level of a national
registered sanitizer at all times will decrease the occurrence of unsafe
bacteria and viruses in your spa water. The recommended Free
Available Chlorine (FAC), the amount of available chlorine sanitizer,
is
3.0-5.0 ppm
. A low FAC can allow bacteria and viruses to grow
rapidly in the warm water, and a high FAC can cause discomfort to the
user’s eyes, lungs, and skin. Each sanitizer carries its own instructions
regarding how much to use and when to add it to the spa water.
Consult your dealer for their recommendations and instructions on
proper sanitizing of the spa.
WATKINS WELLNESS
recommends the following sanitizer:
•
FROG
sanitizing system (mineral and bromine)
WATKINS WELLNESS
also approves the following sanitizers:
• Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
• Biguanide
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
WELLNESS
.
Water Quality and Maintenance
ALKALINE SPA
WATER
(SCALING
ZONE)
ADD pH
DECREASER
TO LOWER
pH
ADD pH
INCREASER
TO RAISE
pH
ACIDIC SPA
WATER
(CORROSIVE
ZONE)
COMFORT
ZONE
IDEAL
