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)
• Baqua Spa
™
(please consult your Baqua Spa
™
manual for instructions on the use of this product).
• Brominating Concentrate
™
(One Step Granular Bromine)
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.
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 Sodium Dichlor type granulated chlorine 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 drop naturally 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 if 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 or two pound containers and storing it in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.
WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
28
THE WATKINS WATER MAINTENANCE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Ideal Range (ppm)
What Chemicals to Use
Steps
Minimum Maximum
To Raise
To Lower
1 Total Alkalinity
125
150
Sodium Hydrogen
Sodium Bisulfate
Carbonate, or
Sodium Bicarbonate
2 Calcium Hardness 150
200
Calcium Hardness
Use a mixture of
Increaser
75% hard water
and 25% soft water
or use a Stain and
Scale Inhibitor
3 pH
7.4
7.6
Sodium Hydrogen
Sodium Bisulfate
Carbonate
4 Sanitizer
See section on Maintaining the Sanitizer Level
