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FUNDAMENTALS OF
WATER MAINTENANCE
• Testing:
Test the water weekly or each time the spa is used with
convenient
FRESHWATER
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 100% no by-pass 24 hour filtration used in
HOT
SPRING
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
75 - 150 ppm
. A hardness of 50 ppm is recommended with
the Salt System. 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
FRESHWATER
pH/
Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen carbonate). To lower the TA, use
FRESHWATER
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
FRESHWATER
pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate). To raise the pH level, use
FRESHWATER
pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium carbonate).
• Water Conditioners:
Spa 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 and Salt Systems
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 optional
FRESHWATER
III high output ozone system uses a Corona Discharge
technology to produce a high concentration of ozone which is injected
into the spa water 24 hours per day.
FRESHWATER
Chlorine-Free
Oxidizer, Monopersulfate (MPS) is a granular oxidizing chemical.
• Sanitizers:
Maintaining the recommended residual level of an EPA
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 - 5 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.
a.
FRESHWATER
Salt System
b.
FRESHWATER
Concentrated Chlorinating Granules
c. Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
d. Liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite)
e. Brominating Concentrate (one step granular bromine).
f. BaquaSpa
®
(please consult your
BAQUASPA
manual for
instructions on the use of this product).
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
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