16
WATER CHEMISTRY
The hydrotherapy spa comes with a starter chemical
pack for maintaining the water in the spa. (See TEST-
ING AND TREATING THE WATER on page 11.)
Additional chemicals can be purchased at a pool and
spa supply store.
CAUTION: The chemicals used to maintain the pH
balance of the water and to sanitize the water can
be dangerous. Always follow these basic guide-
lines when handling the chemicals:
1. Always read and follow the directions on the
label, unless directed otherwise.
2. Never mix different chemicals.
3. Do not exceed the recommended amounts of
chemicals—follow the directions on the label
closely.
4. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children
and pets.
5. Keep all containers closed tightly when not in
use.
6. Never add water to the chemicals—always add
the chemicals to the water as directed.
7. Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place.
MAINTAINING THE PROPER PH BALANCE
The pH factor is a measure of relative acidity or alka-
linity in the water. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 14.
Pure water has a value of 7, which is neutral. Any
value above 7 is alkaline, and any value below 7 is
acidic. You should maintain a slightly alkaline pH
level, between 7.2 and 7.8, in the hydrotherapy spa.
Severe problems can occur when the pH balance is
not maintained within this range. If the pH level
exceeds 7.8, dissolved minerals can build up and clog
the plumbing in the spa jet unit. If the pH level falls
below 7.2, the acid level in the water will begin to cor-
rode the metal parts in the spa jet unit. Also, the sani-
tation agents in the water will not be effective if the pH
level is not properly maintained. Damage caused by
improper pH levels is not covered under the warranty.
To maintain the proper pH level, test the pH of the
water regularly using the included pH test kit. The pH
reading should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the level is
too low, add a pH increaser (usually soda ash). If the
level is too high, add a pH reducer (usually sodium
bisulfate). Test the water again after five minutes. See
the instructions with your pH test kit for additional
information about testing and adjusting the pH.
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE ACCESS COVER
To remove the access cover, first remove the four
access cover screws. Slide the access cover down
and pull the bottom of it away from the spa.
Be care-
ful not to damage the spa shell as you remove the
cover.
To replace the access cover, insert the top of the
cover under the edge of the spa shell. Slide the cover
up until the bottom of the cover will clear the trim
along the bottom of the spa. Slide the cover into place
and re-attach the four cover screws.
Note: If you will be storing the spa for any period of
time, a qualified electrician will need to disconnect the
power from the power source. You should place the
power cable inside the spa unit before re-attaching
the access cover.
DRAINING THE HYDROTHERAPY SPA
The hydrotherapy spa should be drained at least four
times a year and refilled with clean water. You may
need to drain the spa more often, depending on the
user load. This must be done because after repeated
chemical treatment, the water becomes chemically
saturated. Once this happens, additional chemical
treatment of the water is not effective. The spa should
also be drained if you will not be using it for long peri-
ods of time. The spa must always be drained before
major repairs are made.
The hydrotherapy spa should always be covered
when it is empty. Direct sunlight can cause exten-
sive damage. The surface of the spa shell can
reach temperatures as high as 150°F (65°C) in a
matter of minutes if it is exposed to the sun while
it is empty. Such high temperatures can cause
significant damage, such as blistering of the shell
surface and warping of the spa shell. Any damage
caused by sun exposure is not covered under
warranty.
Cover
Screw
Access
Cover
Spa Unit
Spa
Shell
Access Cover
Screws
