14
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 10.)
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 the relative acidity or
alkalinity 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, you should test the
pH of the water regularly. To test the water, you can
either purchase additional test strips or purchase a pH
test kit at a pool and spa supply store. The pH read-
ing 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 level.
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE ACCESS PANEL
Turn off the spa power. To remove the indicated
Access Panel (25), Remove the four 1/4” x 20 x 1 1/2”
Machine Screws (46) that secure the Access Panel to
the spa. Carefully remove the Access Panel and set it
aside.
To replace the Access Panel, hold the Access Panel
in place and secure it with the 4 1/4” x 20 x 1 1/2”
Machine Screws (46). Be careful not to overtighten
the Screws.
DRAINING THE HYDROTHERAPY SPA
The hydrotherapy spa should be drained at least four
times per 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 no longer effective. The spa
should also be drained if you will not be using it for
long periods 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 in a matter
of minutes if exposed to the sun while it is empty.
These 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.
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46
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