Page 30
SECTION 8.
Maintenance
8.1 Water Chemistry
The mineral content of swimming pool water
increases daily due to natural evaporation and the
addition of sanitizing chemicals. If the mineral concen-
tration in the pool gets too high, the excess minerals
will deposit on the walls of the pool, in the filter
system, and in the heater tubes.
The proper chemical balance in spa water is
more critical than in a swimming pool heater operation.
Due to the spa's size, high water temperature and
heavy usage, chemical values in a spa can vary
greatly. This chemical imbalance can result in unsani-
tary water conditions, and affect the life of the heater.
Proper chemical balances are necessary for
sanitary bathing conditions as well as ensuring your
heater's long life. Kits are available from your local
pool supply dealer for making the various test for
mineral content. One of these kits will detect copper in
the system. This is usually a warning that corrosion is
taking place, possibly due to a low pH value combined
with other chemistry problems. The condition can be
corrected by changing the spa water and closely
monitoring the pH factor and chemical properties of
the water. Be sure to keep your chemical levels
within the values indicated in Table 8.
Waterpik
Technologies does not warrant heat exchangers
damaged by corrosive chemical levels or excess
dissolved solids in pool or spa water.
For spas, it is also necessary to perform water
changes in addition to chemical treatment. It is recom-
mended to change the spa water every 60 days for
light usage and every 30 days if usage is heavy.
Table 8. Chemical Concentration Levels*
T e s t
Recommended Level
Free Chlorine or
1.0 to 3.0 ppm (3.0 to 5.0 spa)
Bromine
2.0 to 4.0 ppm (3.0 to 5.0 spa)
pH
7.4 to 7.6
Total Alkalinity (TA)
80 to 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness (CH)
200 to 400 ppm
Cyanuric Acid
30 to 50 ppm
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Less than 2000 ppm
Copper
0 ppm
* Concentration levels taken from "Basic Pool and Spa
Technology" published by NSPI (National Spa and Pool Institute).
8.2 Seasonal Care
CAUTION
Do not operate this heater outdoors at
temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
(-7 degrees Celsius [°C]).
ATTENTION
Ne faites pas fonctionner cet appareil à
l’extérieur à des températures inférieures à 20
degrés Fahrenheit (
o
F) (-7 degrés Celsius
[
o
C]).
8.2.1 Spring and Fall Operation
During periods when the pool is only going to be
used occasionally, set the pool and spa control tem-
peratures to 70°F (21°C) on the LX or the lowest
setting possible on the LT. See Section 7.3.3. This
prevents the pool water from becoming chilled, and
minimizes the time required to raise the pool water
back up to the desired temperature.
If the heater is not going to be used for a long
period of time, shut it down completely. Follow the
instructions found on the inside of the heater, or Figure
26 on page 27 of this manual.
8.2.2 Winterizing
In areas where freezing temperatures occur in
winter and the pool or spa will not be used, have your
service technician perform the following steps:
1.
Turn off the main gas supply to the heater, using
the gas cock outside the heater jacket.
2.
Remove heater door.
3.
Shut down the heater following the shutdown
instructions found on the inside of the heater or
Figure 26 on page 27 of this manual.
4.
Remove the drain plugs from both the inlet/outlet
header and the return header (see Figure 30 and
Sections 11.3 and 11.4, Exploded Views), and
completely drain the heater before the first frost.
5.
After all water has drained from the heater,
check for mineral buildup in the openings.
6.
Use compressed air to blow out any standing
water remaining in the heat exchanger.
7.
Inspect the gaskets on the drain plugs and
reinstall plugs, but do not tighten.
8.
Disconnect the pressure switch from the siphon
loop (copper tubing) (see Figure 31).
9.
Cover the vent grill so that snow will not accu-
mulate in the combustion blower, where it may
freeze.
