water CHemIstry
Tap water that is safe to drink is not always right for
your swim spa. Normal tap water is usually filled with
minerals and micro-contaminants that are not visible
to the naked eye. Properly testing and treating your
spa water is essential for the health of your swim spa
as well as the people that use it.
proper chemical maintenance can control and
help prevent the following:
1. Bacteria, algae and fungi, which can spread disease
and infection to humans.
2. Staining and scale build-up on your swim spa shell,
equipment, and piping.
3. Clogged filters. With the swim spa please be aware
that the chemical maintenance of your hot water spa
section and the cooler pool section will be different
and not always proportional to the volume of water.
Note 1:
When using chemicals, always follow the
instructions provided on the manufacturer’s labels.
Note 2:
Use an accurate test kit to perform all
chemistry tests.
Note 3:
Never mix chemicals.
Note 4:
Always add chemicals directly to the swim
spa water, evenly spreading the chemicals over the
surface. Run the Filter Pump for 15 or more minutes
after applying any chemical. To help with the mixing
of chemicals you can turn on your massage system
as well.
overvIew of water CHemIstry
1. sanitation
Sanitisers kill bacteria and keep the water clean.
Effective and safe sanitisers include any of the
following: STABILISED CHLORINE GRANULES
(sodium dichloro isocyanurate dihydrate).
Note:
Trichlor chlorine tablets and/or non-dichlor
granular chlorines must not be used in your swim
spa , they may damage the swim spa , voiding your
warranty.
2. weekly shock dose
As your swim spa is used, non-filterable wastes,
including perspiration, oils, hair sprays, etc, will
build up in the water. These substances make the
water unattractive in appearance and odour, and can
also interfere with sanitizer effectiveness. Normal
sanitation does not eliminate these waste substances
but shock dosing does. Shock dosing is achieved
by ‘shocking’ the spa water with a weekly dose of
NON CHLORINE SHOCK.
MaInTenanCe
3. pH Control
Proper pH balance is extremely important in controlling
bacteria, providing water that’s comfortable for the
user, and in preventing damage to the swim spa
and its equipment. Using the scale of 0-14, pH is
the measure of acidity and alkaline in the water. pH
levels under 7.0 are acidic while pH levels over 7.0 are
alkaline. The proper pH range for a spa is 7.2 to 7.6.
High pH levels (over 7.6) can cause the following:
Scale build-up on the swim spa and its equipment,
cloudy water, a prematurely dirty filter, and less
effective chlorine sanitation. To correct high pH levels,
add a pH DECREASER.
low pH levels (under 7.4) can cause the
following: Discomfort to the user and corrosion to
the swim spa and its equipment. To correct low pH
levels, add a pH INCREASER.
Note:
Never use muriatic or hydrochloric acid to
adjust pH as it can damage your swim spa shell and
surroundings.
4. total alkalinity (ta)
Total Alkalinity (TA) is the measure of carbonates and
bicarbonates in the spa water. Low TA can cause pH
to be unstable, bouncing from one level to another,
causing the water to be corrosive or scale forming
to the swim spa and it’s equipment. To correct low
TA, add a TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER. High
TA can cause scale build-up, cloudy water, as well as
other pH problems. To correct high TA, contact your
authorised Riptide dealer.
5. Calcium hardness (CH) 250-500 ppm
Calcium hardness (CH) is the measure of dissolved
calcium in the water. Low CH (soft water) can result in
staining to the swim spa’s surface as well as corrosion
to the swim spa and it’s equipment. To correct low
CH, add a CALCIUM HARDNESS INCREASER.
High CH (hard water) can cause cloudy water as
well as rough scale build-up on the spa’s surface and
equipment. To correct or manage high CH, contact
your authorised Riptide dealer.
6. stain & scale control
Stain and scale problems are common in hot water
environments. To help prevent and control staining
and scaling, add a STAIN & SCALE INHIBITOR.
7. foam control
Water emulsifies shampoo, soap and detergents, and
combined with high water temperatures, can cause
surface foaming. To prevent and control foam on the
surface of the swim spa water add a small amount of
FOAM REDUCER.
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