WatER ChEmIStRy
tap water that is safe to drink is not always right for
your pool. normal tap water usually contains 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 pool as well as
the people who 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 pool shell,
equipment, and piping.
3. Clogged filters. with the pool 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 pool
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), or
BrOMine Granules.
Note:
Trichlor chlorine tablets and/or non-dichlor
granular chlorines must not be used in your pool ,
they may damage the pool , voiding your warranty.
2. Weekly shock dose
as your pool 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 or double dose of CHlOrine Granules.
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 pool 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 pool and its equipment; cloudy
water; a prematurely dirty filter; and less effective
chlorine sanitation. to correct high pH levels, add a
pH reDuCer.
Low ph levels (under 7.2) can cause the
following: Discomfort to the user and corrosion to
the pool 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 pool 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 pool 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 pool’s surface as well as corrosion
to the pool and its 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 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 pool water add a small amount of
FOaM reDuCer.
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