water CHemIstry
Tap water that is safe to drink is not always right for
your spa. 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 spa 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 spa shell,
equipment, and piping.
3. Clogged filters.
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 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
Sanitizers kill bacteria and keep the water clean.
Effective and safe Sanitizers 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 spa , they
may damage the spa , voiding your warranty.
2. weekly shock dose
As your 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
or double dose of CHLORINE GRANULES.
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 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.
MAINTENANCE
High pH levels (over 7.6) can cause the following:
Scale build-up on the spa 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 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 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 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 spa’s surface as well as corrosion to
the spa 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 spa water add a small amount of FOAM
REDUCER.
8. Clearing cloudy water
There are two basic reasons that spa water becomes
cloudy. First, non-filterable liquid wastes (perspiration,
etc.) have contaminated the water. To remove these
waste substances, shock the water (as described
previously). Second, non-filterable micro-particulate
wastes (dust, etc.) have contaminated the water.
To remove these waste substances, use a WATER
CLARIFIER.
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