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Saratoga Spa
®
OWNER'S MANUAL
WatEr quaLItY MaIntEnancE
general Information
As the owner of a Saratoga Spa®, endless hours of entertainment, recreation, and relaxation
await you . Caring for your spa will become a routine and pleasant part of your daily activities .
You will be able to maintain your spa water and keep your spa equipment in excellent condition .
To do so you first must balance your spa water .
balanced Water
Balanced water ensures spa bathers safety as well as protecting the spa heater and components
from corrosion . Also, balanced water protects the spa surface from unsightly scale deposits which
reduce the efficiency of the spa equipment . You can obtain balanced water by correctly adjusting
a few chemical components in the water . Specifically, you will need to adjust the pH, total
alkalinity and calcium hardness
note:
Improper water chemistry can result in product failure and invalidate your warranty .
ph
pH is measured on a scale that runs from 0-14 . pH indicates whether water is neutral, acidic,
or basic . The drawing below shows a pH equal to 7 .0 is neutral . A pH below this point is acidic
and a pH above this point is basic .
Test pH weekly
Recommended Range - 7.2 to 7.8
If the pH is too low it can
1 . Corrode metal surfaces .
2 . Use excess sanitizer .
3. Irritate bathers’ skin and eyes.
adjusting ph
To raise pH add a granular pH Increaser or sodium carbonate at the rate suggested on the
container . To lower pH add a granular pH Decreaser, or sodium bisulfate at the rate suggested
on the container . After initial application, allow water to circulate approximately 15 minutes on
Pump 1 at high speed . Test pH and add second dose if required .
total alkalinity
There are minerals in your spa water that act as buffering agents . Total alkalinity is the
measurement of these alkaline materials that help prevent corrosion and staining . The correct
amount of alkalinity in your spa water will keep the water’s pH consistent while allowing for
economical pH adjustment when necessary .
Example: At low total alkalinity levels, the water’s pH easily drifts, making frequent pH
adjustments necessary and the added expense of multiple chemical treatments .
If the pH is too high it can
1 . Deposit scale on surfaces .
2 . Contribute to cloudy water .
3 . Cause eye irritation .
4 . Reduce sanitizer efficiency .