Image IMHS63100 Water Chemistry, Maintaining the Proper PH Balance, Draining the Hydrotherapy SPA

WATER CHEMISTRY

The hydrotherapy spa comes with a starter chemical pack for maintaining the water in the spa. (See TEST- ING AND TREATING THE WATER on page 10.) Additional chemicals can be purchased at a pool and spa supply store.

CAUTION: The chemicals used to maintain the pH balance of the water and to sanitize the water can be dangerous. Always follow these basic guide- lines when handling the chemicals:

1.Always read and follow the directions on the label, unless directed otherwise.

2.Never mix different chemicals.

3.Do not exceed the recommended amounts of chemicals—follow the directions on the label closely.

4.Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

5.Keep all containers closed tightly when not in use.

6.Never add water to the chemicals—always add the chemicals to the water as directed.

7.Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place.

MAINTAINING THE PROPER PH BALANCE

The pH factor is a measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity in the water. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Pure water has a value of 7, which is neutral.

Any value above 7 is alkaline, and any value below 7 is acidic. You should maintain a slightly alkaline pH level, between 7.2 and 7.8, in the hydrotherapy spa.

Severe problems can occur when the pH balance is not maintained within this range. If the pH level exceeds 7.8, dissolved minerals can build up and clog the plumbing in the spa jet unit. If the pH level falls below 7.2, the acid level in the water will begin to cor- rode the metal parts in the spa jet unit. Also, the sani- tation agents in the water will not be effective if the pH level is not properly maintained. Damage caused by improper pH levels is not covered under the warranty.

To maintain the proper pH level, you should test the pH of the water regularly. To test the water, you can either purchase additional test strips or purchase a pH test kit at a pool and spa supply store. The pH read- ing should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the level is too low, add a pH increaser (usually soda ash). If the level is too high, add a pH reducer (usually sodium bisulfate). Test the water again after five minutes. See the instructions with your pH test kit for additional information about testing and adjusting the pH.

ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE ACCESS PANEL

To locate the access panels, refer to the drawing on page 6. Turn off the spa power. To remove an access panel, first remove the four indicated screws. Slide the access panel down and then pull the bottom of it away from the spa. Note: Be careful not to damage the spa shell as you remove the access panel.

Pump

Access

Panel

Screws

To replace the access panel, insert the top of the access panel under the edge of the spa shell. Slide the cover up until the bottom of the access panel clears the trim along the bottom of the spa. Then, slide the access panel into place and re-attach the four screws.

DRAINING THE HYDROTHERAPY SPA

The hydrotherapy spa should be drained at least four times a year and refilled with clean water. You may need to drain the spa more often, depending on the user load. This must be done because after repeated chemical treatment the water becomes chemically saturated. Once this happens, additional chemical treatment of the water is no longer effective. The spa should also be drained if you will not be using it for long periods of time. The spa must always be drained before major repairs are made.

The hydrotherapy spa should always be covered when it is empty. Direct sunlight can cause exten- sive damage. The surface of the spa shell can reach temperatures as high as 150°F in a matter of minutes if exposed to the sun while it is empty. These high temperatures can cause significant damage, such as blistering of the shell surface and warping of the spa shell. Any damage caused by sun exposure is not covered under warranty.

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