Water Chemistry Disinfecting, Balancing pH

MAINTENANCE

Water Chemistry (Continued)

Disinfecting

When filling the spa for the first time, follow the purge/sanitizing instructions in the Equipment Set-Up procedure of the Installation Instructions.

Add chlorine to the water on a regular basis to help control the amount of bacteria, algae and organic mate- rials. Such bacterial contaminants, if not controlled, could cause skin rashes or other physical problems. To disinfect the spa for normal use, first establish the amount of chlorine to add and determine how often you need to add it.

We recommend that you maintain a free chlorine level of 2.0-5.0 ppm at all times except when you must exceed that during the initial purge/sanitizing procedure or during superchlorination (refer to Water Quality Defi- nitions below). Superchlorinate your spa every two weeks with heavy use. If using sodium dichlor, add one heaping tablespoon for each 150 gallons of spa water. Scrub the spa surfaces with this solution to remove any oily deposits. This will ensure that any bacteria or algae which are resistant to the normal disinfectant level are killed. After adding the disinfectant, run the filter system and allow the free chlorine level to return to the 2.0 to 5.0 ppm range before using the spa again.

Do not install a cover until the disinfectant level is back to normal. High concentrations of chlorine will damage metallic plated finishes if the cover is in place.

Balancing pH

For good hygiene and equipment longevity, main- tain the pH of your spa water according to the instruc- tions provided. pH is the measure to determine if the spa water is too acidic (low pH), or too alkaline (high pH). The ideal range for spa water is 7.4 to 7.6 pH. For excessive acidity (below 7.2 pH) add soda ash or sodium bicarbonate to the spa water. For excessive alkalinity (above 7.6 pH) add dry acid to the spa water.

CAUTION: Refer to the spa chemical manufacturer’s instructions for the initial amount of chemicals to add for the gallonage of your spa. Low pH can cause equipment damage, as acid water will dissolve met- als, while high pH can cause scale or calcium depos- its to build up in the system or on the shell. After adding chemicals, run the filter system for at least 30 minutes before testing water quality again for accu- rate readings.

Balancing Total Alkalinity

Total alkalinity is the measure of alkaline materials in the water. The recommended range for total alkalinity is between 80 ppm and 150 ppm. If the chemistry of the water is not within this range, you will have difficulty adjusting your pH level, which will affect your adjust- ments for the proper amount of free available chlorine. If the alkalinity of your spa water is high, it is advisable to drain the water from the spa and begin the balancing process over again. Purge and sanitize your spa (ac- cording to instructions in Equipment Set-Up section of the Installation Instructions) and clean the spa surfaces thoroughly before refilling with fresh water. Then rees- tablish water chemistry. If the spa is used heavily, change the water at least every month.

WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONS

pH: A chemical term used in expressing relative acidity or alkalinity in numeric values with 7.0 usually regarded as neutral, and for purposes of this manual, indicating pure water. From 7 to 0 indicates increasing acidity, and 7 to 14 indicates alkalinity.

PPM: Parts per million.

Ozone: triatomic oxygen (O3), a gas found commonly in nature, which, when dissolved in spa water helps to destroy impurities and contaminants.

Free Chlorine: Chlorine that has not combined with other chemicals and that is available to destroy bacteria in the spa water.

Trichlor: A form of chlorine used in pool or spa water treatment; usually supplied in tablet form. Not recom- mended because of its higher acidic nature and slow dissolving action. Prolonged contact with the spa shell may bleach or permanently mark the shell.

Sodium dichlor: The type of chlorine that is recommended for spa use, as it is available in fast dissolving granular form. It is neither excessively acid nor alkaline in character and does not readily dissipate in higher water temperatures.

Calcium Hypochlorite: A granular chlorine product that is inexpensive and effective but not recommended because it often tends to form calcium deposits on heater parts and plumbing fittings and leaves an unattractive film on the spa at the water line.

Sodium Hypochlorite: A liquid chlorine product that is inexpensive and effective but not recommended because the liquid is readily spilled onto the spa or a surrounding area, causing permanent damage.

Total Alkalinity: The measure of the amount of alkaline materials (such as carbonates, bicarbonates and hydrox- ides) in the water. High alkalinity inhibits the effectiveness of chemicals to change the pH. If the alkalinity of your spa water is high (above 150 ppm), it is advisable to drain the water from the spa and begin the balancing process over again. Low total alkalinity (below 60 ppm) could be corro- sive and damage your spa system.

Superchlorination: (Also referred to as shock treatment.) The addition of an above-normal level of disinfectant to kill any bacteria or algae that might have become resistant to normal levels of disinfectant.