Caldera Highland Series Balancing the Calcium Hardness CH, Maintaining the Sanitizer Level

WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE

corrected by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up).

D.If the Total Alkalinity is too high, the pH level will tend to be high and may be difficult to bring down. It can be lowered by using sodium bisulfate (pH/Alkalinity

Down).

E.Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or low alkalinity will raise or lower the TA reading of the water.

F.When the Total Alkalinity is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.

BALANCING THE CALCIUM HARDNESS (CH)

A.The recommended Calcium Hardness (CH) level for your spa is 150-200 ppm.

B.Calcium Hardness is a measure of the total amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Calcium helps control the corrosive nature of the spa’s water. That’s why calcium-low water (commonly known as “soft” water) is not recommended. It is very corrosive to the equipment, and can cause staining of the spa shell.

C.If the CH is too high (commonly known as “hard water”), formation of scale on the spa’s shell surface and equipment can result. CH can be decreased by dilution–a mixture of 75% hard and 25% soft water will usually yield a reading within the correct range. If soft water is not available or practical for you, a stain and scale inhibitor should be added to the spa water, according to label instructions.

D.If the CH is too low add CH Increaser.

E.Once the CH is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or low calcium content will raise or lower the CH reading of the water.

F.When the Calcium Hardness is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.

BALANCING THE pH

A.The ideal pH level for your spa water is 7.4-7.6.

B.The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7 are alkaline; those below 7 are acidic. Maintaining the proper pH level is extremely important for:

•Optimizing the effectiveness of the sanitizer.

•Maintaining water that is comfortable for the user.

•Preventing equipment deterioration.

C.If the spa water’s pH level is too low, the following may result:

•The sanitizer will dissipate rapidly.

•The water may become irritating to spa users.

•The spa’s equipment may corrode.

If the pH is too low, it can be increased by adding sodium hydrogen (pH/Alkalinity Up) carbonate to the spa water.

D.If the pH level is too high, the following may result:

•The sanitizer is less effective.

•Scale will form on the spa shell surface and the equipment.

•The water may become cloudy.

•The filter cartridge pores may become obstructed.

If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding sodium bisulfate (pH/Alkalinity Down) to the spa water.

NOTE: After adding sodium hydrogen carbonate, or sodium bisulfate, wait two hours before testing the water for pH. Measurements taken too soon may not be accurate.

E.It is important to check the pH on a regular (weekly) basis. The pH will be affected by the bather load, the addition of new water, the addition of various chemicals, and the type of sanitizer used.

F.When the pH is within the recommended range, proceed to the final step.

MAINTAINING THE SANITIZER LEVEL

A.Sanitizer is extremely important for killing algae, bacteria and viruses, and preventing unwanted organisms from growing in the spa. At the same time, you don’t want too high a sanitizer level, or it can irritate your skin, lungs, and eyes.

B.Always maintain the sanitizer level in your spa at the recommended level for each type of sanitizer.

C.Watkins® recommends only the following sanitizers:

•Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)

•Baqua Spa® (please consult your Baqua Spa manual for instructions on the use of this product).

•Brominating Concentrate™ (one step granular bromine)

WARNING: DO NOT use tri-chlor chlorine, bromo-chloro-dimethyl-hydantoin (BCDMH), or any type of compressed bromine or chlorine, acid or any type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins® Manufacturing Corporation.

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