Cal Spas Genesis Portable Spa Testing and Adjusting Spa Water, Balancing the Total Alkalinity

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Testing and Adjusting Spa Water

You have two types of testing methods to choose from:

The reagent test kit is a method which provides a high level of accuracy. It is available in either liquid or tablet form.

Test strips are a convenient testing method commonly used by spa owners.

Balancing the Total Alkalinity

Balancing the Calcium Hardness

11

Clear Water Plan

Total alkalinity (TA) is the measure of the total levels of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances in the water. TA can be considered a “pH buffer”. It is the measure of the ability of the water to resist changes in pH level.

The recommended total alkalinity is 80 - 120 ppm..

If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate widely from high to low. Low TA can be corrected by adding Cal Spas “pH-Alkalinity Up”.

If the TA is too high, the pH level will tend to be too high and may be difficult to bring down. High TA can be corrected by adding Cal Spas “pH-Alkalinity Down”.

When the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable, although adding water with high or low alkalinity will raise or lower the TA level.

Calcium hardness (CH) is a measure of the total amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Calcium helps control the corrosive nature of the spa’s water and is why soft water is not recommended. The low calcium content of soft water is very corrosive to the equipment and can cause staining of the spa shell.

The recommended calcium hardness is 150 - 200 ppm..

If the CH is too low, add Cal Spas “Liquid Hardness Increaser”.

If the CH is too high, dilute the spa water with soft water or, if this is not available, add Cal Spas “Stain and Scale Defense”.

When the CH is balanced, it normally remains stable, although adding soft water or very hard water will raise or lower the CH level.

Balancing the pH

The pH level is the measure of the balance between acidity and alkalinity.

If the pH is too low, it can cause corrosion of metal fixtures and the heating element. Low pH can be corrected by adding pH-Alkalinity Up.

If the pH is too high, it can cause scaling by allowing metals or minerals to form deposits and stain spa surfaces. High pH can be corrected by adding pH- Alkalinity Down.

Too alkaline,

8.2

 

8.0

Need to lower the pH level

causes scaling

 

7.8

 

 

7.6

 

Ideal balance

7.4

 

 

7.2

 

 

7.0

 

Too acidic,

6.8

Need to raise the pH level

causes corrosion

6.6

 

 

 

Testing For:

Ideal Range (ppm)

Chemicals To Use:

 

Minimum

Maximum

To Raise

To Lower

Total Alkalinity

80

120

pH-Alkalinity Up

pH-Alkaliity Down

Calcium Hardness

150

200

Liquid Hardness Increaser

Stain and Scale Defense

pH

7.4

7.6

pH-Alkalinity Up

pH-Alkaliity Down

 

 

 

 

 

2009 Genesis Portable Spa

LTR20091058, Rev. A

www.calspas.com

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Contents LTR20091058, Rev. a 1/16/09 Preparing for Your New Portable Spa Cleaning and MaintenanceOperating Your Spa Clear Water PlanHyperthermia Danger Important Safety InstructionsPlanning the Best Location Preparing for Your New Portable SpaTesting the Gfci Electrical InstallationPreparing a Good Foundation Never fill your spa with soft water Filling and Powering Up Your Portable SpaElectronic Control Operation Operating Your SpaOperating SpaYour Setting Filtration CyclesMessage Meaning Action Required No message Diagnostic MessagesOn display DrYSnA Message Meaning Action RequiredSnb SnSLED Light Operation JetsClear Water Plan Contents of this sectionKey to Clear Water Balancing the Total Alkalinity Testing and Adjusting Spa WaterBalancing the pH Recommended total alkalinity is 80 120 ppmUsing Bromine as a Sanitizer Using Chlorine as a SanitizerSanitation Shocking the Water Chemical SafetyCleaning the Filter Basket Cleaning the FilterBather Load Clear Starting the Spa with Fresh WaterMaintenance Schedule Clear Troubleshooting Water Clarity ProblemsRemoving the Access Panel Cleaning and MaintenanceDo not run the spa with the access panel removed Draining Your Portable SpaFreeze damage is not covered by your warranty Installing Cover LatchesWinterizing Cold Climate Draining Shell one at a timeCleaning the Cover Cleaning and Replacing the FilterVinyl and Leather Cleaner Periodic MaintenanceAll-Purpose Cleaner Spa Finish Cleaning Cleaning the ShellPrior to Spa Start-Up and Refilling Fast Sheen Spa Finish Protecting WaxAppendix Replacement PartsWarranty Disclaimers Customer ServiceLegal Remedies Cal Spas Chemicals Locating the product serial number LMS Customer Service Department