Cal Spas LTR20111002 manual Testing and Adjusting Spa Water, Clear Water Plan, Balancing the pH

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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

31

Clear Water Plan

Total alkalinity (TA) is the measure of the total lev- els 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 wide- ly 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 sta- ble, although adding water with high or low alkalin- ity 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 wa- ter 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 sta- ble, 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 fix- tures 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 sur- faces. 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

 

 

 

 

 

Inground Spas

 

 

 

 

LTR20111002, Rev. A

www.calspas.com

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Contents LTR20111002, Rev. a 1/24/11 Preparing for Your New Inground Spa Clear Water Plan Cleaning and MaintenanceElectronic Control Operation Appendix Read This First Important Safety InstructionsHyperthermia Danger ForYour New Inground Spa Installation ChecklistPreparing for Your New Inground Spa Inground SpaSpa Planning the Best Place for the Outdoor Equipment PackPreparing forYour New Inground Spa Site PreparationPreparing forYour New Inground Spa Spa Shell Dimensions and Side ViewsIG-401 IG-402 Your New Inground SpaIG-403 IG-404 IG-405 IG-406 IG-407 Electrical Requirements US and Canada Gfci and Wiring RequirementsTesting the Gfci Breaker Spa Model Gfci Required Wires RequiredGfci Wiring Diagram RCD and Wiring Requirements Electrical Installation -- EuropeTesting the RCD Breaker NewYour SpaInground RCD Wiring DiagramForPreparing Installing the Inground Shell Plumbing Connections Equipment Pack Plumbing ConnectionsGate/Slice Valves Connecting Plumbing to Remote EquipmentPreparing forYour New Inground Electrical and Electronic ConnectionRemote Equipment Topside Control Panel See figure below Inground Spa Light Installation In- structionsPreparing forYour New Inground Spa Pouring the Deck Your Spa Electronic Control OperationLight Setting the Temperature LockPreset Filter Cycles Clean-up CycleOperating SpaYour Dry Diagnostic MessagesMessage Meaning Action Required No message On displaySnb Sns Message Meaning Action RequiredStby Diverter Knobs Adjustable JetsKey to Clear Water Contents of this sectionClear Water Plan Clear PlanWaterBalancing the pH Testing and Adjusting Spa WaterClear Water Plan Balancing the Total AlkalinityUsing Bromine as a Sanitizer Using Chlorine as a SanitizerSanitation Shocking the Water Chemical SafetyBather Load Filter CleaningWater Plan Starting the Spa with Fresh WaterMaintenance Schedule Problem Probable Causes Possible Solutions Troubleshooting Water Clarity ProblemsRemoving and Reseating the Pillows Cleaning and MaintenanceSpa Cover Draining Your Spa Cleaning and Replacing the FilterWinterizing Cold Climate Draining Cleaning Cleaning the Cover, Shell and PillowsFast Sheen Spa finish protecting wax Warranty Replacement PartsAppendix Cal Spas Chemicals LTR20111002, Rev. a 1/24/11