Jacuzzi Whirlpool Spa owner manual Water Chemistry Disinfecting, Water Quality Definitions

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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 a disinfectant to the water on a regular basis to help control the amount of bacteria, algae and organic materials. Such bacterial contaminants, if not con- trolled, could cause skin rashes or other physical prob- lems. To disinfect the spa for normal use, first establish the amount of chlorine or bromine 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 or bromine will damage metallic plated finishes if the cover is in place.

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.

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.

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