Balancing pH:
For good hygiene and equipment longevity, maintain
the pH of your spa water according to the instructions
provided. pH is the measure to determine if the spa
water is too acid (low pH) or too alkaline or basic (high
pH). The ideal range for spa water is 7.2 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 base 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
(according to instructions in Equipment Set-Up section
of the Installation Instructions) and clean the spa sur-
faces thoroughly before refilling with fresh water. Then
re-establish water chemistry. If the spa is used heavily,
change the water at least every month.
Calcium Hypochlorite: A granular chlorine prod-
uct that is inexpensive and effective but not recom-
mended 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 recom-
mended because the liquid is readily spilled onto
the spa or a surrounding area, causing permanent
damage.
Total Alkalinity: The measure of amount of
alkaline materials (such as carbonates, bicarbon-
ates and hydroxides) 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
corrosive 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.
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 de-
stroy bacteria in the spa water.
TriChlor: A form of chlorine used in pool or spa
water treatment; usually supplied in tablet form.
Not recommended because of its higher acidic
nature and slow dissolving action. Prolonged
contact with the spa shell may bleach or perma-
nently 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.
WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONS
12
MAINTENANCE