Whirlpool oortable spa owner manual Balancing pH, Balancing Total Alkalinity

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MAINTENANCE

Water Chemistry

Disinfecting (continued)

return to the 2.0 to 5.0 ppm range before using the spa again. Do not install a rigid cover during this procedure until the disinfectant level is back to normal. High concentra- tions of chlorine or bromine will damage metallic plated finishes if the cover is in place.

Balancing pH:

For good hygiene and 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 acidic water will dissolve metals, while high pH

can cause scale or calcium deposits 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 accurate readings.

Balancing Total Alkalinity:

Total alkalinity is the measure of base materials in the water. The recommended range for total alkalinity is be- tween 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 adjustments 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 “Equip- ment Set-Up” section of the Installation Instructions) and clean the spa surfaces thoroughly before refilling with fresh water. Then re-establish water chemistry. If the spa is used heavily, change the water at least every month.

WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONS

pH: A chemical term used in expressing relative acid-	mended because it often tends to form calcium depos-
ity or alkalinity in numeric values with 7.0 usually	its on heater parts and plumbing fittings and leaves an
regarded as neutral, and for purposes of this manual,	unattractive film on the spa at the water line.
indicating pure water. From 7 to 0 indicates increasing	Sodium Hypochlorite: A liquid chlorine product
acidity, and 7 to 14 indicates alkalinity.	that is inexpensive and effective but not recommended
PPM: Parts per million.	because the liquid is readily spilled onto the spa or a
	surrounding area, causing permanent damage.
Free Chlorine: Chlorine that has not combined with	Total Alkalinity: The measure of amount of alka-
other chemicals and that is available to destroy bacte-	line materials (such as carbonates, bicarbonates and
	hydroxides) in the water. High alkalinity inhibits the
ria in the spa water.
	effectiveness of chemicals to change the pH. If the
TriChlor: A form of chlorine used in pool or spa water
	alkalinity of your spa water is high (above 150 ppm), it
treatment; usually supplied in tablet form. Not recom-	is advisable to drain the water from the spa and begin
mended because of its higher acidic nature and slow	the balancing process over again. Low total alkalinity
dissolving action. Prolonged contact with the spa shell	(below 60 ppm) could be corrosive and damage your
may bleach or permanently mark the shell.	spa system.
Sodium DiChlor: The type of chlorine that is	Superchlorination: (also referred to as "shock
recommended for spa use, as it is available in fast	treatment") The addition of an above-normal level of
dissolving granular form. It is neither excessively acid	disinfectant to kill any bacteria or algae that might have
nor alkaline in character and does not readily dissipate	become resistant to normal levels of disinfectant.
in higher water temperatures.
Calcium Hypochlorite: A granular chlorine prod-
uct that is inexpensive and effective but not recom-