Divine Deluxe Series User manual

© July 2015 | Divine Hot Tubs Deluxe™ | spa man divine dlx US/Can 7-22-15
P.O. Box 2140 | Woodinville, WA 98072 | www.divinehottubsdeluxe.com
Divine Hot Tubs™ Deluxe
SPA MANUAL
Deluxe Series
live better | feel better
DELUXE

“We reserve the right to improve our product without notice”
Copyright © Divine Hot Tubs Deluxe™, July, 2015 (A division of Thermal Hydra Plastics, LLC.).
All rights reserved. Specications may change without notice. International products may be congured
dierently to meet local electrical requirements.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 INTRODUCTION
5 ICON Key
6 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6 Read and Follow All Instructions
8 STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION
8 Delivery
9 Site Selection and Preparation
9 Installation – Placing Your Spa
11 Electrical Hook-Up Requirements
13 Filling Your Spa
14 TOPSIDE CONTROL - TURNING ON YOUR SPA
14 Topside Control Button Reference Display, 2/3 Pumps
14 Startup, Basic Operation, Programming
15 Operation LED Lighting, Filtration, Temperature Ranges,
Ready and Rest Modes
16 WATER PURITY & FILTRATION
16 Keeping The Water Clean
17 Spa Chemistry 101
19 How To Use the Chemicals
19 Usage Denitions
20 Starting A Chemical Maintenance Program
22 Filtration
23 Ozone Generator
24 JETS
24 Types Of Jets
25 Jet, Air and Waterfall Controls
25 Cleaning The Rotating Jets
26 Jet Removal

4
26 MAINTENANCE & MISCELLANEOUS
26 Pillows
26 Spa Cabinet Skirt
26 The Shell
27 Spa Cover
27 Winterizing
28 Draining The Spa
30 APPENDIX A
30 Troubleshooting
30 System Trouble
30 Controls
31 Pumps
31 Jets
31 Water
34 Warranty

5
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of your new hot tub! Your
hot tub is designed and manufactured with the nest compo-
nents available and is engineered with comfort, low mainte-
nance, and durability in mind.
You will enjoy your spa for several years to come if you are dili-
gent with the care and maintenance of your spa. This manual
will help you to determine the best way to take care of your spa
based on the amount of use and the type of environment your
spa is installed.
It is very important for you to read the entire manual before
attempting to use your spa. Contained in this manual are im-
portant
maintenance and start-up procedures as well as safety
precautions that must be followed to ensure the prolonged life
of your spa and the safety of the people using the spa. Failure
to follow start-up procedures may damage your unit and void
your warranty.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions
after reading this manual. We hope you enjoy many years of
fun and relaxation in your new hot tub
ICON Key
The Icon key on the left denes the type of information boxes
that will appear throughout the manual. The boxes highlight
helpful information that contains useful tips or warnings that
apply to the use and care of your spa.
Warning!
Safety Tip
Key Point
ICON KEY

6
Safety
Warning!
SAFETY FIRST
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
When installing and using this electrical equipment it is recom-
mended that a licensed and bonded electrician perform the work.
Basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the
following:
• Apressurewireconnectorisprovidedontheoutsideof
the control box to permit the connection of a solid copper
bonding wire between the spa and any metal equipment,
metal enclosures of electrical equipment, metal water
pipe or conduit within 5 feet of the spa as needed to
comply with local requirements.
• Agreencoloredterminal(orawireconnectormarked
“G”, “GR”,“Ground”, or “Grounding”) is provided. To reduce
the risk of electric shock, connect this terminal to the
grounding terminal of your electric service or supply
panel with a continuous green insulated copper wire
equivalent to the circuit conductor supplying this
equipment.
• Theelectricalsupplymustincludeasuitablyrated
Ground Fault Interrupter Circuit to open all underground
supply conductors to comply with section 422-20 of the
National Electrical Code. ANSI/NFPA 70-1987. The power
supply cut o must be readily accessible to the spa
occupant, but installed at least 5 feet from spa water.
• TesttheperformanceoftheGFCIaccordingtomanufac- 
turers recommendations. If the GFCI does not perform
correctly, there may be a ground current owing indicating
the possibility of electric shock. Disconnect the power
until the fault has been identied and corrected.
• DANGER –RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Install at least 5
feet from all metal surfaces.
• DANGER – RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Do not permit any
electric appliance such as a light, telephone, radio or
television within 5 feet of a spa or hot tub.
• WARNING –RISK OF CHILD DROWNING. Extreme caution
must be exercised to prevent unauthorized access by
children. To avoid accidents, ensure that children cannot
use a spa or hot tub unless they are supervised at all times.
Electrical
Warning!
Electrical
Warning!

7
• DANGER – To reduce risk of injury, do not remove suction
ttings.
• Installationshouldprovidedrainageoftheelectricalequipment
area to prevent electrical shortage.
• Storeallchemicalsinacooldryareaandkeepoutofchildren’s 
reach.
• Toreducetheriskofinjury:
A. Spa heat can cause hyperthermia and unconsciousness! The
water in a spa or hot tub should never exceed 104° F (40° C).
Water temperatures between 100° F (38° C) and 104° F (40° C)
are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower water tem-
peratures are recommended for extended use (exceeding
10 –15 minutes) and for young children.
B. Since excessive water temperatures have a high potential for
causing fetal damage during the early months of pregnancy,
pregnant or possibly pregnant women should limit water
temperatures to 100° F (38° C).
• Theuseofalcohol,drugs,ormedicationbeforeorduringspaor
hot tub use may lead to unconsciousness with the possibility of
drowning.
• Persons suering from obesity or with a medical history of heart
disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory system problems
or diabetes should consult a physician before using a spa or hot tub.
• Personsusingmedicationshouldconsultaphysicianbefore
using a spa or hot tub since some medication may induce
drowsiness while other medication may aect heart rate, blood
pressure, and circulation.
• Beforeenteringaspa,theusershouldmeasurethewater
temperature since the tolerance of water temperature-
regulating devices varies.
WARNING
PREVENT DROWNING
1. SUPERVISE CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES.
2. ATTACH SPA COVER AFTER EACH USE.
3. SPA HEAT CAN CAUSE HYPERTHERMIA AND
UNCONSCIOUSNESS.
4. SPA HEAT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALCOHOL,
DRUGS, OR MEDICATION CAN CAUSE
UNCONSCIOUSNESS.
PREVENT ELECTROCUTION
1. NEVER PLACE ANY ELECTRIC APPLIANCE
WITHIN 5 FEET OF SPA.
NOTE: THIS MARKING IS TO BE REMOVED ONLY BY THE CUSTOMER.
!
r
Safety
Warning!

8
STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INSTALLATION:
1. PREPARE FOR YOUR DELIVERY
Prior to having your new spa delivered to your house, you will need to prepare an
area to install the spa. You will need to arrange to have your spa placed in
your desired location and the connection of the electrical
circuits. In most cities, permits are required for the instal-
lation of electrical circuits.
Review the path that your spa will take through your
property along with the size of the spa to ensure you have
enough clearance. If there are stairs or other obstacles,
the spa will have to travel over to get to the site, addition-
al clearances may be required.
We have listed some key points to installing your spa that
will help eliminate some of the unforeseeable situations
that could occur.
 • Avoidinstallingtooclosetoabuildingorstructure.
• Leaveenoughroomaroundallsidestoallowaccesstoservicepanels.
 • Installonaloadbearing,levelplatform.
 • Donotinstalllessthan5feetfromgroundconductors.
 • Usenon-conductiveconduitforallwiring.
 • Ifinstallingbelowadecksurface,leaveenoughroomtoaccessand
remove service panels.
We recommend a level 4” thick concrete pad if you are installing on land (versus
deck or platform). The dimensions of the pad should be at least the outside di-
mension of the spa. You should also accommodate for steps or other items around
the spa. Allow a few days for curing the cement when calculating your scheduled
delivery date.
Balconies and upper decks are not recommended for spa installations, but if you
choose to do so, keep in mind that a large lled spa with 6 people can weigh as
much as three tons. Balconies and decks must be constructed to current state and
local building codes and must support at least 100 pounds per square foot.
If you are building a deck around the spa, be sure that the deck does not cover any
of the service panels to the spa. If you are building stairs for getting up to the spa,
it is recommended that they be installed in such a way that they can be moved out
of the way if entrance to the service panels is required.
The most obvious thing to remember is to plan your installation in a location where
it will be easy to move from the delivery truck to the location site. Spas are typically
transportedonamover’sdollylyingontheirside.Checkforadequategateclear-
ance and remove any fence panels if necessary to allow access to the installation site.
Important
installation
highlights!

9
2. SITE SELECTION AND PREPARATION
The location of your hot tub is entirely up to you.
Carefully read these instructions for various ideas
of locations that your new hot tub may be placed.
By the time you have made your spa purchase,
you probably have a spot already picked out. Prior
to the spa delivery, please verify the following:
• Alwaysplacethespaonacompactedandlevelsurface.Thebestsurfaceisalevel
concrete pad. A spa, full of water, can weigh a great deal. Please ensure the spot
can support the weight.
• Makesuretolevelyourspabeforellingit.
• Locatetheequipmentpanel.Thesystempack,drainvalve,owner’smanualand
optional ozone generator are usually located all in the same area. Be sure that
the connections are tightened during draining. Water inside the system pack
will cause the pack to fail and the breaker to trip.
• Thepanels,onallfoursides,areremovable.Besuretohaveaccessonallfour
sides.
• Besuretohaveeasyaccesstothecircuitbreakerinthesubpanel(240volt
models).
• Neverletwaterintothesubpanel(240voltmodels), or into the electrical outlet
 thatyourspaispluggedinto.Your240voltspa’ssubpanelisraintightwhen
installed correctly with the door closed.
3. INSTALLATION  PLACING YOUR SPA
Outdoor and patio installation
To position the spa correctly in your backyard is very important. The reason is your
spa’swarranty.Thewarrantyonaspaisvoidedifthesiteisnotlevel.Ifyouinstall
your hot tub outdoors, a concrete pad is the best method for a stable and level sur-
face. The concrete pad should be four inches thick. Your spa may be installed on a
deck, providing the load rating can handle a full spa with people in it.
Deck installation
When placing the spa on a deck, please ensure
the maximum load capacity of the deck. Consult
a qualied deck builder or structural engineer be-
fore you place the hot tub on an elevated deck
or indoors. To determine the weight of your hot
tub, please refer to the specications on the web-
site. This weight must not exceed the structural
weight of the deck.

10
Indoor installation
When installing a spa indoors, there are some special considerations. The combi-
nation of heat and moisture will accumulate on the oor and surrounding the spa.
The ooring material needs to provide a grip when wet. The location also needs
proper drainage to prevent water build-up around the spa. When building a room
for your spa, it is best to have a oor drain installed. The humidity of a room with
a spa can become a problem if there is not enough proper ventilation. Otherwise,
problems such as dry rot, mildew or other problems may occur.
Ground preparation
Your spa has been engineered to rest on a variety of surfaces. The insulated spa
oor base gives you the ability to nd the perfect place. A concrete slab is the best
for long term. There are other options available as long as the surface is level prior
to delivery. The alternatives are 5/8 minus crushed packed rock, or a deck that is
rated for the load.
Brick pavers
Cement
Decorative cement, stained
Packed/crushed gravel: 5/8”minus
Stone, slate, granite
Decking: wood, synthetic
Decorative cement & bricks
Marble, travertine
When placing a spa on crushed
rock, the easiest way to main-
tain its form is to build a frame
and ll it with the crushed
packed rock. Remember, if the
spa is placed on grass or dirt,
debris will get inside the spa as
the users enter and exit.
It is incredibly important to
the operation and the drain-
ing of the tub for the tub to be
level once it is installed. Fail-
ure to have the spa level prior
to adding water can aect the
warranty.

11
4. ELECTRICAL HOOKUP
REQUIREMENTS  240V
Removing spa panels
1. Remove the plastic
‘tap-cap’decorative
screw head covers from
screws on access spa
panel.
2. Unscrew the screws
from the access spa
panel.
3. Remove the spa panel
for access to spa com-
ponents. Reverse these
steps to attach the spa
panel.
Electrical connections by licensed personnel
To ensure you will have an opportunity to use your hot tub soon after
delivery, it is very important that the required electrical service has
been installed.
IMPORTANT: Electrical connections must be made by qualied,
licensed personnel. Please contact a licensed residential electri-
cian for these services.
All models require a 50 amp single phase, 240 volt circuit breaker in
the main electrical service panel. NOTE: WE RECOMMEND THAT A
SUB PANEL BE USED TO SUPPLY POWER AND PROTECT THE SPA.
All 240 volt Hot tub must be wired in accordance with applicable
local electrical codes, and all electrical work must be done by a li-
censed electrician. A licensed electrician should install a four-wire
electrical service (two line voltages, one neutral, one ground) from
the main electrical service panel to the sub-panel, and from the sub-
panel to the spa per the appropriate wiring diagram as illustrated
below. The grounding conductor must be at least #6 AWG. Your
electrician should mount the sub-panel in the vicinity of the spa but
itshouldnotbecloserthanve(5)feetfromthespa’swateredge
(NEC 680-38 to 41-A-3).
WARNING: Removing or bypassing the GFCI breakers in the sub panel
at any time will result in an unsafe spa and will void the warranty.
WIRE SPECIFICATION NOTE: Long electrical runs may require a
larger
gauge feed wire than stated. We recommend that a maximum
voltage
drop of 3% be used when calculating the larger wire size.
Refer to the Wiring Diagrams (gure 1-1) for the electrical require-
ments of the 240 volt models.
Do not turn on power to the spa when the tub is not lled.
The closer you
locate the spa
to the main
service panel,
the less money
you will have to
spend on wire.
Wire can become
expensive if you
run long lengths.
Always shut o
power at the
source when
working with any
electrical power!!
Failure to do this
could result in
serious injury or
even death!

12
RED (HOT)
BLACK (HOT)
WHITE
GREEN
GREEN (GROUND) WHITE (NEUTRAL) RED (HOT) BLACK (HOT)
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
GREEN (GROUND) GREEN (GROUND)
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
RED (HOT)
BLACK (HOT)
GREEN (GROUND)
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
RED (HOT)
BLACK (HOT)
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
RED (HOT)
BLACK (HOT)
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
Figure 1-1
240 volt wiring conguration from the house to the spa
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS  240V (cont.)
IMPORTANT: Electrical connections must be made by qualied, licensed
personnel. Please contact a licensed residential electrician for these services.

13
5. FILLING YOUR SPA THROUGH
THE FILTER CHAMBER
Before you begin to ll your spa, it is advisable to have your water
tested for hardness (water rich in calcium and mineral content). Wells
usually contain harder water than urban water supplies. Mineral and
metal imbalances in your water can shorten the life of the equipment
in your spa. Contact your local hot tub dealer for proper water analy-
sis.
We recommend that you purchase a high quality “Water Test Kit” for
checking pH and sanitizer levels. Test the water daily until your “user
load” is determined.
Make sure there is no dirt or sediment at the bottom of the tub and
that there is nothing inside the lter compartment before lling with
water. Filling the spa through the lter housing will help to prevent
air locks (trapped pockets of air) in pumps on start up.
Identify your lter housing and ll as shown:
pTOPACCESS SINGLEFILTER HOUSING  with turbine vane lter cover
pFRONTACCESS DUALFILTER HOUSING
OR FRONTACCESS SINGLEFILTER HOUSING not shown)
1. Place your garden
hose into the lter
housing. This will ensure
that air bubbles are
removed from the lines
while you ll the spa.
2. Turn the water on so
that most of the water
enters through the lter
chamber.
3. Fill the water to the
proper level – half way
up the lter housing, just
below the head pillow
or just under the neck
jets as shown in pictures
above.
IMPORTANT!
Improperly
balanced
water may
damage your
spa and void
your warranty!
IMPORTANT!
Do not ll your
tub with water
from your hot
water heater!

14
TOPSIDE CONTROLS: TP600
TURNING ON YOUR SPA
PUMP 1
PUMP 2 LIGHT
PUMP 3 HEATLIGHTPUMP 1 PUMP 2
WARM
COOL
PUMP 1
PUMP 2 LIGHT
FLIP HEATLIGHTPUMP 1 PUMP 2
WARM
COOL
Figure 1: TP600 control panel, 6-button (3 pumps) Figure 1: TP600 control panel, 6-button (2 pumps)
Start Up
When the GFCI for the spa is switched on to supply power, a startup sequence of
numbers will appear on the display. If no button is pressed, LINK will appear after
the startup sequence. Press any button to link the panel with the system.
The spa will enter Priming Mode. After Linking, press the Jets Button(s) to
turn the pumps on and o to verify that all air is purged from the plumbing, partic-
ularly the plumbing associated with the heater. If the spa uses a circulation pump,
the Light Button turns the Circ Pump on an o during Priming Mode. Priming
Mode will end automatically in 4 minutes. Pressing aTemperature Button will exit
Priming Mode manually. When Priming Mode ends, Pump 1 low will start, if no circ
pump is present, however the water temperature will not appear for a minute or so.
Once the water temperature is recognized by the system, and if it is below the Set
Temperature, the heater will start.
Basic Operation
The Up and Down buttons are often referred to as Temperature Buttons.
Some panels only have a single Temperature Button. Press a Temperature Button
once and the current Set Temperature will begin to ash on the LCD. (The Set Tem-
perature and the actual water temperature are often dierent.) While the numbers
are ashing, press a Temperature Button again to change the Set Temperature.
Press-and-hold for faster adjustment. After the new Set Temperature stops ash-
ing, in about 10 seconds, the actual temperature is displayed again and the new
Set Temperature is programmed.The spa will now heat to the new Set Temperature
as needed.
The Light Button turns the Spa Light on and o and is also used in conjunctions
with the Temperature Button(s) to navigate the system menus.
Programming
Refer to the TP600 User Guide (40940) for detailed
operation, programming and message instructions.

15
Navigating the deeper menu structure is done with only 2 or 3 buttons on the
control panel. Pressing the Light button while the Set Temperature is ashing will
enter the menus. Pressing Light after that will proceed through the menu choices.
Pressing a Temperature Button while any menu item is showing will either edit it
directly or begin an editing sequence.
Depending on the screen displayed, waiting between 10 and 30 seconds will allow
the panel to return to normal operation and a display of spa status.
Operating Multi-Colored LED Lighting
STEP ONE: Push “light” button once to turn on lighting.
Next: There are three lighting sequences to choose from:
Sequence 1: Test Pattern – light ash on and o changing colors.
Sequence 2: Slow Lighting Transition – the lights slowly transition blending
of multi-colors.
Sequence 3: Solid Color Choice – lights can be selected to hold or lock onto
any particular color.
STEP TWO: To cycle and select a sequence, press the “light” button once, then
press the “light” button again (within 5 seconds) to cycle and choose your
sequence preference.
Filtration
The system is factory-programmed with one lter cycle that will run in the evening
(assuming the time-of-day is properly set) when energy rates are often lower. The
lter time and duration are programmable. Refer to the TP600 User Guide (40940) for
detailed instructions. A second lter cycle can be enabled as needed.
Dual Temperature Ranges
This system incorporates two temperature range settings with independent set tem-
peratures. The High Range is indicated in the display and might be set between
80°F and 104°F. The Low Range is indicated in the display and might be set be-
tween 50°F and 99°F. Low Range may be economical during non-use periods.
More specic temperature ranges, such as 50°F to 79°F for low range, or 90°F to
104°F for High Range, may determined by the manufacturer.
Ready and Rest Modes
If the ltration pump is a 2-Speed Pump 1, READY Mode will circulate water every
1/2 hour, using Pump 1 Low, in order to maintain a constant water temperature,
heat as needed, and refresh the temperature display. This is known as“polling.”
REST Mode will only allow heating during programmed lter cycles. Since polling
does not occur, the temperature display may not show a current temperature until
the ltration pump has been running for a minute or two. READY/REST Mode may
appear when Jets 1 is activated.
Complete Reference
Download the complete User Interface and Programming Guide at
http://service.balboa-instruments.com/zz40940_download.zip

16
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) or Residual Current Detector (RCD) is an
important safety device and is required equipment on a hot tub installation.
(The GFCI Test Feature is not available on CE rated systems.)
Used for verifying a proper installation
Your spa may be equipped with a GFCI Protection feature. If your spa has this feature
enabled by the manufacturer, the GFCI Trip Test must occur to allow proper spa
function.
Within 1 to 7 days after startup, the spa will trip the GFCI to test it. (The number
of days is factory programmed.) The GFCI must be reset once it has tripped. After
passing the GFCI Trip Test, any subsequent GFCI trips will indicate a ground fault
or other unsafe condition and the power to the spa must be shut o until a service
person can correct the problem.
Forcing the GFCI Trip Test (North America Only)
The installer can cause the GFCI Trip Test to occur sooner by initiating it using the
above menu. The GFCI should trip within several seconds and the spa should shut
down. If it does not, shut down the power and manually verify that a GFCI breaker
is installed and that the circuit and spa are wired correctly. Verify the function of
the GFCI with its own test button. Restore power to the spa and repeat the GFCI
Trip Test.
Once the GFCI is tripped by the test, reset the GFCI and the spa will operate normally
from that point. You can verify a successful test by navigating to the above menu.
PASS should appear after a temp button is pressed from the GFCI screen.
Warning:
The end-user must be trained to expect this one-time test to occur and how to
properly reset the GFCI. If freezing conditions exist, the GFCI or RCD should be
reset immediately or spa damage could result.
CE Product:
CE registered systems do not have an RCD Test Feature due to the nature of the
electrical service. Some UL registered systems do not have the GFCI Test Feature
activated. The end-user must be trained how to properly test and reset the RCD.
WATER PURITY & FILTRATION
Keeping the water clean – chemical sanitizers
One of the bigger reasons that people require service on their spa is because they
haven’tfollowedachemicalapplicationregiment.Watercanaccumulate impuri-
ties that can worsen the performance or even damage the ltration system
if chemicals
are not applied on a regular basis. The water can even become
unhealthy if chemicals
are not used to sanitize the water. Improper pH levels or calcium levels can cause
either corrosion of parts or scale build-up.

17
IMPORTANT!
Always read
directions on
chemical
container
thoroughly
before
using spa
chemicals.
We recommend that you begin a routine of applying chemicals that
you can get comfortable with and follow all the time. If you get into
a scheduled regiment, it will be easier to remember when to apply
the chemicals.
Your spa comes with an ozonator that will do a very good job at kill-
ing bacteria and oxygenating the water, but chlorine or bromine are
used to compliment the job of the ozonator.
Finally, the best way to keep the water clean over long periods of
time is to change the water four times a year. Connect a hose to the
drain valve and open it all the way to allow the tub to drain all the
way. Use a shop-vac to remove any standing water and debris at the bottom of the
tub. Refer to the maintenance section for instructions on cleaning the tub before
relling it.
The pH scale
goes from
0 to 14, with
zero being
extremely
acidic and 14
being extremely
base (alkaline).
Seven is
considered
neutral pH.
Spa Chemistry 101
At rst, trying to understand spa chemistry can seem like a daunt-
ing task to say the least. We intend on helping you understand spa
chemicals so that you can maintain the health of your spa at the best
level possible.
There are three basic principals to spa water chemistry.
1. Sanitize/Disinfect (kill viruses, germs, etc.)
2. Oxidize (break down organic compounds like oils and sweat)
3. Maintain slightly base (alkaline) water (pH of 7.4 - 7.6). This
controls the corrosiveness of the water, prevents excessive
scaling (mineral formation on surfaces exposed to water, and
insures that the water is comfortable to the skin.
Once you have a good understanding of the chemicals that are used
in your spa, you will be able to maintain proper water balance. Water balance is
reached when all elements (pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and total dis-
solved solids) are within their proper ranges.
The following denitions for chemicals will help you understand what the chemical
is and what it is used for:
Sanitizers
CHLORINE - Chlorine is widely used as a sanitizer or disinfectant in pool and spa
water to kill bacteria, viruses and algae, and oxidizes ammonia
and nitrogen com-
pounds such as swimmer waste. Its formal name is Sodium
Dichlor and is referred
to as a chlorinated concentrate. Sodium Dichlor is a fast-dissolving, granular, stabi-
lized organic chlorine compound
providing either 56% or 63% available chlorine.
Cyanuric acid
and/or stabilizers are added to prevent U.V. light destruction of the chlo-
rine
by the sun.

18
Chlorinated concentrate produces chlorides and chloramines, which are formed
when chlorine has combined with ammonia and nitrogen in pool and spa water.
Chloramines exude a foul,“chlorine”odor and causes skin and eye irritation.
BROMINE – Bromine is the other commonly used sanitizer or disinfectant in pool
and spa water to kill bacteria and algae, and oxidizes ammonia and nitrogen com-
pounds such as swimmer waste. This chemical does not eliminate swimmer waste
unless it is combined with an oxidizer (non-chlorine shock). It is very susceptible
to direct sunlight, therefore is not ecient in outdoor pools. Bromine is sometimes
used as an alternative for people whom are allergic or sensitive to chlorine products.
Bromine products are available as sodium bromide and bromine tablets. The bro-
mide ion has no eective disinfectant or sanitizing capabilities without the use of
nonchlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate). Potassium monopersulfate is added
to oxidize, or activate, bromide ion to bromine, which rapidly forms the active sanitiz-
er - hypobromous acid - in spa water. Upon reaction with bacteria and other spa con-
taminants, hypobromous acid is reduced back to bromide ion, ready to be activated
again by the next dose of potassium monopersulfate. Potassium monopersulfate
begins to produce bromine immediately and continues to do so for several hours,
providing sucient time for oxidation of bather waste and other organic contamina-
tion such as ammonia and nitrogen.
NON-CHLORINE SHOCK (Potassium Monopersulfate) – Also known
as“Oxy-Shock”, is an important chemical used in the process of disinfecting and sani-
tizing the spa water. Non-chlorine shock is used as an oxidation agent to oxidize
and eliminate organic contaminants, dead algae and debris, and will also convert the
chlorine by-products (chlorides and chloramines) back into free available chlorine.
When used with bromine products, non-chlorine shock is used with sodium bromide
in a two-part disinfection system. Potassium monopersulfate (non- chlorine shock) is
added to oxidize, or activate, bromide ion to bromine which rapidly forms the active
sanitizer - hypobromous acid - in spa water. Upon reaction with bacteria and other
spa contaminants, hypobromous acid is reduced back to bromide ion, ready to be
activated again by the next dose of potassium monopersulfate.
Most non-chlorine shock products have buers that reduce pH instability, and corro-
sion inhibitors that help protect the heater and other metal surfaces.
OZONE – Ozone is a powerful gas that is used as a sanitizer and an oxidant to keep
the spa water clean and disinfected. Although ozone is about 3000 times more
powerful than chlorine, it has a tendency to dissipate quickly and does not create
any sanitizer residual. By using an ozonator for your spa, you can cut maintenance
time and chemical costs by as much as 60%. Ozone is manufactured by an ozonator
(ozone generator) and is dispensed during the ltration mode.
pH Controllers
SODIUM BICARBONATE - Commonly used to increase pH and total alkalinity of
spa water. Sodium bicarbonate is also known as natural baking soda.
SODIUM CARBONATE – Also known as soda ash, is a substance used to raise pH
and total alkalinity.

19
SODIUM BISULFATE – Also known as dry acid, the chemical used to lower pH and
total alkalinity of spa water.
MURIATIC ACID – A liquid acid that is most commonly used to reduce pH and total
alkalinity levels. It tends to be very strong and is not recommended for use in spas.
Water Conditioners
FLOCCULENT – A compound which claries spa water by gathering oils, dirt,
scum, metal deposits and small contaminant particles into larger globules, which
then can be easily trapped in the ltering system allowing the ltering system to
work more eectively.
CLARIFIER – A compound used to remove dissolved solids, metals, dirt, oils, or
other contaminants from spa and pool water.
SCUM BALL™ – A softball sized ball that is kept in the water. The ball is chemically
treated so that it attracts contaminants that would normally be trapped in the lter.
SEQUESTERING AGENT – Stain & scale preventing compounds that sequester dis-
solved metals to prevent water discoloration.
CALCIUM CHLORIDE – A soluble white compound used to raise the calcium hard-
ness of spa & pool water, to protect equipment from corrosion.
ALGAECIDE – A chemical used to kill algae and prevent it from growing back.
DEFOAMER – A compound used to reduce or eliminate foaming in spa water.
Products containing Chitin do this naturally.
CHITIN – A naturally occurring polymer (pronounced KY-tin) found in crab and
lobster shells. As a spa clarier, it is the best occulating agent available. Removes
oils, dirt, scum, and metal deposits and allows the ltering system to work more
eectively.
How To Use The Chemicals
Now that you have some knowledge about spa chemicals, you will learn how to
use those chemicals to maintain balanced water in your spa. This section will ex-
plain how to apply chemicals, how much to use, and when to use them.
Usage Denitions
Before getting into how much and when, it is important to understand some of the
terminology that is used to describe how the chemicals are applied:
P.P.M. – Parts Per Million. Expressed as a ratio of number out of 1 million.
SHOCK – Addition of an oxidizer (OXY SHOCK) or superchlorinator to the water to
break-down the organic contaminates on which bacteria feed and to destroy am-
monia and nitrogen compounds (oxidize only).
SUPERCHLORINATION – Means the addition of enough chlorine in the water to
kill all living things (sanitize) and destroy any organic wastes present in the water
(oxidize). Usually this means about double your normal dose of chlorine. Super-

20
chlorination can be done once a day for heavy bather loads or as infrequent as once
a week for a moderately used spa.
CHLORINATION – To add chlorine to your spa on a regular basis to disinfect and
oxidize your spa water.
BREAK POINT CHLORINATION – The process of shocking the water with signi-
cant quantities of chlorine to oxidize all contaminants and organic wastes and
leave all remaining chlorine as free chlorine.
CALCIUM HARDNESS – A measure of the amount of calcium dissolved in water.
Water with low hardness can lead to corrosion of metal parts. Water with high level
of hardness can cause scale (calcium crust) build up on spa surfaces and clog lters,
heaters and pumps.
WATER BALANCE –
Water balance is reached when all elements (pH, total alkalinity,
calcium hardness and total dissolved solids) are within their proper ranges.
ENZYMES – Biodegradable proteins which breakdown oils, lms and digest scum
in spa water.
FREE CHLORINE – The amount of chlorine available to kill bacteria or algae. Also
known as “Available Chlorine”.
COMBINED CHLORINE – The portion of the total chlorine in water in chemical
combination with ammonia, organics, and nitrogen, most of which are chlora-
mines.
TOTAL ALKALINITY (TA) – The measure in PPM of all the dissolved
base/alkaline material in the water. The acid-neutralizing capacity of water which
indicates its buering ability, or resistance to uctuations in pH.
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) – The total amount of dissolved materials in
pool or spa water. The ideal range is from 1,000 to 2,000 ppm in pools and 1,500
ppm above the start-up TDS in spas.
Starting A Chemical Maintenance Program
Ultimately, in a chemical maintenance program, the goal is to maintain water balance.
If you apply chemicals and test your water on a regular basis, water balance is easy
to maintain and your spa water will stay clear and healthy. Although test strips are
fairly accurate, test kits are also available that are very accurate and will test every-
thing that you will need to monitor your water chemistry.
Three main parameters should be tracked closely:
1. pH
2. Free chlorine
3. Alkalinity