
Balancing pH
For good hygiene and equipment longevity, main-
tain the pH of your spa water according to the instruc-
tionsprovided. pHisthemeasuretodetermineifthespa
water is too acid (low pH, or too alkaline). The ideal
rangeforspawateris7.4to7.6pH.Forexcessiveacidity
(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: Refertothespachemicalmanufacturer’s
instructions for the initial amount of chemicals to
addforthegallonageofyourspa. LowpHcancause
equipment damage, as acid water will dissolve met-
als,whilehighpHcancausescaleorcalciumdepos-
its to build up in the system or on the shell. After
addingchemicals,runthefiltersystemforatleast30
minutes before testing water quality again for accu-
rate readings.
Balancing Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is the measure of base materials in
thewater. Therecommendedrangefortotalalkalinityis
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 (ac-
cording to instructions in Equipment Set-Up section of
the Installation Instructions) and clean the spa surfaces
thoroughly before refilling with fresh water. Then rees-
tablish water chemistry. If the spa is used heavily,
change the water at least every month.
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 chlorine to the water on a regular basis to help
controlthe amount ofbacteria, algae andorganicmate-
rials. Such bacterial contaminants, if not controlled,
couldcause skinrashes orother physical problems. To
disinfect the spa for normal use, first establish the
amount of chlorine 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
exceedthatduringtheinitialpurge/sanitizingprocedure
or during superchlorination (refer to Water Quality Defi-
nitions below). Superchlorinate your spa every two
weekswith heavy use. If using sodiumdichlor, add one
heaping tablespoon for each 150 gallons of spa water.
Scrub the spa surfaces with this solution to remove any
oilydeposits. This willensurethat anybacteria oralgae
which are resistant to the normal disinfectant level are
killed. Afteraddingthedisinfectant,runthe filtersystem
andallowthefreechlorineleveltoreturntothe2.0to5.0
ppm range before using the spa again.
Do not install a cover until the disinfectant level
is back to normal. High concentrations of chlorine
willdamagemetallicplated finishes if the cover is in
place.
WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONS
CalciumHypochlorite: Agranularchlorineproductthatis
inexpensiveandeffectivebutnotrecommendedbecauseit
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: (Alsoreferred toasshock 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.
Ozone: triatomic oxygen (O3), a gas found commonly in
nature,which,whendissolvedinspawaterhelpstodestroy
impurities and contaminants.
Free Chlorine: Chlorine that has not combined with other
chemicalsandthatisavailabletodestroybacteriainthespa
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
dissolvingaction. Prolongedcontactwiththespashellmay
bleach or permanently mark the shell.
Sodiumdichlor: Thetypeofchlorinethatisrecommended
forspause,asitisavailableinfastdissolvinggranularform.
It is neither excessively acid nor alkaline in character and
does not readily dissipate in higher water temperatures.
16
MAINTENANCE