
MAINTENANCE
Disinfecting:
Whenfillingthespaforthefirsttime,followthepurge/
sanitizing instructions in the Equipment Set-Up proce-
dure 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.Suchbacterialcontaminants,ifnotcontrolled,
could cause skin rashes or other physical problems. To
disinfect the spa for normal use, first establish the
amountofchlorineorbrominetoaddanddeterminehow
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 (see “Water Quality Defini-
tions” below). Superchlorinate your spa every two
weekswithheavy 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
oilydeposits. This willensure thatany bacteriaor algae
which are resistant to the normal disinfectant level are
killed. Afteraddingthedisinfectant,runthefiltersystem
andallowthefreechlorineleveltoreturntothe2.0to5.0
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 concentrations of chlorine
orbromine will damagespa fitting finishesif the coveris
in place.
Balancing pH:
Forgoodhygieneandequipmentlongevity,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
excessiveacidity(below7.2pH)addsodaashorsodium
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
fortheinitialmountofchemicalstoaddforthegallonage
of your spa. Low pH can cause equipment damage, as
acidwaterwilldissolvemetals, whilehigh pHcancause
scaleor calcium depositstobuild up inthe system oron
the shell. After adding chemicals, run the filter system
foratleast30minutesbeforetestingwaterquality again
for accurate 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
(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.
12
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
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.
Sodium DiChlor: The type of chlorine that is recom-
mended 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.
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 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.
Water Chemistry (continued)