Master Spas H2X Challenger User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
2007
07MS H2X Owners Manual 1/10/07 11:29 PM Page 1

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6927 Lincoln Parkway
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804
800-860-7727
www.masterspas.com
H2X OWNER’S MANUAL
Welcome To Ultimate Relaxation!
Thank you for choosing your new swim spa built by Master Spas. Please read the
entire Owner’s Manual before installing and using your new swim spa. The goal of
this manual is to provide you with safety and operational information plus some tips
that will help you enjoy your H2X swim spa to its fullest.
At the time of print, this manual is accurate in its information. Master Spas
reserves the right to change or improve its product without prior notice.
To check on updates or for other information, please visit www.masterspas.com
and follow the links to the customer service section.
Record Of Ownership
Name _____________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
City _____________________________ State ______ Zip_________
Date Purchased ______ /______ /_______
Model _______________________ Serial #______________________
Dealer Name_______________________________________________
Phone # (______)________-__________
Service Tech Rep____________________________________________
*Serial Number Location
The serial number for your swim spa is located in the filter area, on the swim spa
system pack, or on the listing plate on the skirting. It will start with "H"
followed by a 5-digit number. Ex. H70501
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions
Personal Safety..................................................................................................4-8
Glossary of Swim Spa Terminology ......................................................................9-12
Installation
Electrical Installation Requirements ..............................................................................13
Wiring Schematic ..............................................................................................14
Site Preparation ............................................................................................15-16
Installation Instructions ....................................................................................17-18
Water Chemistry Terms ....................................................................................19-20
Water Quality Maintenance Schedule ....................................................................21
Swim Spa Water Maintenance Start-Up ..............................................................22-24
Water Maintenance Trouble-Shooting ....................................................................25
Why Chemicals are Important ..............................................................................26
Maintenance Recommendations ............................................................................27
Winterizing Your Swim Spa ..................................................................................28
H2X Swim Spa
Specifications ....................................................................................................29
Electronic Controls ........................................................................................30-31
Diagnostic Messages ........................................................................................32-33
Propulsion System ..............................................................................................34
Start Up ..........................................................................................................34
Max Stereo System ..........................................................................................35-36
Trouble Shooting Guide ....................................................................................37-40
Regular Maintenance Procedures ......................................................................41-42
Care of Swim Spa Cover, Swim Spa Cabinet & Filter Cleaning ..............................43-44
Swim Spa Maintenance Records ........................................................................45-47
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Save These Instructions
Included with your new swim spa is a safety sign.The sign is for you and your
guest’s protection and is suitable for outdoor use in wet locations.The sign
should be placed in a location visible to all users of the swim spa.
Please take time to point out the physical location of the safety sign and the
importance of the safety precautions displayed on the safety sign to all of your
guests. Remember your safety and the safety of anyone who enjoys the use of
your swim spa is our utmost concern.
The sign should be mounted with screws or another type of permanent
fastener. Additional or replacement signs can be obtained from your dealer
or direct from the factory.
It’s time to relax!You now have your very own H2X swim spa by Master Spas, Inc.
By fully understanding the operation of each of the features of your new swim
spa, you will be assured of many years of hassle-free, exercise therapy and fun.
Your safety is of paramount importance to the MasterSpas family.We urge you to
read and become thoroughly familiar with all safety aspects addressed in this
manual.
Introduction
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When installing and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions
should be observed including the following:
Important Safety Instructions
1. WARNING. To reduce the risk of injury, do not permit children to use this
product unless they are closely supervised at all times.
2. DANGER - RISK OF CHILD DROWNING. Extreme caution must be
exercised to prevent unauthorized access by children.To avoid accidents, insure
that children cannot use a swim spa unless they are closely supervised at all times.
3. WARNING. A pressure wire connector is provided on the surface of the control
box inside the swim spa to permit connection of a minimum No. 8 AWG solid
copper bonding wire between this point and any metal equipment, metal
enclosures of electrical equipment, metal water pipe or conduit within 5 feet
(1.5M) of the unit.
4. DANGER - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Install swim spa at least five (5) feet
(1.5M) from all metal surfaces. A swim spa may be installed within five (5) feet
(1.5M) of metal surfaces if, in accordance with the National Electrical Code,
each metal surface is permanently connected by a No. 6 AWG (8.4mm) solid
copper conductor attached to the wire connector on the terminal box. A
grounding lug is provided for this purpose.
5. DANGER - RISK OF INJURY. The suction fittings in this swim spa are sized to
match the specific water flow created by the pump. Should the need arise to
replace the suction fitting or the pump be sure that the flow rates are compatible.
*NOTE: Never operate the swim spa if the suction fittings are broken or missing.
Never replace a suction fitting with one rated less than the flow rate
marked on the original suction fitting.
6. DANGER - To reduce the risk of injury to persons, do not remove the suction
grate. Suction through drains and skimmers is powerful when the jets in the swim
spa are in use. Damaged covers can be hazardous to small children and adults with
long hair. Should any part of the body be drawn into these fittings, turn off the
swim spa immediately. As a precaution, long hair should not be allowed to float in
the swim spa.
Read And Follow ALL INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER: DIVING MAY
RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Important Safety Instructions (cont.)
7. WARNING. Install the swim spa so that water can be easily drained out of the
compartment containing electrical components so as not to da mage equipment.
Also, when installing the swim spa, allow at least 2 feet of clearance around the
perimeter of the swim spa to provide enough room to access for servicing. Contact
your local dealer for their specific requirements.
8. WARNING - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY:
(A) Reminder - Never allow anyone to dive into a swim spa. Always enter feet first.
(B) If the suction or return grates for the propulsion system should become
damaged, immediately turn the swim spa off and contact your dealer to
schedule service. You should never operate the swim spa if these grates are
damaged or removed.
(C) Always enter and exit aswim spa slowly.
(D) Do not use the swim spa alone.
(E) Before entering the swim spa, always measure the water temperature with an
accurate thermometer.Tolerance of water temperature regulating devices can
vary as much as plus/minus 5° F (3° C).
(F) Persons suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease,
diabetes, high or low blood pressure or circulatory system problems should
consult with their physician before using the swim spa.
(G) Since excessive water temperature has a high potential f or causing fetal
damage during early months of pregnancy, pregnant or possibly pregnant
women should limit swim spa water temperatures to 100° F(38° C).
(H) Excessive water temperature can be dangerous.The water in the swim spa
should never exceed 104° F (40° C).Water temperatures between 100° and
104° F are considered safe for a healthy adult. Lower water temperatures are
recommended for extended use (exceeding 10 minutes) and for young
children. Long exposures at higher temperatures can result in hyperthermia.
9. NOTE: Should the No Diving Label come off the swim spa, please contact your
local dealer immediately for a free replacement label.
DANGER: DIVING MAY
RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Important Safety Instructions (cont.)
(I) Children’s body temperature can increase more rapidly than adults in the same
water with elevated temperatures (above 99° F). Children should spend less time in
water above body temperature than adults.
(J) The use of a swim spa while under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or
medication may lead to unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning.
*NOTE: Persons on medication should consult with their physician before entering the swim
spa since some medication may induce drowsiness while other medication may affect heart
rate, blood pressure and circulation.
9. Reminder: A safe temperature for swimming or aquatic exercise is around 80˚ F.
10. People with infections, sores or the like should not use the swim spa.Warm and
hot water temperatures may allow the growth of infectious bacteria if not
properly disinfected.
11. DANGER - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. Do not permit any electric
appliance, such as a light, telephone, radio or television, within five (5) feet
of the swim spa. Never operate any electrical appliances from inside the swim spa
or while wet.
HYPERTHERMIA
Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level
several degrees above the normal body temperature of 98.6° F.
THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHERMIA INCLUDE:
Dizziness •Fainting •Drowsiness •Lethargy •Increase in Internal BodyTemperature
THE EFFECTS OF HYPERTHERMIA INCLUDE:
Unawareness of Impending Hazard •Failure to Perceive Heat
Failure to Recognize the Need to Exit Swim Spa •Physical Inability to Exit Swim Spa
Fetal Damage in Pregnant Women •Unconsciousness Resulting in a Danger of Drowning
DANGER: DIVING MAY
RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
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12. WARNING - RISK OF SUFFOCATION. If this swim spa is equipped with a gas
heater, it is intended for outdoor use only, unless proper ventilation can be
provided for an indoor installation.
13. “CAUTION - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Do not leave the CD compartment open.”
“CAUTION - RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Replace components only with identical components.”
The CD player controls are not to be operated while inside the swim spa.
“WARNING - PREVENT ELECTROCUTION. Do not connect any
auxiliary components (for example, additional speakers, headphones,
additional audio/video components etc.) to the system.”
These units are not provided with an outdoor antennae.
Do not service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
If the power supply/supply cord(s) are damaged, water is entering the speaker,
CD compartment, or any other component in the electrical equipment
compartment area, the protective shield is showing signs of deterioration, or
there are signs of other potentially hazardous damage to the unit, turn off the
circuit breaker from the wall and refer servicing to a qualified service personnel.
The unit should be subjected to periodic routine maintenance once every quarter
to make sure that the unit is operating properly.
14. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER: DIVING MAY
RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
Important Safety Instructions (cont.)
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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GLOSSARY OF SWIM SPA TERMINOLOGY
1. THERAPY JETS - Your new swim spa features a variety of jet styles.
All jets, regardless of style return the water to the swim spa. Air is mixed
with the water by using the air controls creating a gentle to most vigorous
massage. Water flow is adjusted by simply turning the outer face of the jet.
2. JET DIVERTER VALVE - Located on the topside of the swim spa, this valve
physically diverts the flow of water from one jet zone of the swim spa to
another jet zone.
Be sure that no sand or particles are brought into the swim spa as they will
cause the diverter to seize up. It is best to turn the diverter valve only when
the pump is turned off.
3. CASCADE WATERFALL VALVE - Located on the topside of the swim spa,
this valve adjusts water flow to the cascade waterfalls.
Extreme Seat
Jet Diverter
Cascade Waterfall Valve
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GLOSSARY OF SWIM SPA TERMINOLOGY
4. AIR CONTROL VALVES -These are located around the top of your swim
spa.You may increase or decrease the force of your jets by opening or closing
the air control valves.Typically, one dial controls the air to water ratio and
mix to one group of jets.When not in use the air controls should be kept in
the closed position, as air bubbles tend to cool the water.
5. TOPSIDE CONTROL PANEL -You may safely control all functions from
inside or outside your swim spa using the Topside Control Panel. This Panel is
used to control the water temperature, pumps, the swim spa light, automatic
filtration cycles and other advanced functions. The digital display will give you
a constant temperature readout and will notify you in case of certain
malfunctions. Several user programmable functions are also available.
6. PROPULSION SYSTEM CONTROL PANEL -You may safely control the
speed of the propulsion system from the inside of your swim spa.This panel is
used to turn the propulsion system on and off and to adjust the intensity of the
water flow.
7. PERSONAL REMOTE CONTROL -Your swim spa has an additional remote
which allows the user to control the stand up jet therapy zone. By pressing the
control one time, you will activate the pump. Press the pad again to turn the
pump off.
8. EQUIPMENT ACCESS PANEL - Located behind the side panel below the
Topside Control Panel, this area houses the major components responsible for
the swim spas operation.Those components include the pumps, heater,
control panel box, Ozonator, and LED light system (if applicable). Pump
and equipment placement may vary by model.
Air Control Valve
Personal Remote Control
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GLOSSARY OF SWIM SPA TERMINOLOGY
9. PROPULSION SYSTEM CONTROLS ACCESS - Located behind the skirt
directly beneath the propulsion system control panel (panel “E”).This is
where you will find your propulsion motor, propulsion control pack, and
pulleys for your propulsion system.
10. ACCESS PANELS - These are located on all four sides of the swim spa.
All of the panels are removable should service be required.
WARNING: Do Not Remove Access PanelsWithout Turning Off
Power To The Swim Spa.
11. DRAINING YOUR SWIM SPA-
Due to the physical size of the swim spa, we
recommend draining your swim spa with a submersable sump pump. Draining
your swim spa with a conventional spa drain is not a re asonable option.
12. WEIR GATE - The weir gate is the horizontal door located in front of the
filters that trap debris in the filter area.
13. SWIM SPA LIGHT -Your swim spa light is designed for safety and is located
in the interior wall of your swim spa. The on/off switch is located on the
topside control panel.
14. EQUIPMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - This houses the wiring and electrical
components necessary to operate the swim spa.
15. SWIM SPA HEATER - This element is an electric heater housed in a stainless
steel tube. It is thermostatically controlled and equipped with
a high-limit temperature safety shut-off sensor.The high-limit sensor cannot be
reset until the temperature within the heater assembly drops several degrees
below the shut-off temperature of 108° -110° F. Should the
high-limit switch trip repeatedly, contact your dealer or qualified service
Panel “B”
Panel “H” Panel “G” Panel “F”
Panel “E”
Panel “A”
Panel “C” Panel “D”
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GLOSSARY OF SWIM SPA TERMINOLOGY
16. SLICE VALVES - These valves are used by service personnel to shut off water
to the heater, main pump system and secondary pump system so that the
water does not need to be drained should the swim spa require service.
*NOTE: Slice valves must be completely open during normal operation.
17. MAIN PUMP - This produces water flow through the extreme seat jets in
the swim spa.The first pump may be operated on two speeds. Low speed will
produce efficient water circulation during filtration and gentle jet action.
High speed should be used for maximum jet action.The main pump is
controlled by the “Jets” or “Jets I” button on theTopside Control Panel.
18. SECONDARY PUMP - This produces water flow through the stand up jet
system in the swim spa.The second pump operates similar to the main pump
and is controlled by the personal remote control on the surface of the swim spa.
19. PUMP UNION - These are used by service personnel to easily service
the pumps.
20. HEATER UNION - These are used by service personnel to easily service
the heater.
21. OZONATOR -Your ozonator will operate in conjunction with your
filtration system. An ozone is a gas or U.V. light that kills bateria, etc.
Slice Valve
and Pump Union
Ozonator
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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
HAVE YOUR ELECTRICIAN READ THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
HAVE YOUR ELECTRICIAN READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS
Electrical connections made improperly, or the use of wire gauge sizes for incurring power
which are too small, may continually blow fuses in the electrical equipment box, may
damage the internal electrical controls and components, may be unsafe and in any case will
void your warranty.
It is the responsibility of the swim spa owner to ensure that electrical connections are
made by a qualified electrician in accordance with the National Electrical Code and any
local and state electrical codes in force at the time of installation.
These connections must be made in accordance with the wiring diagrams found inside
the control box. This equipment has been designed to operate on 60Hz. alternating current
only, 240 volts are required. Make sure that power is not applied while performing any
electrical installation. A copper bonding lug has been provided on the electrical equipment
pack to allow connection to local ground points. The ground wire must be at least 10
AWG copper wire and must be connected securely to a grounded metal structure such as a
cold water pipe. All Master Spas equipment packs are wired for 240 VAC
only. The only electrical supply for your swim spa must include a 50 AMP switch or
circuit breaker to open all non-grounded supply conductors to comply with section 422-20
of the National Electrical Code. The disconnect must be readily accessible to the swim spa
occupants, but installed at least five feet from the swim spa. A Ground-Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) must be used to comply with section 680-42 of the National Electrical
Code. A ground fault is a current leak from any one o fthe supply conductors to ground. A
GFCI is designed to automatically shut off power to a piece of equipment when a current
fault is detected.
Power hook-up to the spa must be 240 volt 3 wire plus ground (6 AWG copper).
Route the cable into the equipment area for final hook-up to terminals inside the control
panel. The spa must be hooked up to a “dedicated” 240 volt, 50 amp breaker and GFCI.
The term “dedicated” means the electrical circuit for the spa is not being used for any
other electrical items (patio lights, appliances, garage circuits, etc.). If the spa is connected
to a non-dedicated circuit, overloading will result in “nuisance tripping” which requires
resetting of the breaker switch at the house electrical panel. Rev. 05/01/06
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WIRING SCHEMATIC - 240VOLT SWIM SPA HOOK-UP
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
50 50
50
TEST
50
1
2
3
4
5
WHITE (NEUTRAL)
BLACK (HOT)
RED (HOT)
GREEN (GROUND)
Instruments
Balboa
Incorporated
Wire Key
House Breaker Box
G.F.C.I Breaker Box
Swim Spa System Box
Green (Ground)
Red (Hot)
Black (Hot)
White (Neutral)
NOTE: For a 240 V
dedicated hook-up, the
white neutral wire is
not required between
the G.F.C.I. and the
system box.
GRN
GRN (GROUND)
RED (HOT)
BLK (HOT)
BLK (HOT)
RED (HOT)
RED (HOT)
WHT (NEUTRAL)
WHT
WHT
BLK (HOT)
GRN (GROUND)
TB1
IDF00007.mac 6/17/97
*Actual wiring of GFCI will vary bymanufacturer of GFCI.The GFCI shown is a Square D.
Improper wiring of GFCI may result in permanent damage to the swim spa system box.
Repair /replacement of swim spa system box is not covered under warranty when damage
resul ts from improper wiring.
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SITE PREPARATION / GENERAL GUIDELINES
Swim spa installation is simple when properly planned.To that end, it is
important that you read the following information carefully and consult with
your Master Spas dealer.
1) Access - The actual dimensions of your new swim spa will determine the
amount of space that is needed in moving the swim spa from curbside to its
final installation area. Be sure to measure side yard dimensions, gates or doors
and vertical obstructions such as roof overhangs and overhead cables. Any
other space limiting obstacles such as trees or shrubs must be evaluated.
2) Surface/Pad Requirements - When your new swim spa is filled with water
and bathers, it may weigh as much as several tons. It is imperative that the
base beneath the swim spa can support the actual weight.The swim spa must
be on a uniformly firm, continuous, and level surface.The recommended
foundation is a concrete pad with a minimum thickness of four (4) inches
with steel reinforcement bars crossed throughout the pad.
IMPORTANT
Be sure to locate your swim spa so that equipment remains above grade and is not
subject to flooding.
The equipment side(s) of the swim spa must be accessible in the event that
future service is needed. In the event that service is required, your dealer will
need at least 2 feet of clearance around the perimeter of the swim spa. Periodical
maintenance checks require entry into the equipment bay.When possible, it is
wise planning for the future to leave access, to all sides of the swim spa in the
event your swim spas plumbing requires maintenance.Your swim spa warranty
does not cover the cost of providing access for service.
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SITE PREPARATION / GENERAL GUIDELINES
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION
Again, proper planning will increase your total enjoyment factor with your new
swim spa. Listed below are some additional items to consider when planning your
installation.
• How swim spa will complement landscaping and vice versa
•View from inside swim spa and view of swim spa from inside of
home
• Exposure to sunlight and shading from trees
•Privacy
• Getting to swim spa from house and return
• Proximity to dressing rooms and bathrooms
• Storage for swim spa chemicals
•Local building codes (if applicable)
• Power cable
NOTE: The H2X is to be used in private, residential use only.
Operating an H2X for commercial use will void the warranty.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.) Put swim spa in final position that allows for access to equipment and swim
spa components.
2.) Remove front side panel (This is the side where the main topside control
panel is located) so electrical can be hooked up to the swim spa system pack.
3.) Be sure all pump and heater unions are secure. Each pump has 2 unions and
the heater has 2 unions. A newly delivered swim spa may have loose unions
caused in transporting the swim spa. Check that all slice valves are open,
in the up position. Again, the slice valves may become closed during trans
portation of the swim spa.
4.) Fill swim spa to the "minimum safe water level" sticker.We recommend
filling the swim spa through the filter area.
5.) Turn the power on to the swim spa. The swim spa will go through its priming
mode.This lasts approximately 5 minutes.
6.) Be sure the jets in your swim spa are open.
Removing of Panels
Slice Valve
and Pump Union
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
7.) It may be necessary to bleed air from the motor(s) on your swim spa if,
after start up, your swim spa pumps do not operate.
Due to the nature of water flow and hydro-therapy pumps, please be advised
that air locking of pumps may occur. Master Spas has taken measures to
reduce the possibility of this, but it still may occur, especially after refilling a
swim spa. This is not a service covered under warranty.
To relieve an airlock situation, loosen the pump union (see picture) on the
discharge of the pump (the end of the pump that water is being pushed
through). Water should leak out. Tighten the union and test the pump for
proper jet flow. If needed repeat process.
*NOTE: Upon power up, the propulsion system may cavitate or mix water with
air for up to several minutes until all of the air is pulled from the
propulsion chamber.Your propulsion system may be noisy during this
time.This is normal.
8.) Adjust water chemistry according to the instructions provided in the
"Swim Spa Water Quality Maintenance" Section. (page 21).
9.) Your swim spa water will heat approximately 1° - 2° per hour,
on average.Times may vary.
Airlock
Pump Union
Slice Valve
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WATER CHEMISTRY TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Before jumping into the Swim Spa Water Maintenance, here are some terms to help you.
1. Parts per million, or ppm: This is a form of measurement used in most pool
or swim spa chemical readings. Best described as any one million like items of
equal size and make up, next to one unlike item , but of equal size. This
would be one part per million.
2. Total Alkalinity: This is a measurement of the ability of the water to resist
changes in pH. Put another way, it is the water’s ability to maintain proper
pH. Total alkalinity is measured in parts per million from 0 to 400 plus, with
80 to 120 ppm being the best range for swim spas. With low alkalinity, the
pH will flip, or change back and forth, and be hard to control. With high
alkalinity it becomes extremely difficult to change the pH.
3. pH or potential hydrogen: This is a measurement of the active acidity in the
water, or it is the measurement of the concentration of active hydrogen ions
in the water. The greater the concentration of active hydrogen ions, the lower
the pH. pH is not measured in parts per million, but on a scale from 0 to 14,
with 7 being the neutral. In spas when ever possible, a measurement between
7.2 and 7.8 is best. Whenever possible, it should be between 7.4 and 7.6.
With low pH, the results can be corroded metals, etched and stained plaster,
stained fiberglass or acrylic, eye / skin irritation, rapid chlorine or bromine
loss, and total alkalinity destruction. With high pH, the results can be cloudy
water, eye / skin irritation, scale formation and poor chlorine or bromine
efficiency.
4. Shocking: This is when you add either extra chlorine (superchlorinate) by
raising the chlorine level above 8 ppm, or add a non-chlorine shock
(potassium monoperoxysulfate or potassium monopersulfate) to burn off the
chloramines or bromamines. Anon-chlorine shock acts by releasing oxygen in
the water, which serves the same function as chlorine. The advantage to using
non-chlorine shock, is you can enter the water within 15 minutes after
shocking. Using chlorine, you must wait until the total chlorine reading is
below 5 ppm. One thing to remember, anon-chlorine shock will not kill
bacteria or disinfect.
5. Sequestering: This can be defined as the ability to form a chemical complex
which remains in solution, despite the presence of a precipitating agent
(i.e. calcium and metals). Common names for sequestering chemicals are;
minquest, stain and scale control, metal-x, spa defender, spa metal gone, (etc.).
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WATER CHEMISTRY TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Before jumping into the Swim Spa Water Maintenance, here are some terms to help you.
6. Filtration: Filters are necessary to remove particles of dust, dirt, algae, etc.
that are continuously entering the water. If the swim spa is not operated long
enough each day for the filter to do a proper job, this puts a burden on the
chemicals, causing extra expense. A spare cartridge should be kept on hand
to make it easy to frequently clean the cartridge without the need for a long
shut down. This will also allow the cartridge to dry out between usages,
which will increase the cartridge life span as much as twice. Replace the
cartridge when the pleats begin to deteriorate. Cartridge cleaning should be
done a minimum of once a month. More often with a heavy bather load.
7. Sanitizers: This is what kills the germs and bacteria that enter the water from
the environment and the human body.
A. Chlorine
1. Only one type is good for swim spa use
a. Sodium dichlor which is a granule, fast dissolving,
and pH neutral
2. Chlorine is an immediate sanitizer.
B. Bromine (Note: Bromine is not recommended for a swim spa due to its
intolerences to U.V.)
1.Two types of tablets.
a. Hydrotech
b. Lonza
2. Bromine is a slow dissolve chemical and may take a few days to
develop a reserve or reading in the water.
8. Total dissolved solids (TDS): Materials that have been dissolved by the water.
i.e. Like what happens when you put sugar in coffee or tea.
9. Useful life of water (in days):Water should be drained at least once every
180 days. Useful life may vary by usage and bather load.
10. Defoamer: Foaming may be caused by body oils, cosmetics, lotions, surface
cleaners, high pH or algeacides as well as other organic materials. Low levels
of calcium or sanitizer can also cause foaming. Also, double rinse your
bathing suits as they will hold residual soap after being washed.
11. Calcium hardness: Water that is too hard (over 250 ppm) can promote scale
formation in components and on swim spa surface. Water that is too low
(below 180 ppm) may also shorten the life of metal components on the
swim spa.
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