Calspas SWIM - Page 66

66
Balancing Water Chemistry LevelsBalancing Water Chemistry Levels
Maintaining spa water chemistry can be tricky, especially since there are many methods of keeping
your water clear and clean. Note: We do not recommend a specic brand of chemicals.
See a spa dealer for guidance and recommendations on spa chemicals and supplied needed, as
water chemistry varies from region to region. Various chemicals often sold under brand names,
but a spa dealer can advise you on generic chemicals that are often less expensive than proprietary
brands.
Total Alkalinity is a measure of the total levels of carbonates,
bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances in
the water. TA is referred to as the waters “pH Buer”. In other
words its a measure of the ability of spa water to resist chemical
changes in the pH level.
If the TA is too low, the pH level will uctuate widely from high
to low. Fluctuations in pH level can cause corrosion or scaling of
the spa components. Low TA can be corrected by adding sodi-
um carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up).
If the total Alkalinity is too high, the pH level will tend to be high, and my be dicult to bring down. iIt
can be lowered by using sodium bi-sulfate (pH/Alkalinity Down).
Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or
low alkalinity will raise or lower the TA reading of the water.
When the Total Alkalinity is within the recommended range. Proceed to the next step.
54
120
140
160
180
100
80
Ideal TA balance
Add an alkalinity
increaser
Add an alkalinity
decreaser
60
40
20
TA too low
wildly
TA too high
pH will be too high
to stabilize pH
TA
balance
200
225
250
275
175
150
Ideal CH balance
CH too low
Causes equipment
corrosion
CH too high
Causes scale to
deposit on spa and
equipment
Add a calcium
hardness increaser
Dilute the spa
with soft water
125
100
75
CH
balance
49
54
120
140
160
180
100
80
Ideal TA balance
Add an alkalinity
increaser
Add an alkalinity
decreaser
60
40
20
TA too low
wildly
TA too high
pH will be too high
to stabilize pH
TA
balance
200
225
250
275
175
150
Ideal CH balance
CH too low
Causes equipment
corrosion
CH too high
Causes scale to
deposit on spa and
equipment
Add a calcium
hardness increaser
Dilute the spa
with soft water
125
100
75
CH
balance
49
Balancing the Total Alkalinity (TA)
Calcium Hardness is a measure of the total amount of dissolved
calcium in the water. Calcium helps control the corrosive nature of
spa water, thats why Calcium - low water (Soft Water) is not recom-
mended. It is very corrosive to the equipment and can cause stains
in the spa shell.
if the CH is too high (Hard Water) formation of scale on the spa
shell & surface can result. You can use a generic calcium remover to
remove hardness from water. CH can also be decreased by dilution
(75% Hard water, 25% Soft water) will usually yield a reading within
the correct range. If soft water is not available or practical for you, a
stain and scale inhibitor should be added to the spa water, accord-
ing to label instructions.
If the CH is too low, add CH Increaser.
Once the CH is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or
low calcium content will raise or lower the CH reading of the water.
When the CH is within the recommended range proceed to the next step.
Balancing the Calcium Hardness (CH)