Calspas SWIM - Balancing the Ph; Sanitation and Shock

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Sanitation and ShockSanitation and Shock
If the spas water’s pH level is too low, the following may result:
The sanitizer will dissipate rapidly
• The water may become irritating to spa users
• The spas equipment may corrode
• Bacteria and algae spikes can occur.
The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7.8 are alkaline; those below 7.2 are
acidic. Maintaining the proper pH level is extremely important for optimizing the eectiveness of the
sanitizer, maintaining water that is comfortable for the user, and preventing equipment deterioration.
Balancing the pH
If the pH is too low it can be increased with sodium hydrogen
carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up) to the spa water.
If the pH level is too high, the following may result:
• The sanitizer is less eective
• Scale will form on the spa shell surface and equipment
• The water may become cloudy
• The lter cartridge may become obstructed.
If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding sodium bi-sul-
fate (pH/Alkalinity Down) to spa water.
55
8.2
8.0
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0
6.8
6.6
Ideal pH balance
Add a pH
decreaser
Add a pH
increaser
pH too high
Too alkaline, causes
scaling
pH too low
Too acidic, causes
corrosion
pH
balance
50
Note: After adding sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium bi-sulfate, wait two hours before testing the spa water
again for pH. Compounds take time to fully dissolve into the spa water, initial reading may not be accurate
Its important to check the pH on a regular weekly basis. The pH will be aected by the bather load, the
addition of new water, the addition of various chemicals, and other sanitizer used. When the pH is within
the recommended range, proceed to begin the sanitation process.
Sanitizers kill bacteria and other organic waste by breaking them down to non-harmful level which are
ltered out. Before you ll your spa, you need to decide which chemical sanitizer you wish to use. Consult
your Cal Spas dealer for the right decision with regards to your lifestyle and spa usage.
We recommend granulated chlorine or bromine as your sanitizer. Both work well when maintained
regularly
Note: DO NOT USE Trichlor. Trichlor is very acidic and the hot temperature of the spa causes it to dissolve too
fast, it will cause damage to your spa and will void your warranty.
Whichever chemical you decide to use, do not take shortcuts. It will provide you with clean, safe, clear, spa
water with a minimum of eort. Spa owners with an ozonator still need to use a chemical sanitizer. When-
ever you test chemical levels, your test strip will likely have a test for chlorine or bromine. Make sure you
sanitizer falls within the range shown on the next page.
Whenever you test your chemical levels, your test strip will likely have a test for chlorine or bromine. Make
sure your sanitizer falls within the range shown on the next page.
If your spa is equipped with a ozonator, this will assist in breaking down organic material and odors, but
it will not disinfect your water, following the standard ppm recommendation for the sanitizer of choice
is mandatory.