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FUNDAMENTALS OF
WATER MAINTENANCE
• Testing: Test the water weekly or each time the spa is used with
convenient FRESHWATER 5-way test strips or more accurate liquid/
tablet reagent test kit per instructions. Critical parameters: sanitizer
level, pH, Calcium Hardness (CH), and Total Alkalinity (TA). Store test
equipment in a dark, cool, dry place to maintain potency.
• Water Filtration: The 100% no by-pass 24 hour filtration used in HOT
SPRING spas provides the best approach to keeping water clean
by constantly circulating sanitizer and removing waste from the spa.
Regularly inspect and clean filters for peak performance.
• Chemical Balance/pH Control: It is important to adjust the primary
water parameters (Total Alkalinity, Calcium hardness, pH) into the
recommended ranges so
that they are stabilized or
balanced. Balance the
water chemistry every time
you fill the spa with new
water and then during the
life of that body of water.
Keeping the water in
balance prevents damage
by holding the pH in a
safe range and preventing
calcium scale formation
on spa equipment. A low
pH can damage metal
components whereas a high
pH can cause high levels of calcium to form scale. Your dealer should
provide a detailed water chemistry orientation soon after your new spa
is filled for the very first time.
• The following three water components must be kept in balance to avoid
damage to the spa. Do balance these components in the order they
are listed here as each will help you balance the next using a minimum
amount of chemicals.
1. Calcium Hardness (CH) – CH is the measure of the amount of
dissolved calcium in the water. Low levels can make the water
corrosive and high levels cause scale formation of spa components.
The recommended CH reading is between
50 - 150 ppm. A hardness of 50 ppm is recommended with the ACE
System. If the CH level is too high, lower it with the VANISHING
ACT calcium remover per instructions. Once in balance, the CH
reading normally remains stable until new water is added. Great
care must be taken when filling the spa from a water softener to
ensure that the calcium remains in balance and avoid damage to the
spa.
2. Total Alkalinity (TA) - TA is a measure of the water’s ability to resist
changes of pH or buffer capacity. A low TA allows the pH to fluctuate
easily. The recommended TA reading is between 40 - 120 ppm. To
raise the TA, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen
carbonate). To lower the TA, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Down
(sodium bisulfate). Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains
stable until the next drain/refill. We recommend you check the TA
reading once per month. Raising/lowering the TA may cause the pH
readings to fluctuate widely. Ignore the pH readings on the test strip
while you are balancing the TA.
3. pH - The pH is the measure of the acidity and alkalinity. Maintaining
the proper pH level will optimize the effectiveness of the sanitizer,
preventing damage to the spa and physical discomfort for spa users.
A low pH dissipates sanitizer, causes corrosion, and irritates spa
users. A high pH level will neutralize sanitizer, promote scaling and
cloud water. The recommended pH reading is between 7.2 - 7.8. To
lower the pH level, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium
bisulfate). To raise the pH level, use FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity
Up (sodium carbonate).
• Water Conditioners: Spa fill water varies from location to location and
user to user, therefore it is important to consult with your dealer for an
appropriate program.
a. VANISHING ACT – High levels of calcium and some minerals
can be removed from the water with the single use VANISHING
ACT. High calcium levels can cause scale formation on the spa
equipment and shell.
b. CLEAN SCREEN pre-filter –The CLEAN SCREEN pre-flter
should be used at every fill and top-off to remove contaminants
from the fill water, especially iron, copper, and manganese. Many
water sources including well water contain high concentrations of
minerals that can cause staining of the shell and plastics.
c. Stain and Scale control – For water high in calcium and minerals,
it may be necessary to use an anti-scalant like Stain and Scale
control. As water evaporates from your spa and new water is
added, the amount of dissolved minerals like calcium, copper,
iron, and manganese will increase. (Minimize evaporation by
keeping the cover on the spa whenever possible.) High iron or
copper content in the water may produce green or brown stains
on the spa.
d. Foam Inhibitors - Soap is introduced into the spa water from
users’ bodies and swimming apparel and can cause the spa
water to foam when the jets are used. Low levels of calcium
hardness (soft water) can increase foaming. Although ozone and
ACE can oxidize soap residual, it may become necessary to add
Foam Inhibitors to suppress the foam. Excessive soap in the
water may require a water change to resolve.
• Oxidizers: Ozone and Monopersulfate (MPS) are oxidizers used to
prevent the buildup of contaminants, maximize sanitizer efficiency,
minimize combined chlorine, and improve water clarity. They are to be
used in conjunction with EPA registered sanitizers. The FRESHWATER
III high output ozone system uses Corona Discharge technology to
produce a high concentration of ozone which is injected into the spa
water 24 hours per day. FRESHWATER Chlorine-Free Oxidizer,
Monopersulfate (MPS) is a granular oxidizing chemical.
• Sanitizers: Maintaining the recommended residual level of an EPA
registered sanitizer at all times will decrease the occurrence of unsafe
bacteria and viruses in your spa water. The recommended Free
Available Chlorine (FAC), the amount of available chlorine sanitizer,
is 3.0-5.0 ppm. A low FAC can allow bacteria and viruses to grow
rapidly in the warm water, and a high FAC can cause discomfort to the
user’s eyes, lungs, and skin. Each sanitizer carries its own instructions
regarding how much to use and when to add it to the spa water.
Consult your dealer for their recommendations and instructions on
proper sanitizing of the spa.
a. ACE Salt Water Sanitizing System
b. EVERFRESH
Water Care System FRESHWATER Concentrated
Chlorinating Granules
c. Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
d. Brominating Concentrate (one step granular bromine).
e. BaquaSpa
®
(please consult your BAQUASPA manual for
instructions on the use of this product).
Water Quality and Maintenance
ALKALINE SPA
WATER
(SCALING
ZONE)
ADD pH
DECREASER
TO LOWER
pH
ADD pH
INCREASER
TO RAISE
pH
ACIDIC SPA
WATER
(CORROSIVE
ZONE)
COMFORT
ZONE
IDEAL
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