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SILVER IONS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: How are the silver ions actually added to the water?

Answer: The silver ion cartridge contains ceramic beads that are infused with silver. By placing the cartridge in the circulation pump filter standpipe,

itissubjectedtothecontinuousflowofwatercreatedbythepump’s24hourcirculation.Theflowingwater,throughachemicalerosionprocess,

carries with it the silver ions necessary to add a sanitizing residual to the spa water.

Question: What happens if I do not add the weekly shock treatment?

Answer: Thecontaminantsinthewatermaycoatthesilverioncartridge’sceramicbeads,blockingthesilverions’releaseintothewater.Whenthis

occurs, there will be no residual of silver ions present in the water, eliminating them from the sanitizing process.

Question: How often should the FreshWater

silver ion purifier cartridge be replaced?

Answer: The cartridge must be replaced every four months. Please refer to the instructions provided with each FreshWater

silver ion purifier cartridge.

Question: Can I use the FreshWater III ozone system in addition to the silver ion system?

Answer: Yes. In fact, it is preferred! The use of the FreshWater III ozone system will enhance the performance of the silver ions and may

substantially reduce the need for supplemental chemical treatments when the spa is not in use.

Question: Whycan’tIusebromineorbiguanidesinsteadofMPSorchlorine?

Answer: Bromine and biguanides will chemically react with the sanitizing action of the silver ions. This will eliminate their beneficial sanitizing effect.

DOS AND DON’TS

• DOcheckyourMPSorsodiumdichlorchemicallevelpriortoeachuse.

• DOcheckyoursanitizerpriortoeachuse.

• DOchangetheFreshWater

silver ion purifier every four months.

• DOtestTotalAlkalinityandpHweekly.

• DOuseMPSforspasonly,suchasHot Spring

MPS chlorine-free oxidizer.

• DOstoreallchemicalsinatightlysealedcontainerinacool,dryplace.

• DON’Tusebromineorbiguanides.Theseareactivesanitizersandwillcombinewiththesilverionstoinactivatethem.

• DON’Tuseawaterclarifier.Clarifierswillcausethespawatertobecomecloudy.

CHlORINE (SOdIUM dICHlOR)

A. Sanitizing chemicals, such as chlorine, are oxidants that kill bacteria and viruses in the water.

The Free Available Chlorine (FAC) is a measure of the amount of unused chlorine available to

sanitize the spa. The recommended FAC for your spa water is 3.0-5.0 ppm.

B. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends the use of sodium dichlor type granulated

chlorine for sanitizing the water. Sodium dichlor is preferred because it is totally soluble,

dissolves quickly and is nearly pH neutral.

C. Maintaining the proper level of chlorine during use is extremely important.

D. If the FAC is too low, bacteria and viruses can grow rapidly in the warm water. 



E. IftheFACistoohigh,thewatercancausediscomforttotheuser’seyes,lungsandskin.



F. The spa is ready to use when the Free Available Chlorine is within the recommended range.

WARNING: There are several forms of stabilized chlorine available for use in spas and swimming pools and each form has specific

chemical characteristics. It is extremely important that the one you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect

product such as tri-chlor, which has a very low pH (2.6), dissolves too quickly in hot water resulting in extremely high levels of chlorine, and

is designed for concrete or plaster swimming pools, WILL cause damage to your spa. Use of a liquid or any type of compressed bromine or

chlorine, acid or any type if sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation WILL damage your spa and is

specifically not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.

IMPORTANT: Granulated chlorine (sodium dichlor) will degrade if stored improperly. We recommend purchasing chlorine in one or two pound

containers and storing it in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.

SUPER CHLORINATION

Super chlorination is designed to “burn-off” the build-up of chloramines (used chlorine), to eliminate the chlorine smell and to allow the proper level

of free chlorine to be maintained.

When giving your water a super chlorination treatment, open the cover at least half way for twenty minutes to allow the chlorine gas to vent off.

The high concentration of chlorine gas which may exist as a result of super chlorination (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration or

Water Quality and Maintenance

Page 44

Water Quality and Maintenance