26
WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
Basic Chemical Safety
When using chemicals, always read the labels carefully and follow directions. Though chemicals
protect you and your spa when used correctly, they can be hazardous in concentrated form.
Observe the following guidelines:
Allow only a responsible person to handle spa chemicals. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHIL-
DREN.
Accurately measure the exact quantities specified, never more. Do not overdose your spa.
Handle all containers with care. Store in a cool, dry well ventilated place.
Always keep chemical containers closed when not in use. Replace caps on their proper containers.
Don’t inhale fumes or allow chemicals to come in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash
your hands immediately afer each use.
Follow the emergency advice on the product label in case of accidental contact or if the chemical is
swallowed. Call a doctor or the local Poison Control Center. If a doctor is needed, take the product
container along with you so that the substance can be identified.
Don’t let chemicals get on surrounding surfaces or landscaping.
Never smoke around chemicals. Some of the fumes can be highly flammable.
Don’t store chemicals in the spa equipment compartment.
Balancing Total Alkalinity (TA)
The recommended Total Alkalinity (TA) for your spa water is 125-150 ppm.
Total Alkalinity is measure of the total levels of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other alka-
line substances in the water. TA is referred to as the water’s “pH buffer”. It’s a measure of the ability
of the water to resist changes in pH level.
If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate widely from high to low. Fluctuations in pH can cause
corrosion or scaling of spa components. Low TA can be corrected by adding pH/Alkalinity UP (sodi-
um hydrogen carbonate).
If the TA is too high, the pH level will tend to be high and may be difficult to bring down. It can be
lowered by adding pH/Alkalinity down (sodium bisulfate).
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.
Balancing Calcium Hardness (CH)
The recommended Calcium Hardness (CH) level for your spa is 150-200ppm.
Calcium Hardness is a measure of the total amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Calcium helps
control the corrosive nature of the spa’s water. That’s why calcium-low water (commonly know as
“soft” water) is not recommended. It is very corrosive to the equipment, and can cause staining of
the spa shell. If the calcium level is too low, we recommend using Calcium Increaser to bring the
calcium hardness level to within the recommended range.
If the CH is too high (commonly know as “hard” water), formation of scale on the spa’s shell surface
and equipment can result. CH can be decreased by dilution - a mixture of 75% hard and 25% soft
water will be a good starting point. If soft water is not available, or practical for you, a stain and
scale control such as Scale Defense should be added to the spa water, according to instructions on
iIts label.
To Next Page
Loading...