PDC spas Owner's Manual - Regular Hot Tub Maintenance; Testing the G.F.C.I.; Cleaning Jets and Diverter Valves; Cabinet and Pillow Care

The Importance of Proper Water Chemistry
Evaporaon:
Only pure water evaporates leaving a higher concentraon of salts, metals, minerals and unused chemicals in the
remaining hot tub water. Over me, the water can become saturated with these impuries causing stain and scales to build up
on the spa walls and equipment components. Discoloraon and possible corrosion may occur on fings, pillows and cover.
Hot Tub Users: Occupants introduce contaminants to the water. That level of contaminaon is dependent on the
number of users, me used and frequency of use. Skin loons and detergent residue in bathing suits may cause excessive
foaming and cloudy water.
Temperature: Spa hot tubs are normally kept in the range of 87°F to 102°F. These warm temperatures increase evaporaon,
increasing the solidificaon of minerals, metals and scale formaon. The heat level also increases the need for proper sanitaon
to inhibit bacteria growth.
Surrounding Elements: Most hot tubs are installed in the backyard where occupants introduce grass, leaves, insects, dust, etc.
from the environment. Both indoor and outdoor installaons are exposed to pollen, dust, etc. in the surrounding air.
Adhere to the roune maintenance suggested in this manual for proper water chemistry and maximum enjoyment or your new
hot tub.
Basic Understanding of Water Care
Filtraon:
Cartridge filters in the Prisne™ and PowerFlo™ systems remove dust, debris, algae that are connuously entering the
spa. The frequency of filtraon is programmed at the spa side control and dependent upon your individual use paerns. The
cartridge is recommended to be changed at least once a month and cleaned per the instrucons under maintenance. A spare
cartridge is recommended to avoid shut-down during the cleaning process.
Shocking the Water: This is the term used when super chlorinang the water by adding extra chlorine raising the chlorine level
above 8 ppm (part per million) or by adding a non-chlorine (oxidizer) to eliminate chloramines or bromamines. The non-chlorine
addive releases oxygen into the water acng as a chlorinator. Do not enter the water unl the chlorine level as below 5 ppm. The
non-chlorine addive will not treat bacteria.
Total Alkalinity: This is a measurement of the water’s ability to maintain a proper pH level. Total alkalinity is measured in ppm
from 0 - 400+ with the opmum reading 100-120 ppm. With low alkalinity, the pH level will flip easily. With a high alkalinity
reading, it becomes difficult to regulate.
pH levels: This a measurement of acidity (acve hydrogen) in the water. pH is not measured in ppm but on a scale of 0-14 with
7.4—7.6 being the neutral desired level. Anything below 7 is considered acidic and will cause eye and skin irritaon and corrode
metals with excessive chlorine loss. Anything above the neutral range may cause cloudy water, eye and skin irritaon and scale
formaon. This level should never be below 7.2 or above 7.6.
Ozone Sanitaon: Ozone is a natural sanizer, a byproduct of oxygen; O
3 .
It has been used successfull for may years as a
purifier of drinking water. Ozone kills bacteria and has an “aer rain” smell as it leaves the spa water. There is no test for ozone
levels in the spa water. It is introduced into the spa water by an ozonator component located behind the cabinet wall. It is oper-
ang during the filtraon cycle of the pump and is easily programmed at the spa side control. This is a virtually maintenance-free
treatment for sanizing the spa water keeping the water clear and odor free. It is necessary to adjust pH levels, alkalinity and shock
as needed. The EverlIte™ sight glass located on the upper corner of your hot tub is lit when ozone is being introduced into the hot
tub water.
Chlorine / Bromine as Sanizers: Only sodium dichlor, granular, is approved for spa use . This is a fast dissolving, pH neutral
chlorine. Chlorine immediately sanizes and levels should be kept between 2-4 ppm. Bromine is a slow dissolve chemical which
takes up to a few days to build a reserve and test levels. Bromine levels should also read between 2-4 ppm.
Calcium Hardness: Water that is considered too hard (over 250 ppm) may cause scale formaon in electrical components and
water too low (less than 150 ppm) may also have a negave effect on components.
Foaming: Body oils, loons cosmecs, cleaners, high pH levels, algaecides and detergents oen cause foaming. Foam can also
be a result of low calcium and sanizer levels.
PLEASE BE AWARE THE USE OF BAQUA SPA WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO HOT TUB COMPONENTS AND VOID WARRANTY.
Water Chemistry Basics
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