AquaTerra Benicia, Owner'S Manual

15

ADDING START-UP CHEMICALS

WATER CHEMISTRY GUIDELINES

The following step-by-step instructions are a recommended guideline for balancing water chemistry. If 

unsure about any step in the process, please contact Blue Wave Spas.
Initially, it is advisable to identify what minerals (e.g. iron) are present in the local source water. This will 

provide a better understanding of how to treat the water. Please follow the four steps below and be sure 

to achieve the correct levels in each area before moving onto the next step. ADD all chemicals into filter 

compartment while running jets for 10 minutes.

STEP #1: ESTABLISH PROPER PH LEVEL: 

The recommended range for pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the reading is too high, lower the pH by 

using a pH Down/Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). If the pH level needs to be increased, do so with a pH 

Up/Increaser (sodium hydrogen carbonate). Any pH Up or Down should be added one teaspoon at a 

time, waiting one-half hour between application and re-measuring. 

STEP #2: MEASURE TOTAL ALKALINITY:

The ideal range is between 40-120 parts per million (PPM). If the total alkalinity is too high, it should 

be reduced by using an Alkalinity Down/Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). If the total alkalinity is too low, 

it can be increased by adding an Alkalinity UP/Increaser (sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen 

carbonate). These products should be added in small amounts – 5 ml at a time. After adding 5 ml, wait 

one half hour before re-measuring. Once the safe range of total alkalinity is established, proceed to the 

next step.

STEP #3: DETERMINE CALCIUM HARDNESS:

It is important to bring the calcium reading to between 50-150 PPM. If the reading requires adjustment, 

it should now be corrected.  If the water is too soft (a low reading) calcium hardness should be added to 

the water to increase the PPM reading. If the water is too hard (a high reading), it can be corrected by 

either: (A) a mixture of hard and soft water added to attain a reading in the safe range, or (B) addition of 

stain and scale control. If calcium hardness is a problem with the local source water (either too hard or 

too soft) a test kit, which measures calcium hardness, is essential.

STEP #4: SANITIZING: 

After steps 1-3 are complete, 

the spa must be sanitized using Chlorine (sodium dichlor)

. Add 2 

teaspoons of Chlorine, and increase as necessary to reach a level of 3-5 ppm.  Check and maintain 

this level weekly, and before and after using the spa. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

A granulated sodium dichlor 

is highly recommended for sanitizing spa water

. 

Never use compressed sanitizers even with a 

floater

. 

As with any other chemicals, the sanitizer should be introduced to the spa with the jets running 

a minimum of 10 minutes.

WEEKLY SHOCK:

Using a potassium monopersulfate (MPS) shock, add approximately 60 ml over the filter while the jets 

are running. Shocking is achieved by adding the MPS to turbulent water. Leave the cover up and jets 

on high for 10 minutes. Then shut jets off and return the cover to the closed position to maintain heat. 

Then return the cover to the closed position to maintain heat.