MAINTAINING YOUR SPA cont...
CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF WATER
Water from your tap is fine for showers, bathing and drinking.
However, in a contained recirculating system such as in a spa, water
must be treated with chemicals. The main purpose of chemical
treatment is to keep the water sanitary and to maintain a specific
balance of the water. Proper balance ensures that the water will not
cause irritation to the users or harm the spa’s components. Chemical
treatment does have its limitations. When water evaporates, chemical
residues are left behind. As the levels of the residues combine with
other types of residue, such as body oil and detergents, your water
becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Because of this residual
effect, at some point it becomes easier and more cost-effective to
drain, clean and refill your spa with new water. We recommend that
the water be changed at least every six months. At this time you
should also clean or replace your filters. If your spa has a frequent
and/or heavy bather load, it may be necessary to drain and fill your spa
more often. Refer to the section titled “Draining your spa” for
instructions (page 31).
WARNING:
Spa damage due to improper chemicals is not
covered under warranty.
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WATER CHEMISTRY
CAUTION: The chemicals used to maintain the pH balance of the
water and to sanitize the water can be dangerous. Always follow
these basic guidelines when handling the chemicals:
1. Always read and follow the directions on the label, unless directed
otherwise.
2. Never mix different chemicals.
3. Do not exceed the recommended amounts of chemicals—follow the
directions on the label.
4. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Keep containers closed tightly when not in use.
6. Never add water to the chemicals—always add the chemicals to
the water as directed.
7. Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place.
WATER TREATMENT GLOSSARY
1 - Total Alkalinity:
Total Alkalinity measures the water’s ability to
resist fluxuations in the pH level. It is measured in ppm (parts per
million) ranging from 0 - 400 or up. The optimum range for your spa
water is between 80 and 140. This can easily be measured with 3- or
5-way test strips. With low alkalinity the pH level will be prone to
dramatic fluxuations. With high alkalinity the pH becomes
increasingly difficult to adjust.
2 - pH (potential hydrogen):
The PH is used as a measurement of
the active acidity, the concentration of active hydrogen molecules in
the water. PH is measured on a scale from 1 to 14, the lower
numbers indicating a greater concentration of active hydrogen. While
7, halfway between base and acid is neutral, the optimum level of
acitity for a spa is between 7.2 and 7.8. The effects of low PH can -
