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WATER CHEMISTRY cont...
SPA CHEMICALS GLOSSARY
1 - Alkalinity Up:
The total alkalinity of your spa water should be
between 80-140 PPM. A proper alkalinity will help buffer your spa
water against sudden changes in pH. Every 2.5 tablespoons of
Alkalinity Up will raise your alkalinity by 10 PPM in a spa holding 500
gallons of water.
2 - Bromine Tablets:
These slow-dissolving tablets work
especially well in the hot water of your spa. Keep a base of tablets
inside of an in-spa floater/feeder in order to maintain between 2 and 5
PPM. Add 2 tablets per 100 gallons of water and adjust the floater’s
opening to regulate the PPM level.
3 - Foam Gone:
Foam in spas is typically caused by residue from
soap, shampoo, and cleansers. A small amount of Foam Gone will
dissipate the foam and will not affect the water balance. Most foam
removers are compatible with all sanitation programs.
4 - Liquid Filter Cleaner:
Regular use of Filter Cleaner will greatly
increase the life and performance of your filters by cutting away
grease, body oils, scale, and lotions. Clean filters also contribute to
better water circulation and superior spa performance, because dirty
filters can substantially impede water flow. Keeping your filters clean
with filter cleaner will also help keep your water filtered and clear. This
is accomplished by mixing one pint of filter cleaner with 2.5 gallons of
water and submerging the filters in the mixture for at least 12 hours.
5 - Dichlor Grandular:
This concentrated, stabilized, and quick-
dissolving chlorine granular is simple to use in your spa as a sanitizing
shock treatment. The downside to Dichlor is that it will not sustain a
PPM base for long in hot water. However, as a rule of thumb, if you treat
your water after bathing with half a capful of Dichlor, you will maintain clear
and comfortable water, providing your pH is controlled and your filters
cleaned. Dichlor dissolves quickly and leaves no
residue.
6 - pH Down:
If your pH level remains high, you can struggle with
scaling, cloudy water, rapid sanitizer loss, and possible skin and eye irrita-
tion. pH Down can be purchased from your dealer in either liquid or solid
granular form. Please see your dealer for recommended dosage.
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7 - pH Up:
The effects of low pH can be rapid sanitizer loss, eye
and skin irritation, expedited corrosion of metals, as well as staining
throughout the spa. pH up can be purchased from your dealer
in either liquid or solid granular form. Please see your dealer for
recommended dosage.
8 - Metal Protect or Remover
: Also called stain and scale defense,
metal protect inhibits staining and scaling in your spa. It will also
prevent calcium build-up on the surfaces of your spa. Regular use will
help protect your spa surface as well as your plumbing, your pumps,
and even your heater.
9 - Spa Shock:
Non-chlorine spa shock contains Potassium
Monopersulfate and is an oxidizer that works well with mineral,
chlorine and bromine systems. Regular use of spa shock can
substantially reduce the need for sanitizing by up to 50% and will
continually remove inorganics from the water. Best of all, you can
bath in only 15 minutes after application.
10 - Ascorbic Acid:
vitamin “C.” Can be used as an acidic reducing
agent in the removal of difficult metallic stains from underwater
surfaces. Oxalic acid can be used in a similar manner.