ClearWater MineralPURE SPA-1R, Installation & Care Manual

13

Before starting up the MineralPURE SPA-1R, the 

spa/hot tub’s

 water must be clear and balanced properly. It 

is extremely important that the following guidelines are implemented - so please read thoroughly.

       pH Reading       (Must be Between 7.2 and 7.6)

The most important factor in the 

spa/hot tub’s

 water chemistry is the pH reading.  It should be kept between 

7.2 and 7.6 at all times.  

If the pH gets too high, the 

SPA-1R’s

 ions lose their effectiveness and can fall out of 

solution.  

Always get the pH on the lower side – 7.2 to 7.4 for best results.

If the pH is above 7.6  -  

Using an acid demand test with your regular test kit, determine the amount of muriatic acid 

needed to lower the pH down to 7.2.  Add the acid and check a few hours later to make sure it is in the correct 
range.

If the pH is under 7.2  -  

Using a base demand test with your regular test kit, determine the amount of soda ash 

needed to raise the pH to at least 7.2.  If the pH tends to go down all the time, add enough soda ash to raise the pH 
to 7.6

Tips on balancing the pH  -  

Test the pH at least once a week or after a heavy rainstorm.  When adjusting the pH, 

don't wait for the pH to reach 8.0 before adding acid.  Proceed to add a minimum amount of acid if the pH is over 
7.6.  If you use the non-chlorine shock as an oxidizer, this will lower the pH and may eliminate acid use com-
pletely.

       Total Alkalinity      (80 - 120 ppm)

Maintain the total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.  This should be tested at least once a month.  

If the total alkalinity is under 80 ppm  -  

Raise the total alkalinity by adding sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).  

Consult chart with your test kit for the amount needed (based on 

spa/hot tub

 size).

If the total alkalinity is over 120 ppm  -  

Lower the total alkalinity by adding muriatic acid.  Consult chart with your 

test kit for the amount to add.

       Calcium Hardness     (150 - 350 ppm)

The calcium hardness level should be between 150-350 ppm.  

If the reading is well over 350 ppm, the spa/hot tub 

should be partially drained and refilled with fresh water.  If the reading is under 150 ppm, chances are the spa/hot 
tub was filled with softened water.  Add calcium chloride, available in any spa/pool store. Follow instructions on 
container if needed.

       Cyanuric Acid

Cyanuric acid is not required with the 

MineralPURE SPA-1R

.  If the reading is over 150 ppm, the 

spa/hot tub

 should 

be partially drained and refilled with fresh water.   

       Total Dissolved Solids      (500 - 2000 ppm)

The 

MineralPURE SPA-1R

 requires some conductivity in the water for ionization to take place.  A high TDS level 

can cause cloudiness and the 

SPA-1R

 not to work efficiently.  

The TDS level should be between 500 and 2000 

ppm.  

The TDS reading can be obtained at any spa/pool store.

If the reading is below 500 ppm  -  

To raise the TDS level, you would need to add one ounce of regular salt to raise 

the TDS by 10 ppm per 500 gallons.  

You should only do this if you are unable to obtain the desired ion level in 

the spa/hot tub because of a low TDS

 (see chapter J on Page 19, #12).  Always consult your dealer or 

Clearwater

with help in this matter.

If the reading is over 2000 ppm  -  

To lower the TDS level, you should drain the spa/hot tub and refill with fresh 

water.  This is standard spa/pool water chemistry.  If the 

SPA-1R

 is being installed on a saltwater spa/hot tub, the 

SPA-1R

 will work without any adjustments and there is no need to lower the TDS level.

     F.)  Balancing the Spa/Hot Tub’s Water     (continued)