ClearWater MineralPURE SPA-1R, Installation & Care Manual

18

     Can't Obtain the Proper Copper-Ion Level (continued)

3.)  Make sure the SPA-1R is set on the correct voltage.

 A 

SPA-1R

 set on 230VAC with the power source at 115VAC 

will cut the power output in half. A 

SPA-1R

 set on 115VAC with the power source at 230VAC will blow the internal 

fuse. 

4.)  Scaled, dirty or worn electrodes / check electrode scroll comes on.   

A blue-greenish coating around the electrodes 

is normal.  However, a build up of scale, dirt or debris around the electrodes can prevent the 

SPA-1R

 from producing 

ions.  Simply unscrew the electrode and clean the buildup using an old toothbrush and use a lemon juice or a 50/50 
muriatic acid/water solution.  Re-apply teflon tape when screwing the electrode back in place.  (See details at the 
bottom of page 16, Chapter I)

5.)  Improper test kit readings. 

Make sure you follow the proper Ion-Test kit procedures.  Many people look at the side 

of the test tubes instead of looking  down from the top.  Also, be sure to wait three minutes for the reagents to develop.  
These reagents should be replaced yearly and kept out of direct sunlight and stored at normal room temperature.  
Failure to do so will cause faulty readings.  Never let the reagents freeze or be exposed to extreme heat.

6.)  Improper pH readings.

   This is usually the main reason for a low copper-ion level.  Make sure the pH is maintained 

between 7.2 - 7.6 , with the lower end preferred.  When the pH goes over 7.6, the ions fall out of solution.  Make sure 
your pH test kit is updated with fresh reagents and kept out of direct sunlight and in normal room temperatures.  Never 
mix different manufacturer's reagents with the test kit.

7.)  Too much chlorine/bromine in the spa/hot tub   

If the spa/hot tub was just shocked with a lot of chlorine/bromine, 

this can give you an improper test kit reading on the Ion Test Kit.  The high chlorine/bromine level will "bleach" out 
the reading and appear to read zero. 

8.)  Steel plumbing   

Never install the electrodes on steel piping.  Cut out a section of this and replace with PVC pipe.

9.)  Sequestering Agents or Metal Out Removers in the water   

Sometimes spa/hot tub owners will add a flocking or 

sequestering agent to the water to remove stains or scaling in a spa/hot tub or remove undesired minerals that are in 
the source water.  Some of these will interfere with the 

MineralPURE's

 ions such as Sequasol, Cop-Out, Metal 

Magnet, Aluminum Sulfate or Alum.  Products that won't cause problems and that are actually recommended to use 
with 

MineralPURE 

include 

Pool Stain Treat

 by 

United Chemical

 or 

The Ionizer Stuff 

by

 Jack's Magic

.  Polymer 

based products like Super Blue and Sea-Klear do not cause problems either.  If you are unsure if a sequestering agent 
is causing a low ion level, send 

Clearwater Enviro Technologies

 a water sample to test.  If it is a problem (these 

agents can stay in the water for up to a year) add a lot of chlorine/bromine to shock it out of the spa/hot tub water.

10.)  Improper installation  

Sometimes installers will mount the electrodes on a bypass line and not on the actual return 

line that goes back to the spa/hot tub’s water.  Make sure the 

SPA-1R

 is on properly with correct connections.

11.)  High Phosphate level

    A high phosphate level will be a feeding ground for algae.  If you have a lot of algae 

growing and can't keep the ion level up, you may have a high phosphate level.  Any reading over 125 ppb can cause 
problems.  Have your spa/pool store test for phosphates or contact your dealer or 

Clearwater

 for more information.  

There are products available that will remove phosphates from the water quickly and will eliminate algae and low ion 
readings.

12.)  Total Disolved Solids (TDS) is too low.  

If your spa/hot tub has brand new water in it, and you are unable to obtain 

a desirable reading on the control unit, chances are the TDS level is too low.  Usually, the total dissolved solids should 
be 

between 500-2000 ppm.

, and tested once a year. For the system to perform on maximum capabilities (a spa/hot tub 

with very warm water or a spa/hot tub that is close to the maximum number of gallons rated for the system), the TDS 
needs to be at least 500 ppm. If installing the unit on a brand new spa/hot tub, you may need to have to raise the total 
dissolved solids level. 

THIS IS ONLY NECESSARY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE DESIRED 

COPPER-ION LEVEL.

 First, determine the TDS level. To raise the TDS level, you need to add 1 ounce of regular 

table salt to increase the TDS by 10 ppm per 500 gallons. Once the TDS level has reached 500 ppm you will be all set, 
because the TDS level always raises. See the CET Chemistry Service Manual.

If the TDS is over 2,000, you should drain and refill with fresh water. This is standard spa/pool water chemistry. If 

the unit is being installed on a salt-water spa/hot tub, the unit will work fine without any adjustments.

J.) Troubleshooting     (continued)