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• Chemical Balance/pH Control:
It is important to adjust the primary
water parameters (Total Alkalinity, Calcium hardness, pH) into the
recommended ranges so that they are stabilized or balanced. Balance
the water chemistry every time you fill the
RECSPORT
Recreation
System with new water and then during the life of that body of
water. Keeping the water in balance prevents damage by holding
the pH in a safe range and preventing calcium scale formation on
RECSPORT
Recreation System equipment. A low pH can damage
metal components whereas a high pH can cause high levels of calcium
to form scale. Your dealer should provide a detailed water chemistry
orientation soon after your new
RECSPORT
Recreation System is filled
for the very first time.
• The following three water
components must be kept in
balance to avoid damage to
the
RECSPORT
Recreation
System. Do balance these
components in the order
they are listed here as
each will help you balance
the next using a minimum
amount of chemicals.
1. Calcium Hardness (CH)
– CH is the measure of
the amount of dissolved
calcium in the water. Low levels can make the water corrosive
and high levels cause scale formation on
RECSPORT
Recreation
System components. The recommended CH reading is between
75 - 150 ppm
. If the CH level is too high, lower it with the calcium
remover per instructions. Once in balance, the CH reading
normally remains stable until more water is added. Great care
must be taken when filling the
RECSPORT
Recreation System
from a water softener to ensure that the calcium remains in balance
and avoid damage to the
RECSPORT
Recreation System.
2. Total Alkalinity (TA) - TA is a measure of the water’s ability to
resist changes of pH or buffer capacity. A low TA allows the pH to
fluctuate easily. The recommended TA reading is between
80 - 120
ppm
. To raise the TA, use pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen
carbonate). To lower the TA, use pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium
bisulfate). We recommend you check the TA reading once per
month. Raising/lowering the TA may cause the pH readings to
fluctuate widely. Ignore the pH readings on the test strip while you
are balancing the TA.
3. pH - The pH is the measure of the acidity and alkalinity.
Maintaining the proper pH level will optimize the effectiveness of
the sanitizer, preventing damage to the
RECSPORT
Recreation
System and physical discomfort for
RECSPORT
Recreation
System users. A low pH dissipates sanitizer, causes corrosion,
and irritates
RECSPORT
Recreation System users. A high pH
level will neutralize sanitizer, promote scaling and cloud water. The
recommended pH reading is between
7.2 - 7.8
. To lower the pH
level, use pH/Alkalinity Down (sodium bisulfate). To raise the pH
level, use pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium carbonate).
• Water Conditioners: RECSPORT
Recreation System fill water varies
from location to location and user to user, therefore it is important to
consult with your dealer for an appropriate program.
a.
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-filter –The
CLEAN SCREEN
pre-flter
should be used at every fill and top-off to remove contaminants
from the fill water, especially iron, copper, and manganese. Many
water sources, including well water, contain high concentrations of
minerals that can cause staining of the shell and plastics.
b. Stain and Scale control – For water high in calcium and minerals,
it may be necessary to use an anti-scalant like Stain and Scale
control. As water evaporates from your
RECSPORT
Recreation
System and new water is added, the amount of dissolved minerals
like calcium, copper, iron, and manganese will increase. (Minimize
evaporation by keeping the cover on the
RECSPORT
Recreation
System whenever possible.) High iron or copper content in the
water may produce green or brown stains on the
RECSPORT
Recreation System.
c. Foam Inhibitors - Soap is introduced into the
RECSPORT
Recreation System water from users’ bodies and swimming
apparel and can cause the
RECSPORT
Recreation System water
to foam when the jets are used. Low levels of calcium hardness
(soft water) can increase foaming. Although ozone can oxidize
soap residual, it may become necessary to add Foam Inhibitors
to suppress the foam. Excessive soap in the water may require a
water change to resolve.
• Oxidizers:
Ozone and Monopersulfate (MPS) are oxidizers used to
prevent the buildup of contaminants, maximize sanitizer efficiency,
minimize combined chlorine, and improve water clarity. They are to
be used in conjunction with EPA registered sanitizers. Chlorine-Free
Oxidizer, Monopersulfate (MPS) is a granular oxidizing chemical.
• Sanitizers:
Maintaining the recommended residual level of an EPA
registered sanitizer at all times will decrease the occurrence of unsafe
bacteria and viruses in your
RECSPORT
Recreation System water.
The recommended Free Available Chlorine (FAC), the amount of
available chlorine sanitizer, is
1 - 5 ppm
. A low FAC can allow bacteria
and viruses to grow rapidly in the warm water, and a high FAC can
cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs, and skin. Each sanitizer
carries its own instructions regarding how much to use and when to add
it to the
RECSPORT
Recreation System water. Consult your dealer
for their recommendations and instructions on proper sanitizing of the
RECSPORT
Recreation System.
Watkins Wellness recommends the following sanitizer:
• Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
• Biguanide
• Liquid sodium hypochlorite (do not use splashless)
WARNING:
DO NOT use tri-chlor chlorine, bromo-chloro-dimethyl-
hydantoin (BCDMH), or any type of compressed bromine or chlorine,
acid or any type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins
Wellness.
8.2
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
6.8
pH
ALKALINE
WATER
(SCALING
ZONE)
ADD pH
DECREASER
TO LOWER
pH
ADD pH
INCREASER
TO RAISE
pH
ACIDIC
WATER
(CORROSIVE
ZONE)
COMFORT
ZONE
IDEAL
Water Quality and Maintenance
