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FUNdAMENTAlS OF
wATER MAINTENANCE
•
Testing:
Test the water weekly or each time the spa is used with
convenient FreshWater 5-way test strips or more accurate liquid/
tablet reagent test kit per instructions. critical parameters: sanitizer
level, pH, calcium Hardness (cH), and Total Alkalinity (TA). Store test
equipment in a dark, cool, dry place to maintain potency.
•
Water filtration:
The 100% no by-pass 24 hour filtration used in
Hot Spring
®
spas provides the best approach to keeping water clean
by constantly circulating sanitizer and removing waste from the spa.
Regularly inspect and clean filters for peak performance.
•
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 spa 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 spa 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 spa is filled for the very first time.
•
The following three water components must be kept in balance to avoid
damage to the spa. 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 of spa
components. The recommended cH reading is between
50 - 150 ppm
. A hardness of 100 ppm is recommended with the
Ace System. If the cH level is too low, raise it with Hot Spring
FreshWater calcium Increaser, and if the cH level is too high,
lower it with the Vanishing Act
®
calcium remover per instructions.
once in balance, the cH reading normally remains stable until
new water is added. great care must be taken when filling the
spa from a water softener to ensure that the calcium remains in
balance and avoid damage to the spa.
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
40 - 120 ppm
. To raise the TA, use Hot Spring FreshWater pH/
Alkalinity up (sodium hydrogen carbonate). To lower the TA, use
Hot Spring FreshWater pH/Alkalinity down (sodium bisulfate).
once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable until the next
drain/refill. 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
Water Quality and Maintenance
AlkAlINe
SPA
WATeR
(ScAlINg
ZoNe)
Add pH
decReASeR
To loWeR
pH
Add pH
INcReASeR
To RAISe
pH
AcIdIc
SPA
WATeR
(coRRoSIVe
ZoNe)
coMFoRT
ZoNe
IdeAl
of the sanitizer, preventing damage to the spa and physical
discomfort for spa users. A low pH dissipates sanitizer, causes
corrosion, and irritates spa users. A high pH level will neutralize
sanitizer, promote scaling and cloud water. The recommended
pH reading is between
7.2 - 7.6
. To lower the pH level, use Hot
Spring FreshWater pH/Alkalinity down (sodium bisulfate). To raise
the pH level, use FreshWater pH/Alkalinity up (sodium carbonate).
•
Water Conditioners:
Spa 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. Vanishing Act
®
– High levels of calcium and some minerals can be
removed from the water with the single use Vanishing Act. High
calcium levels can cause scale formation on the spa equipment
and shell.
b. 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.
c. 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 spa 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 spa whenever possible.) High iron or copper
content in the water may produce green or brown stains on the
spa.
d. Foam Inhibitors - Soap is introduced into the spa water from
users’ bodies and swimming apparel and can cause the spa
water to foam when the jets are used. low levels of calcium
hardness (soft water) can increase foaming. Although ozone and
Ace 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. The FreshWater
®
III high output ozone system uses corona discharge technology
to produce a high concentration of ozone which is injected into the
spa water 24 hours per day. Hot Spring FreshWater 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 spa water. The recommended Free
Available chlorine (FAc), the amount of available chlorine sanitizer,
is
3.0-5.0 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 spa
water. consult your dealer for their recommendations and instructions
on proper sanitizing of the spa.
a. Ace
®
Salt Water Sanitizing System
b. Hot Spring everFresh
®
Water care System Hot Spring
FreshWater concentrated chlorinating granules
c. Sodium dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
d. Brominating concentrate (one step granular bromine).
e. BaquaSpa
®
(please consult your BaquaSpa manual for
instructions on the use of this product).
