BALANCING THE PH
A. The ideal pH level for your spa water is 7.2-7.6.
B. The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7.6 are alkaline;
those below 7.2 are acidic. Maintaining the proper pH level is extremely important for:
• Optimizing the effectiveness of the sanitizer.
• Maintaining water that is comfortable for the user.
• Preventing equipment deterioration.
C. If the spa water’s pH level is too low, the following may result:
• The sanitizer will dissipate rapidly.
• The water may become irritating to spa users.
• The spa’s equipment may corrode.
If the pH is too low, it can be increased by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate, or
FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Up, to the spa water.
D. If the pH level is too high, the following may result:
• The sanitizer is less effective.
• Scale will form on the spa shell surface and the equipment.
• The water may become cloudy.
• The filter cartridge pores may become obstructed.
If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding sodium bisulfate, or FRESHWATER pH/Alkalinity Down, to the spa water.
NOTE:
After adding sodium hydrogen carbonate, or sodium bisulfate,
wait two hours
before testing the water for pH. Measurements taken too
soon may not be accurate.
E. It is important to check the pH on a regular (weekly) basis. The pH will be affected by the bather load, the addition of new water, the addition of
various chemicals, and the type of sanitizer used.
F. When the pH is within the recommended range, proceed to the final step.
MAINTAINING THE SANITIZER LEVEL
A. Sanitizer is extremely important for killing algae, bacteria and viruses, and preventing unwanted organisms from growing in the spa. At the same
time, you don’t want too high a sanitizer level, or it can irritate your skin, lungs and eyes.
B. Always maintain the sanitizer level in your spa at the recommended level for each type of sanitizer.
C. Watkins recommends the following sanitizers:
• Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine)
•
BAQUASPA
(please consult your
BAQUASPA
manual for instructions on the use of this product).
• Brominating Concentrate (one step granular bromine)
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 Manufacturing Corporation.
THE WATKINS WATER MAINTENANCE QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Ideal Range (ppm)
What Chemicals to Use
Steps
Min.
Max.
To Raise
To Lower
1 Total Alkalinity
40
120
Sodium Hydrogen
Carbonate, or
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bisulfate
2 Calcium Hardness
50
150
Calcium Hardness
Increaser
Use
VANISHING ACT
Calcium Remover
3 pH
7.2
7.6
Sodium Bisulfate
4 Sanitizer
See section on Maintaining the Sanitizer Level
7.2
7.4
7.6
7.8
7.0
pH
ALKALINE
SPA WATER
(SCALING ZONE)
ADD pH
DECREASER
TO LOWER pH
ACIDIC SPA
WATER
(CORROSIVE
ZONE)
ADD pH
INCREASER TO
RAISE pH
COMFORT
ZONE
IDEAL
Water Quality and Maintenance Page 35
