17
Chemicals
Chemicals are used to sanitize the water and to balance the pH level. This is done to
maintain clear and sanitary water at all times. When the water chemistry is out of balance, a
number of things can happen: many types of bacteria form inside the warm waters of your
spa and inside the plumbing and fittings. For this reason, the sanitized level must be
constantly monitored and adjusted. The pH level affects how well the sanitizer works and
the acidity level of the water. The closer to 7.2 the Ph, the more effective the sanitizing
agent will work, and last.
Bromine is the most common form of sanitizer. Bromine has been found to be very
compatible with warmer waters in the spa environment. Bromine is the most widely used
chemical as a sanitizer in spas. A pH
level of 7.2-7.8 is considered a satisfactory level with
7.4 being the ideal level. At this level, your sanitizer works more effectively and the water
is close to a neutral pH level. As the pH level rises a little, more chemicals are needed to
effectively eliminate the bacteria. However, as the pH lowers to 7.0, the water becomes
more acidic to the equipment and lends itself to the rapid growth of bacteria. The opposite is
also true that high Ph levels have caustic reactions. Chemicals affect pH levels and improper
levels can even give a false Ph reading.
Therefore, it is important to keep your chemical balance in check as much as possible.
Your warranty does not cover pH damage to your equipment such as cracking or peeling of
jet housing. Continuous high Ph levels will cause sealing and will stop heater from working
and very low Ph levels will cause trace metals in water and cause malfunctions.
Remember:
You cannot keep the chemicals perfectly balanced in a spa constantly. Don’t try to
keep everything in perfect order everyday. Check the chemical balance every two or three
days. Maintain, as nearly as you can, an ideal level of sanitizer. Keep the pH level in the
upper level of ideal range, somewhere around 7.4-7.8. If it drifts above this level, do not try
to bring the level down rapidly.
A non-chlorine shock should be used a minimum of once per week to maintain accurate
levels. Defoamer is available to reduce the foaming caused by high chemical levels. Be
aware that too much Defoamer will cause cloudiness of the water. 1-inch Bromine tablet
should be used in an adjustable floater for proper dispersal. When water chemistry is
unstable or water turbidity (cloudy water) is present, drain and re-fill Spa.