WATER CHEMISTRY
SPA CHEMICALS GLOSSARY
1 - Alkalinity Up:
The total alkalinity of your spa water should be be-
tween 80-140 PPM. A proper alkalinity will help buffer your spa water
against sudden changes in pH. Every 2.5 tablespoons of Alkalinity Up
will raise your alkalinity by 10 PPM in a spa holding 500 gallons of wa-
ter.
2 - Bromine Tablets:
These slow-dissolving tablets work especially well
in the hot water of your spa. Keep a base of tablets inside of an in-spa
floater/feeder in order to maintain between 2 and 5 PPM. Add 2 tablets
per 100 gallons of water and adjust the floater’s opening to regulate the
PPM level.
3 - Foam Gone:
Foam in spas is typically caused by residue from soap,
shampoo, and cleansers. A small amount of Foam Gone will dissipate
the foam and will not affect the water balance. Most foam removers are
compatible with all sanitation programs.
4 - Liquid Filter Cleaner:
Regular use of Filter Cleaner will greatly
increase the life and performance of your filters by cutting away grease,
body oils, scale, and lotions. Clean filters also contribute to better water
circulation and superior spa performance, because dirty filters can sub-
stantially impede water flow. Keeping your filters clean with filter cleaner
will also help keep your water filtered and clear. This is accomplished by
mixing one pint of filter cleaner with 2.5 gallons of water and submerging
the filters in the mixture for at least 12 hours.
5 - Dichlor Grandular:
This concentrated, stabilized, and quick- dis-
solving chlorine granular is simple to use in your spa as a sanitizingshock
treatment. The downside to Dichlor is that it will not sustain a
PPM base
for as long in hot water. However, as a rule of thumb, if you treat your water
after bathing with half a capful of Dichlor, you will maintain clear and comfort-
able water, providing your pH is controlled and your filters cleaned. Dichlor
dissolves quickly and leaves no residue.
6 - pH Down:
If your pH level remains high, you can struggle with scal-
ing, cloudy water, rapid sanitizer loss, and possible skin and eye irrita-
tion. pH Down can be purchased from your dealer in either liquid or solid
granular form. Please see your dealer for recommended dosage.
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WATER CHEMISTRY
SPA CHEMICALS GLOSSARY
7 - pH Up:
The effects of low pH can be rapid sanitizer loss, eye and
skin irritation, expedited corrosion of metals, as well as staining through-
out the spa. pH up can be purchased from your dealer in either liquid or
solid granular form. Please see your dealer for recommended dosage.
8 - Metal Protect or Remover:
Also called stain and scale defense,
metal protect inhibits staining and scaling in your spa. It will also pre-
vent calcium build-up on the surfaces of your spa. Regular use will help
protect your spa surface as well as your plumbing, your pumps, and
even your heater.
9 - Spa Shock:
Non-chlorine spa shock contains Potassium Monop-
ersulfate and is an oxidizer that works well with mineral, chlorine and
bromine systems. Regular use of spa shock can substantially reduce
the need for sanitizing by up to 50% and will continually remove inorgan-
ics from the water. Best of all, you can bathe in only 15 minutes after
application.
10 - Ascorbic Acid:
vitamin “C.” Can be used as an acidic reducing
agent in the removal of difficult metallic stains from underwater surfac-
es. Oxalic acid can be used in a similar manner.
