Question:
I am trying to reduce the number of chemicals to which my family is exposed. Do I really need to use so many chemicals
and in such large amounts?
Answer:
While over-exposure to any chemical can be unhealthful, many low levels of chemicals are effective and beneficial. In the case
of spa water, the chemicals recommended in the Solana
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Spa Water Maintenance program are needed to protect the user from water-
borne pathogens (disease-causing microbes) and to prevent corrosion of spa components.
Question:
Why isn’t water chemistry damage covered by the warranty?
Answer:
The chemical levels and water quality of the water in the spa are under your direct control. With proper basic care, the spa
will provide many years of hot water relaxation. If you are unsure about any chemical or its usage in the spa, contact your Authorized
Dealer or Watkins Manufacturing.
WATER TERMINOLOGY
The following chemical terms are used in this Water Quality and Maintenance section. Understanding their meaning will help you to
better understand the water maintenance process.
Bromamines:
Compounds formed when bromine combines with nitrogen from body oils, urine, perspiration, etc. Unlike chloramines,
bromamines have no pungent odor and are effective sanitizers.
Bromine:
A halogen sanitizer (in the same chemical family as chlorine). Bromine is commonly used in stick, tablet, or granular form.
See the DO’s and DON’Ts of Spa Water Maintenance for additional information.
Calcium Hardness:
The amount of dissolved calcium in the spa water. This should be approximately 150-200 ppm. High levels of
calcium can cause cloudy water and scaling. Low levels can cause harm to the spa equipment.
Chloramines:
Compounds formed when chlorine combines with nitrogen from body oils, urine, perspiration, etc. Chloramines can
cause eye irritation as well as having a strong odor. Unlike bromamines, chloramines are weaker, slower sanitizers.
Chlorine:
An efficient sanitizing chemical for spas. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends the use of Sodium Dichlor-type
granulated chlorine. This type is preferred because it is totally soluble and nearly pH neutral.
Chlorine (or Bromine) Residual:
The amount of chlorine or bromine remaining after chlorine or bromine demand has been satisfied.
The residual is, therefore, the amount of sanitizer which is chemically available to kill bacteria, viruses and algae.
Corrosion
: The gradual wearing away of metal spa parts, usually caused by chemical action. Generally, corrosion is caused by low pH
or by water with levels of TA, CH, pH or sanitizer which are outside the recommended ranges.
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Summary of Contents for Solana
Page 1: ...Watkins Manufacturing Corporation OWNER S MANUAL...
Page 2: ......
Page 61: ...NOTES 59...
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