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it often tends to form calcium deposits on heater parts and
plumbing fittings and leaves an unattractive film on the spa at
the water line.
Sodium hypochlorite: A liquid chlorine product that is
inexpensive and effective but not recommended because the
liquid is readily spilled onto the spa or a surrounding area,
causing permanent damage. It has limited effectiveness at
high water temperatures and readily affects pH balance.
Total alkalinity: The measure of the amount of alkaline
materials (such as carbonates, bicarbonates and hydrox-
ides) in the water. High alkalinity inhibits the effectiveness of
chemicals to change the pH. If the alkalinity of your spa water
is high (above 150 ppm), it is advisable to drain the water from
the spa and begin the balancing process over again. Low
total alkalinity (below 60 ppm) could be corrosive and dam-
age your spa system.
Superchlorination: (Also referred to as “shock treatment”.)
The addition of an above-normal level of disinfectant to kill
any bacteria or algae that might have become resistant to
normal levels of disinfectant.
pH: A chemical term used in expressing relative acidity or
alkalinity in numeric values with 7.0 usually regarded as
neutral, and for purposes of this manual, indicating pure
water. From 7 to 0 indicates increasing acidity, and 7 to 14
indicates increasing alkalinity.
PPM: Parts per million.
Free chlorine: Chlorine that has not combined with other
chemicals and that is available to destroy bacteria in the spa
water.
Trichlor: A form of chlorine used in pool or spa water
treatment; usually supplied in tablet form. Not recommended
because of its higher acidic nature and slow dissolving action.
Prolonged contact with the spa shell may bleach or perma-
nently mark the shell.
Sodium dichlor: The type of chlorine that is recommended
for spa use, as it is available in fast dissolving granular form.
It is neither excessively acid nor alkaline in character and does
not readily dissipate in higher water temperatures.
Calcium hypochlorite: A granular chlorine product that is
inexpensive and effective but not recommended because
WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONS
Balancing Total Alkalinity:
Total alkalinity is the measure of base materials in the
water. The recommended range for total alkalinity is be-
tween 80 ppm and 150 ppm. If the chemistry of the water
is not within this range, you will have difficulty adjusting the
pH level, which will affect your adjustments for the proper
amount of free available chlorine. If the alkalinity of your spa
water is high, it is advisable to drain the water from the spa
and begin the balancing process over again. If the spa is
used heavily, change the water at least every month.
10
Water Chemistry (continued)
Superchlorinate your spa every two weeks when heavily
used. If using sodium dichlor, add one heaping tablespoon
for each 150 gallons of spa water. Scrub the spa surfaces
with this solution to remove any oily deposits. This will
ensure that any bacteria or algae which are resistant to the
normal disinfectant level are killed. After adding the disin-
fectant, run the filter system and allow the free chlorine level
to return to the 2.0 to 5.0 ppm range before using the spa
again. Do not install a rigid cover until the disinfectant
level is back to normal. High concentrations of chlorine
or bromine will damage metallic plated finishes if the
cover is in place.
Balancing pH:
For good hygiene and equipment longevity, maintain the
pH of your spa water according to the instructions pro-
vided. pH is the measure to determine if the spa water is
too acid (low pH) or too alkaline or basic (high pH). The
ideal range for spa water is 7.2 to 7.6 pH. For excessive
acidity (below 7.2 pH), add soda ash or sodium bicarbon-
ate to the spa water. For excessive alkalinity (above 7.6
pH), add dry acid to the spa water. Caution: Refer to the
spa chemical manufacturer’s instructions for the initial
amount of chemicals to add for the gallonage of your spa.
Low pH can cause equipment damage, as acidic water will
dissolve metals, while high pH can cause scale or calcium
deposits to build up in the system or on the shell. After
adding chemicals, run the filter system for at least 30
minutes before testing water quality again for accurate
readings.
MAINTENANCE