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Accurate water testing and analysis is an important part of effectively managing your spa water. You must have the ability to test for:
• Total Alkalinity (TA) • pH
• Calcium Hardness (CH) • Sanitizer
Two types of testing methods are recognized and recommended by Watkins
®
Manufacturing Corporation:
The Reagent Test Kit is a method which provides a high level of accuracy. The reagents come in either liquid or tablet form.
Test Strips are a convenient testing method used by many spa owners. Keep in mind that test strips are susceptible to heat and moisture contamination, which will
result in inaccurate readings.
IMPORTANT: Always read and carefully follow the directions included with the Test Kit or Test Strips to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
BASIC CHEMICAL SAFETY
When using chemicals, read the labels carefully and follow directions precisely. Though chemicals protect you and your spa when used correctly, they can be hazardous
in concentrated form. Always observe the following guidelines:
• Allow only a responsible person to handle spa chemicals. KEEP THEM OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Accurately measure the exact quantities specified, never more. Do not overdose your spa.
• Handle all containers with care. Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated place.
• Always keep chemical containers closed when not in use. Replace caps on their proper containers.
• Don’t inhale fumes or allow chemicals to come in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands immediately after use.
• Follow the emergency advice on the product label in case of accidental contact, or if the chemical is swallowed. Call a doctor or the local Poison Control Center.
If a doctor is needed, take the product container along with you so that the substance can be identified.
• Don’t let chemicals get on surrounding surfaces or landscaping.
• Don’t use a vacuum cleaner to clean up chemical spills.
• Never smoke around chemicals. Some fumes can be highly flammable.
• Don’t store any chemicals in the spa equipment compartment.
HOW TO ADD CHEMICALS TO THE WATER
IMPORTANT: All spa water chemicals, including granulated dichlor, MPS (monopersulphate) granulated pH increaser or decreaser, granulated total alkalinity increaser,
calcium hardness increaser, liquid stain and scale inhibitor, and liquid de-foamer must always be added directly into the filter compartment while the jet pump is running,
and it must run for a minimum of ten minutes.
To Administer Spa Water Chemicals:
1. Fold back the cover. Carefully remove and set aside the filter compartment cover (if applicable).
2. Press the “JETS” button twice to turn the jet pump on high.
3. Carefully measure the recommended amount of chemical and slowly pour it into the filter compartment. Use care not to splash chemicals on your hands, in your
eyes, on the spa shell surface or on the siding.
4. Replace the filter compartment cover (if applicable). After ten minutes, shut off the jet pump(s) and close and lock the cover to complete the procedure. Risk of
Drowning: Never leave an open spa unattended!
WARNING: High sanitizer levels can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin. Always allow the sanitizer level to fall to the recommended range before
using the spa.
IMPORTANT “SUPER CHLORINATION/NON-CHLORINE SHOCK TREATMENT” NOTE: After administering a super chlorination treatment or non-chlorine shock to
your spa, leave the cover open for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the oxidizer gas to vent. A high concentration of trapped oxidizer gas which may exist as a result of
the shock treatment (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration or vinyl degradation to the bottom of the cover. This type of damage is considered chemical
abuse and is not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
THE WATKINS
®
SPA WATER MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Each step in your water maintenance program is dependent on the completion of the previous steps. Omitting a step or failing to reach the recommended range may
cause an imbalance in your water’s chemistry. Unbalanced water chemistry can damage the spa and its components, as well as cause discomfort for the user.
BALANCING THE TOTAL ALKALINITY (TA)
A. The recommended Total Alkalinity (TA) for your spa water is 125-150 ppm.
B. Total Alkalinity is a measure of the total levels of carbonates, bicarbonate, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances in the water. TA is referred to as the water’s “pH
buffer”. In other words, it’s a measure of the ability of the water to resist changes in pH level.
C. If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate widely from high to low. Fluctuations in pH can cause corrosion or scaling of the spa components. Low TA can be
corrected by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up).
D. If the Total Alkalinity is too high, the pH level will tend to be high and may be difficult to bring down. It can be lowered by using sodium bisulfate (pH/Alkalinity
Down).
E. Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or low alkalinity will raise or lower the TA reading of the water.
F. When the Total Alkalinity is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.
WATER QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
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