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Water Quality and Maintenance Page 25
DO’S AND DON’TS
DO check your bromine chemical level prior to each use.
• DO change the SPA FROG
®
mineral cartridge every 4 months.
• DO test Total Alkalinity and pH weekly.
• DO use MPS for spas only, such as Hot Spring
®
MPS Chlorine-Free Oxidizer.
• DO store all chemicals in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place.
• DON’T use sodium bromide or biguanides. These are an active sanitizer and will combine with the silver ions to inactivate them.
• DON’T use a water clarifier. Clarifiers will cause the spa water to become cloudy.
• DON’T use the FreshWater
Ag
+
®
silver ion purifier cartridge with SPA FROG.
BROMINE
A. Sanitizing chemicals, such as bromine, are oxidants that kill bacteria and viruses in the water. If you are using the SPA FROG system, the
recommended bromine level for your spa water is 1.0 - 2.0 ppm. If you are not using the SPA FROG system, your bromine level should be
between 3.0 - 5.0 ppm.
B. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends the use of granulated bromine for sanitizing the water. Granulated bromine is preferred
because it is totally soluble, dissolves quickly and is nearly pH neutral.
C. Maintaining the proper level of bromine during use is extremely important.
D. If the bromine level is too low, bacteria and viruses can grow rapidly in the warm water.
E. If the bromine level is too high, the water can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin.
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F. When the bromine level is within the recommended range, the spa is ready to be enjoyed.
WARNING: There are several forms of stabilized chlorine available for use in spas and swimming pools and each form has specific
chemical characteristics. It is extremely important that the one you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect product
such as tri-chlor, which has a very low pH (2.6), dissolves too quickly in hot water resulting in extremely high levels of chlorine, and is designed
for concrete or plaster swimming pools, WILL cause damage to your spa. Use of a liquid, or any type of compressed bromine or chlorine,
acid, or any type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation WILL damage your spa and is specifically not
covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
IMPORTANT: Granulated chlorine (sodium dichlor) will degrade if stored improperly. We recommend purchasing chlorine in one, two, or five
pound containers and storing it in a cool, dry place to maintain its potency.
SUPER CHLORINATION
Super Chlorination is designed to “burn-off” the build-up of chloramines (used chlorine), to eliminate the chlorine smell and to allow the proper
level of free chlorine to be maintained.
When giving your water a super chlorination treatment, open the cover at least half way for twenty
minutes to allow the chlorine gas to vent off. The high concentration of chlorine gas which may
exist as a result of super chlorination (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration or
degradation to the bottom of the cover, which would not be covered under the terms of your
warranty.
WARNING: There are several froms of stabilizer chlorine available for use in spas and
swimming pools. Each from has specific chemical characteristics. It is extremely important that the
form you choose is specifically designed for use in spas. Use of an incorrect product such as tri-
chloro, which has a very low pH (2.6) dissolves too quickly in hot water resulting in extremely
high levels of chlorine, and is designed for concrete or plaster swimming pools. WILL cause
damage to your spa. Use of a liquid, or any type of compressed bromine or clorine, acid, or any
type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corportation, WILL
damage your spa and is specifically not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
SUPPLEMENTAL WATER MAINTENANCE
Proper water sanitation and mineral balance (pH control) are absolutely essential for a complete
spa water maintenance program. Here are three other popular water additives that are optional:
Mineral Deposit Inhibitors
As water evaporates from your spa and new water is added, the amount of dissolved minerals will increase. (Minimize evaporation by keeping the
cover on the spa whenever possible.) The spa water may eventually become “hard” (Calcium Hardness too high) enough to damage the heater by
calcifying its surface. Proper pH control can minimize this.
Normal soap build-up will require water replacement regularly enough that mineral deposits normally are not a problem.
Occasionally, high iron or copper content in the water may produce green or brown stains on the spa. A mineral deposit inhibitor, such as Hot
Spring
®
FreshWater
®
Stain and Scale Defense, may help to reduce these metals.