Owner`s manual

36
Maintaining Your Spa
Chemical Treatment of Water
Water from your tap is fine for showers, bathing and drinking. However,
in a contained recirculating system such as in a spa, water must be
treated with chemicals. The main purpose of chemical treatment is to
keep the water sanitary and to maintain a specific balance of the water.
Proper balance ensures that the water will not cause irritation to the us-
ers or harm the spa’s components. Chemical treatment does have its
limitations. When water evaporates, chemical residues are left behind.
As the levels of the residues combine with other types of residue, such
as body oil and detergents, your water becomes increasingly difficult
to maintain. Because of this residual effect, at some point it becomes
easier and more cost-effective to drain, clean and refill your spa with
new water. We recommend that the water be changed at least every
six months. At this time you should also clean or replace your filters. If
your spa has a frequent and/or heavy bather load, it may be necessary
to drain and fill your spa more often. Refer to the section titled “Draining
your spa” for instructions (page 27).
WARNING: Spa damage due to improper chemicals use is not
covered under warranty.
37
Water Chemistry
CAUTION: The chemicals used to maintain the pH balance of the
water and to sanitize the water can be dangerous. Always follow
these basic guidelines when handling the chemicals
1. Always read and follow the directions on the label, unless directed
otherwise.
2. Never mix different chemicals.
3. Do not exceed the recommended amounts of chemicals—follow the
directions on the label.
4. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Keep containers closed tightly when not in use.
6. Never add water to the chemicals—always add the chemicals to the
water as directed.
7. Always store chemicals in a cool, dry place.
NOTE: Consult your dealer on local water chemicals as its var-
ies from location to location.
Water Treatment Glossary
1 - Total Alkalinity: Total Alkalinity measures the water’s ability to re-
sist fluctuations in the pH level. It is measured in ppm (parts per million)
ranging from 0 - 400 or up. The optimum range for your spa water is
between 80 and 140. This can easily be measured with 3- or 5-way
test strips. With low alkalinity the pH level will be prone to dramatic
fluctuations. With high alkalinity the pH becomes increasingly difficult
to adjust.
2 - pH (potential hydrogen): The pH is used as a measurement of
the active acidity, the concentration of active hydrogen molecules in the
water. pH is measured on a scale from 1 to 14, the lower numbers in-
dicating a greater concentration of active hydrogen. While 7, halfway
between base and acid is neutral, the optimum level of acidity for a spa
is between 7.2 and 7.8.