Operating instructions
Glossary
50
Mineral Purification System (ThermoClear Cartridge) -
Mineral cartridges are placed in your filter core and release silver and copper ions into the spa water. These
ions kill bacteria and virus’s. Activator must be used to oxidize the organic material the silver and copper ions
have killed. Very low levels of chlorine (.5ppm) or Bromine (1ppm) are recommended as a safety precaution.
Mineral Sanitizer -
A sanitation system that releases very low levels of silver ions into the water which assist in controlling
bacteria 24 hours per day. ThermoClear cartridges trap bacteria that approach it’s surface. Activator
then assists in cremating (oxidizing) the dead bacteria within the cartridge. The cartridge should be placed
Multi Purpose Cleaner -
An enzymatic cleanser used to clean scum lines and mineral deposits off the shell and cabinet surface. This
cleanser is pH neutral and will not affect water chemistry. It should be used on a weekly basis and is also a
good cleaner to prep your shell for a coating of Acrylic Gloss.
Natural & Clear -
A natural enzyme used to devour oils and organic material (skin,hair etc..) left in the spa by bathers that can-
not be burned off by oxidizers, sanitizers or disinfectants used in spa sanitation.
Oxidize -
To destroy and burn off all the dirt and inorganic or dead organic matter in the water. A sanitizer can oxidize
materials such as ammonia, nitrogen-containing contaminants and swimmer waste.
Ozone -
is "active oxygen", nature's special molecule (an ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms). It is created
in nature by the combination of oxygen in the air, and ultraviolet rays or by the electrical discharge during
a lightning storm. Ozone is a natural purifier (meaning no harmful chemical by-products are created during
purification), it has a clean, fresh scent noticed after a rainstorm. Ozone is the most powerful oxidizer that
can be safely used in a swimming pool or spa and is the alternative water purifier to traditional pool/spa
chemicals such as chlorine and bromine. Because ozone is a disinfectant it will allow you to reduce your sanitizer
usage. It is always recommended that a 1 – 3ppm sanitizer level be maintained with any ozone system.
pH -
The scale of relative acidity. Measurements are expressed in numbers from 0 - 14, with 7.0 being neutral.
Acceptable spa ranges are 7.2 – 7.8
pH Down - Used to decrease both the pH and Alkalinity levels of your spa water
pH Up - Used to Increase both the pH and Alkalinity levels of your spa water.
PPM -
Abbreviation for ‘parts per million’, the unit of measurement used in chemical testing which indicates the
parts by weight in relation to one million parts by weight of water.
Protection Plus -
A high powered metal sequestering agent used to keep mineral and metal deposits from forming on the shell.
This product also adds a clarifier to screen the water of fine particulate unable to be caught by your filter.
Pseudomonas -
Pseudomonas bacteria can cause Hot Tub Folliculitis, a condition often seen where spa sanitation is at fault.
The most common symptom is an itchy rash or small reddish bumps, sometimes confused with bug bites.
R-Value -
The measure of resistance to the flow of heat through a given thickness of a material (as insulation) with
higher numbers indicating better insulating properties. In spa covers, a higher R-Value will save energy costs.
Safety Cover -
A spa cover which meets strict ASTM standards for strength, construction, and anchoring, which reduces
the drowning risk to small children. (Our covers are built to the ASTM safety standard). Not all hot tub covers
on the market meet this important rating.
Sanitize -
means to kill all bacteria, algae, disease-causing organisms, and any other uninvited guests. One important job
of any sanitizer is to provide a sanitizer residual, a level of sanitizer that hangs around (resides) in the water
for some period of time to destroy any living organisms as they are introduced into the hot tub.
Glossary
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Scale -
forms on surfaces in contact with water when the calcium hardness, pH or total alkalinity levels are too
high. Scale may appear as grey, white or dark streaks. It may also appear as a hard crust around the tile.
Sequestering Agent -
A sequestering agent ties-up minerals tightly in solution, preventing their precipitation, which colors the water
and/or stains the pool.
Shock -
This word is used two ways in the Pool and Spa industry.As a noun it loosely describes the products used in
shocking, such as hypochlorites, potassium permonysulfate or hydrogen peroxide. As a verb it describes the act
of bringing the sanitizer level up so high that breakpoint chlorination is reached. When breakpoint is reached, a
"shock" or perhaps a "lightning bolt" is a better analogy, is sent through the water, tearing apart molecules and
slashing through cell walls. Ultimate purification, man.
Skimmer -
A surface skimmer is a plumbing fitting set at water level, containing a weir mechanism and a debris basket.
The skimmer is part of the suction side circulation system.
Skimmer Basket -
Beneath the lid, the basket strains debris, as the first line of defense in filtering the water.
Sodium Bicarbonate -
Another base, however its properties will increase alkalinity more than pH. Used to raise Total Alkalinity levels.
Sodium Bisulfate -
An granular form of acid, used to counteract a scaling condition by lowering pH and/or alkalinity.
Spa Cover Conditioner -
This product is specially formulated for vinyl spa covers. It will not dry out vinyl as automobile cleaners might.
Spa Cover Conditioner will deep clean your cover while providing a bright, durable shine that will inhibit harmful
UV rays.
Spa Fragrance -
Special perfumes designed to enhance the hot tub experience and overcome chemical odors. These are
designed for spas, and will not alter water balance or clog filters
Stain & Scale -
A metal sequestering agent used to keep mineral and metal deposits from forming on spa equipment.
Superchlorination -
Applying 7 - 10 times the normal amounts of chlorine to the pool as an added "boost" for contaminant removal.
Some refer to superchlorinating as being less than shocking, in that breakpoint thresholds are not reached,
or the terms may be used synonymously.
Test Strips -
Easy-to-use dip strips for measuring the pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels of spa water. Strips are also
available for testing water hardness and Total Dissolved Solid levels.
ThermoGloss -
This product is an acrylic gloss that provides a tough coating to protect your shell from scratches and
scale build up. Designed for hot water environments, this product will not break down and cause problems
in spa water.
ThermOzone -
The only automatic ozonator with an EPA approved, built-in de-gasser tank that eliminates all offensive and
potentially dangerous gases. This makes it safe to use while you’re in your hot tub, and it is the only one
recommended for indoor hot tub installations. ThermOzone produces eight times more ozone per hour than
other ozonators, and it minimizes the creation of excess “off-gas” by using a Mixing Degas Vessel (MDV) to
safely mix ozone into the water. Ozone only disinfects water while it is in contact with it, and the MDV provides
an area where the ozone contacts the water for a longer period of time, making it more effective. If any
excess off-gas is produced, ThermOzone eliminates it with a charcoal/carbon canister, safely converting the
off-gas back into oxygen.