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Spa Chemistry

SPA OPERATION / WATER CHEMISTRY
Spa water chemistry (or water balance) affects the safety of your equipment as well as the appearance of your spa water. Water balance has five factors: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature and total dissolved solids. pH is the most critical but total alkalinity and calcium hardness must also be watched closely. Low calcium hardness can lead to corrosion of equipment, while high calcium hardness can lead to scaling, cloudy water and staining. Water temperature should never exceed 104°F (40°C), and total dissolved solids should be kept below 1500 PPM.

Algicidal and sanitizing chemicals are either alkaline or acid. Sodium and calcium hyprochlorites are alkaline. Chlorine gas and practically all other dry chlorine spa products are acid. On the market are a number of bromine sanitizers. Bromines are usually preferred since they don’t emit a strong chlorine odor.

SEE YOUR SPA WATER EXPERT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
USE OF CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITES OR TRICHLORS WILL VOID WARRANTY
1. Check and adjust water conditions. You must maintain proper chemical balance to insure safe sanitary conditions and to prevent your spa from becoming a breeding place for bacteria. This is done by:

  • Test daily and maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Adjust if necessary, above 7.8 use pH decrease, if below 7.2 use pH Increase. Improper pH can damage spa finish, equipment, cause eye irritation and chemical loss. Use dosage according to manufacturer’s label.
  • Test alkalinity and maintain at 80 ppm to 140 ppm. Adjust if necessary, above 140 ppm use pH Decrease, if below 80 ppm use Total Alkalinity Control. Use dosage according to manufacturer’s label.
  • Test daily and maintain proper sanitizer level. It’s recommended to use bromine sanitizer and maintain bromine at 3.0 - 5.0 ppm. Typically two or three bathers relaxing in an average spa with 103°F (39.4°C) temperature will consume all the bromine sanitizer in about twenty minutes. Therefore, prolonged or heavy use may require additional bromine to maintain safe sanitary conditions.
  • “Shock” (with a non-chlorine shock) once a week and after each water change. Do not use spa until the bromine residual has dropped to less than 5.0 ppm. NOTE: Improper pH will cause early corrosion to your pump. Corrosion is not handled under any warranty.

SPA MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
DAILY
Test and maintain pH: Ideal range 7.2 - 7.8
Test and maintain bromine: Ideal range 3.0 - 5.0 ppm
WEEKLY
Test and maintain alkalinity 80 - 140 ppm
“Shock” with a non-chlorine shock
Add Spa Clear
MAINTENANCE
Add defoamer as needed
Inspect filter cartridge every 2 weeks and clean when needed
CHEMICAL NOTES

2. It is recommended that the spa be drained regularly depending on its size, location and the frequency of use.
3. Clean filter and cartridge periodically according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Keep the spa covered when not in use to reduce the loss of heat and to keep our leaves, dirt, and other foreign materials from settling in the water.
5. Since the water capacity of your spa is far less than that of a swimming pool, the chemical reaction caused by the presence of one or more persons in the spa is more rapid and pronounced. For these reasons, it is important to frequently check the bromine level, the pH level and total alkalinity of water then add the prescribed chemicals as necessary to maintain the proper chemical balances.
6. If questions or doubts arise regarding quantities and timing or chemical applications to your spa, contact your spa dealer who can assist you in prescribing the correct program for your spa.
7. Store all chemicals in a cool dry place and in such a manner as to prevent contact by children and pets.
8. When adding chemicals to your spa water, add to the center of the spa with the pump operating. Never add chemicals to unheated water as this will affect chemical action.