Jacuzzi Platinum Series Owner's Manual

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Contents

12MAINTENANCEBalancing pHFor good hygiene and equipment longevity, main-tain the pH of your spa water according to the instruc-tions provided. pH is the measure to determine if the spawater is too acid (low pH), or too alkaline or basic (highpH). The ideal range for spa water is 7.4 to 7.6 pH. Forexcessive acidity (below 7.2 pH) add soda ash or sodiumbicarbonate to the spa water. For excessive alkalinity(above 7.6 pH) add dry acid to the spa water.CAUTION: Refer to the spa chemical manufacturer’sinstructions for the initial amount of chemicals toadd for the gallonage of your spa. Low pH can causeequipment damage, as acid water will dissolve met-als, while high pH can cause scale or calcium depos-its to build up in the system or on the shell. Afteradding chemicals, run the filter system for at least 30minutes before testing water quality again for accu-rate readings.Balancing Total AlkalinityTotal alkalinity is the measure of base materials inthe water. The recommended range for total alkalinity isbetween 80 ppm and 150 ppm. If the chemistry of thewater is not within this range, you will have difficultyadjusting your pH level, which will affect your adjust-ments for the proper amount of free available chlorine.If the alkalinity of your spa water is high, it is advisableto drain the water from the spa and begin the balancingprocess over again. Purge and sanitize your spa (ac-cording to instructions in Equipment Set-Up section ofthe Installation Instructions) and clean the spa surfacesthoroughly before refilling with fresh water. Then rees-tablish water chemistry. If the spa is used heavily,change the water at least every month.Water Chemistry (Continued)DisinfectingWhen filling the spa for the first time, follow thepurge/sanitizing instructions in the Equipment Set-Upprocedure of the Installation Instructions.Add chlorine to the water on a regular basis to helpcontrol the amount of bacteria, algae and organic mate-rials. Such bacterial contaminants, if not controlled,could cause skin rashes or other physical problems. Todisinfect the spa for normal use, first establish theamount of chlorine to add and determine how often youneed to add it.We recommend that you maintain a free chlorinelevel of 2.0-5.0 ppm at all times except when you mustexceed that during the initial purge/sanitizing procedureor during superchlorination (refer to Water Quality Defi-nitions below). Superchlorinate your spa every twoweeks with heavy use. If using sodium dichlor, add oneheaping tablespoon for each 150 gallons of spa water.Scrub the spa surfaces with this solution to remove anyoily deposits. This will ensure that any bacteria or algaewhich are resistant to the normal disinfectant level arekilled. After adding the disinfectant, run the filter systemand allow the free chlorine level to return to the 2.0 to 5.0ppm range before using the spa again.Do not install a cover until the disinfectant levelis back to normal. High concentrations of chlorinewill damage metallic plated finishes if the cover is inplace.WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONSCalcium Hypochlorite: A granular chlorine product that isinexpensive and effective but not recommended because itoften tends to form calcium deposits on heater parts andplumbing fittings and leaves an unattractive film on the spaat the water line.Sodium Hypochlorite: A liquid chlorine product that isinexpensive and effective but not recommended becausethe liquid is readily spilled onto the spa or a surroundingarea, causing permanent damage.Total Alkalinity: The measure of the amount of alkalinematerials (such as carbonates, bicarbonates and hydrox-ides) in the water. High alkalinity inhibits the effectivenessof chemicals to change the pH. If the alkalinity of your spawater is high (above 150 ppm), it is advisable to drain thewater from the spa and begin the balancing process overagain. Low total alkalinity (below 60 ppm) could be corro-sive and damage your spa system.Superchlorination: (Also referred to as shock treatment.)The addition of an above-normal level of disinfectant to killany bacteria or algae that might have become resistant tonormal levels of disinfectant.pH: A chemical term used in expressing relative acidity oralkalinity in numeric values with 7.0 usually regarded asneutral, and for purposes of this manual, indicating purewater. From 7 to 0 indicates increasing acidity, and 7 to 14indicates alkalinity.PPM: Parts per million.Ozone: triatomic oxygen (O 3), a gas found commonly innature, which, when dissolved in spa water helps to destroyimpurities and contaminants.Free Chlorine: Chlorine that has not combined with otherchemicals and that is available to destroy bacteria in the spawater.Trichlor: A form of chlorine used in pool or spa watertreatment; usually supplied in tablet form. Not recom-mended because of its higher acidic nature and slowdissolving action. Prolonged contact with the spa shell maybleach or permanently mark the shell.Sodium dichlor: The type of chlorine that is recommendedfor spa use, as it is available in fast dissolving granular form.It is neither excessively acid nor alkaline in character anddoes not readily dissipate in higher water temperatures.