Jacuzzi oortable spa Owner's Manual

www.clearcreekspas.comwww.clearcreekspas.comWater ChemistryDisinfecting (continued)MAINTENANCEreturn to the 2.0 to 5.0 ppm range before using the spaagain. Do not install a rigid cover during this procedure untilthe disinfectant level is back to normal. High concentra-tions of chlorine or bromine will damage metallic platedfinishes if the cover is in place.Balancing pH:For good hygiene and longevity, maintain the pH of yourspa water according to the instructions provided. pH is themeasure to determine if the spa water is too acid (low pH)or too alkaline or basic (high pH). The ideal range for spawater is 7.2 to 7.6 pH. For excessive acidity (below 7.2 pH)add soda ash or sodium bicarbonate to the spa water. Forexcessive alkalinity (above 7.6 pH) add dry acid to the spawater. Caution: Refer to the spa chemical manufacturer’sinstructions for the initial amount of chemicals to add for thegallonage of your spa. Low pH can cause equipmentdamage, as acidic water will dissolve metals, while high pHcan cause scale or calcium deposits to build up in thesystem or on the shell. After adding chemicals, run the filtersystem for at least 30 minutes before testing water qualityagain for accurate readings.Balancing Total Alkalinity:Total alkalinity is the measure of base materials in thewater. The recommended range for total alkalinity is be-tween 80 ppm and 150 ppm. If the chemistry of the wateris not within this range, you will have difficulty adjusting yourpH level, which will affect your adjustments for the properamount of free available chlorine. If the alkalinity of yourspa water is high, it is advisable to drain the water from thespa and begin the balancing process over again. Purgeand sanitize your spa (according to instructions in “Equip-ment Set-Up” section of the Installation Instructions) andclean the spa surfaces thoroughly before refilling with freshwater. Then re-establish water chemistry. If the spa is usedheavily, change the water at least every month.WATER QUALITY DEFINITIONSpH: A chemical term used in expressing relative acid-ity or alkalinity in numeric values with 7.0 usuallyregarded as neutral, and for purposes of this manual,indicating pure water. From 7 to 0 indicates increasingacidity, and 7 to 14 indicates alkalinity.PPM: Parts per million.Free Chlorine: Chlorine that has not combined withother chemicals and that is available to destroy bacte-ria in the spa water.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 shellmay bleach or permanently mark the shell.Sodium DiChlor: The type of chlorine that isrecommended for spa use, as it is available in fastdissolving granular form. It is neither excessively acidnor alkaline in character and does not readily dissipatein higher water temperatures.Calcium Hypochlorite: A granular chlorine prod-uct that is inexpensive and effective but not recom-mended because it often tends to form calcium depos-its on heater parts and plumbing fittings and leaves anunattractive film on the spa at the water line.Sodium Hypochlorite: A liquid chlorine productthat is inexpensive and effective but not recommendedbecause the liquid is readily spilled onto the spa or asurrounding area, causing permanent damage.Total Alkalinity: The measure of amount of alka-line materials (such as carbonates, bicarbonates andhydroxides) in the water. High alkalinity inhibits theeffectiveness of chemicals to change the pH. If thealkalinity of your spa water is high (above 150 ppm), itis advisable to drain the water from the spa and beginthe balancing process over again. Low total alkalinity(below 60 ppm) could be corrosive and damage yourspa system.Superchlorination: (also referred to as "shocktreatment") The addition of an above-normal level ofdisinfectant to kill any bacteria or algae that might havebecome resistant to normal levels of disinfectant.