Marquis Crown Summit Owner's Manual page 47

SPA CARE
Jet inserts and valves do not qualify for labor coverage. These parts can be purchased or
exchanged under warranty at your authorized Marquis dealer. Gaskets and seals are not
®
covered under the warranty. The control system in your Marquis spa will automatically circulate
and filter. (See SPA CONTROL OPERATION, ConstantClean™ and SmartClean™ sections.) The
sanitation requires minimal effort if done consistently and properly.
To sanitize spa water, three things are required:
1. BALANCE: The water must be balanced so the sanitizer can work and spa equipment is
protected.
2. SHOCK: Shock to oxidize organics and maximize sanitizer efficiency.
3. SANITIZE: Maintain a proper level of sanitizer at all times.
UNDERSTANDING WATER BALANCE
Water balance is the interrelation of factors that determine the quality of the spa water. The
effectiveness of chemicals and other additives are dependent on all these factors working together or "in
balance". The primary elements to water balance are the calcium hardness, total alkalinity and pH. Use
water treatment products recommended for use in a Marquis spa.
pH Balance
Keeping the pH balanced is the most critical component of water balance. Calcium hardness and
total alkalinity act as buffers to stabilize the pH. When they are properly adjusted, the pH will be
stable and easy to maintain. The pH is a measure of the relative acidity and basicity of the water.
The ideal pH range is 7.4 - 7.6. When the pH falls below 7.2, the water can become corrosive.
Low pH can cause damage to metal in the control system and heater, excessive sanitizer con-
sumption, and skin irritation. A pH above 7.8 can be scale-forming and allow metals or minerals
in the water to form deposits and stain spa surfaces. pH above 7.8 can also cause eye and skin
irritation.
Total Alkalinity
Alkalinity acts as a buffer to prevent the pH from changing as other substances are added to the
water. Stability of the pH is directly related to the alkalinity. The alkalinity should be between 80 -
140 ppm. Alkalinity below 80 ppm makes it difficult to stabilize the pH. Alkalinity above 140 ppm
may increase the pH and cause cloudy water, scaling, and decreased efficiency of the sanitizer.
Note: Alkalinity Increaser & pH Increaser and Alkalinity & pH Decreaser will affect both the pH
and alkalinity. Generally, smaller additions will change the pH and have a very minor effect on
the alkalinity. Larger additions will also affect the pH, but will have a much greater effect on the
alkalinity. (Example: If the pH is very high and the alkalinity is within range, adding a few smaller
doses of pH and alkalinity Decreaser instead of one large dose will reduce the pH with little effect
on the alkalinity.)
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