Sanitation - Cal Spas F-168 Owner's Manual

Balancing the Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity (TA) is the measure of the total levels
of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other
alkaline substances in the water. TA can be
considered a "pH buffer". It is the measure of the
ability of the water to resist changes in the pH level.
The recommended total alkalinity is 80-120 ppm.
If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate widely
from high to low. Low TA can be corrected by adding
an alkalinity increaser.
If the TA is too high, the pH level will tend to be too
high and may be difficult to bring down. High TA can
be corrected by adding an alkalinity decreaser.
When the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable,
although adding water with high or low alkalinity will
raise or lower the TA level.
The pH level is the measure of the balance between acidity and alkalinity.
If the pH is too low, it can cause corrosion of metal fixtures and the heating element. Low pH can be corrected
by adding a pH increaser.
If the pH is too high, it can cause scaling by allowing metals or minerals to form deposits and stain spa
surfaces. High pH can be corrected by adding a pH decreaser.
Testing For:
Total Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
pH

4.3 Sanitation

Sanitizers kill bacteria and other organic waste by breaking them down to non-harmful levels and are filtered
out. Before you fill your spa, you need to decide which chemical sanitizer you wish to use. Consult your Cal
Spas dealer for the right decision with regards to your lifestyle and spa usage.
Ideal Water Chemistry
Ideal Range (ppm): Minimum
80
150
7.2
Balancing the Calcium Hardness
Balancing the pH
Calcium hardness (CH) is a measure of the total
amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Calcium
helps control the corrosive nature of the spa's water
and is why soft water is not to be used. The low
calcium content of soft water is very corrosive to the
equipment and can cause staining of the spa shell.
The Recommended calcium hardness is 150-200
ppm.
If the CH is too low, add a calcium hardness increaser.
If the CH is too high, dilute the spa water with soft
water.
When the CH is balanced, it normally remains stable,
although adding soft water or very hard water will
raise or lower the CH level.
Ideal Range (ppm): Maximum
120
200
7.6
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