Maintaining The Proper Water Chemistry - Cal Spas LTR20051000 Owner's Manual

Water Quality Maintenance

Maintaining the Proper Water Chemistry

Ideal pH
The ideal pH range is 7.2 to 7.6.
The abbreviation pH stands for potential hydrogen. This test determines the acid content of your spa water. This
test should be done weekly and adjusted accordingly. Always add chemicals to water -- never add water to
chemicals.
• If the pH is above 7.6, lower it by adding muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.
• If the pH is below 7.2, raise it by adding a base (such as baking soda or soda ash).
See your spa dealer for Cal Spas™ chemicals for adjusting your pH.
Complications which may occur from high pH include:
• The sanitizer may be unable to kill algae or bacteria.
• Solids may come out of the solution.
• The water may become cloudy.
• Calcium may out of the solution and cause scale or eye irritation.
Complications which my occur from low pH include:
• Water will become too acidic and cause eye irritation
• Damage to the spa and spa equipment
Also remember: Rain or the addition of fresh water will cause a change in pH.
Total Alkalinity
The ideal total alkalinity range is 80 to 120 ppm. Total alkalinity is a test done monthly to determine the amount
of alkaline material in the water. It also measures the water's ability to neutralize acid and acts as a buffer
against sudden pH changes.
• If the total alkalinity is high, lower it by adding small amounts of sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid over a
period of three days. Follow the label directions based on the size of your spa.
• If the total alkalinity is low, raise it by adding bicarbonate (i.e., baking soda).
See your spa dealer for Cal Spas™ chemicals for adjusting your total alkalinity.
Total Dissolved Solids
The ideal range prior to adding TRU-BLU is 50 - 300 ppm.
The ideal range after adding TRU-BLU at a rate of two pounds for every 100 gallons is 2,500 ppm.
2005 Spa Owner's Manual
Page 49
8/1/2005