Cal Spas Pneumatic Series Owner's Manual page 300

Water pH and its Effects:
(Cont.)
Example:
Spa owners that use their spa three (3) or four (4) times a week will have lower pH than spa owners who use their spa once or twice a
week. Even the sanitizers (Bromine, Chlorine, etc.) that you use can effect the water's pH levels. Did you know that Bromine has a pH
level of 3.0 while chlorine has a pH level of 7.1. Other types of sanitizers have pH levels so low, it's like adding straight acid to your spa.
Be very careful of what you are putting into your water.
Chlorine Users:
Chlorine is very sensitive to pH levels. Readings higher than 7.8 will cause chlorine users to use twice the amount of chlorine to main-
tain a proper level. If your are using excessive amounts of chlorine with little effect, check the pH and Total Alkalinity levels.
Controlling pH:
Controlling pH: (Potential Hydrogen)
1. Always follow printed instructions on the bottle and/or packages.
2. Always adjust Total Alkalinity and Sanitizers first.
3. Chlorine users will generally use more "pH / Alkalinity Down."
4. Bromine users will generally use more "pH / Alkalinity Up."
5. Make sure test strips are not wet or outdated prior to testing.
6. Never test immediately after using oxidizer shock.
(Allow 30 minutes of circulation with the spa cover half off prior to testing.)
7. Always add chemicals when the pump(s) are on high speed.
8. Always premix "pH Alkalinity Down" chemicals in half a bucket of water prior to introducing them to the spa.
9. Never attempt to adjust pH or Total Alkalinity in large increments. Adjustments are made easier, and will stay set longer if you make
them in small increments.
Do Not Use Vinegar or Baking Soda to adjust pH and Total Alkalinity:
Vinegar:
You would need to use 100 times the amount of vinegar to equal 1/2 oz. of Cal Spas "pH / Alkalinity Down". Vinegar will also add a
large amount of organic waste in the spa water requiring the need for more sanitizers.
Baking Soda:
Although very similar to common baking soda, "pH / Alkalinity Up" is different. The primary difference is pH Alkalinity Up's ability to
dissolve quickly. Common baking soda will cause a paste like substance to accumulate on the floor and seats of your spa.
What is Total Alkalinity?
Water Total Alkalinity:
Total Alkalinity is the basic capacity of the spa water to resist change in the pH.
When the alkalinity is low, the pH and alkalinity will change very easily with bather use or chemical adjustment. The opposite will hap-
pen when the alkalinity is high. It will take a lot of bathers or chemicals to change the pH and alkalinity levels.
The optimum Total Alkalinity level is between 80 to 100 parts per million (ppm).
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