Marquis Spas Owner's Manual page 18

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. Always 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 consumption, 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 & 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.)
Calcium Hardness
Do not use soft water in your spa. It is critical to have calcium in your water. The
ideal range of calcium is between 200 – 300 ppm. The calcium hardness is
normally adjusted when filling or refilling after draining the spa. High calcium
levels can cause scale buildup on spa surfaces and equipment. Your spa can be
protected against high calcium by using Metal & Stain Remover per the
directions on the container. Low calcium levels can cause spa water to become
highly corrosive and damaging to the equipment components and plumbing. To
raise calcium levels, use Calcium Hardness Increaser.
BALANCE
When initially filling or refilling your spa, follow these steps to achieve proper
water balance.
IMPORTANT! Always follow instructions on the chemical container when
adding chemicals.
1. Test the spa water using a test strip or test kit. Determine the pH and
alkalinity of the water.
2. If adjustments are needed for the pH and/or alkalinity, always balance the
alkalinity before balancing the pH. The product(s) you should use to adjust
pH and/ or alkalinity are pH Alkalinity Increaser or pH & Alkalinity
Decreaser. Make any additions per the directions on the bottle and then
test and repeat if necessary until all readings are in the desired range.
3. Increase the calcium hardness if necessary.
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M A R Q U I S S P A S
SHOCK
Initial Treatment
Shock the spa using granular Chlorine Sanitizer or non-chlorine Spa Shock.
Add directly to the spa per the instructions on the container. For the initial
treatment, Chlorine Sanitizer is preferred as it will also establish a residual of
sanitizer.
Maintenance Treatment
Once bacteria and other wastes are neutralized by the sanitizer, they stay in
the water unless oxidized or shocked. Often called chloramines or
bromamines, they create dull, cloudy water and can cause odor and eye or
skin irritation. Shock treatment rids your spa of these wastes for clear,
sparkling water. Shocking with non-chlorine Spa Shock or granular Chlorine
Sanitizer is recommended once a week or whenever the water appears dull
or cloudy or has a strong odor. Non-chlorine Spa Shock allows use of the spa
15 minutes after shock treatment.
NOTE: A strong bromine or chlorine odor typically indicates the spa needs to be
shocked – not that there is too much bromine or chlorine in the water. A properly
balanced spa that is shocked regularly will not have an odor.
SANITIZE
ConstantClean™ System (option)
The ConstantClean™ system utilizes a combination of sanitizers to increase
water quality and significantly decrease maintenance. The combination of a Spa
Frog® Mineral Cartridge* and the factory installed ozonator greatly reduce the
amount of sanitizer required. Instead of the normal 3 - 5 ppm of bromine, you
may only need to maintain 1 - 2 ppm of bromine.
NOTE: The use of Spa Frog® floating cartridges is recommended. Do not use
other floating chemical dispensers or Biguanide. Damage to the spa shell and
other internal components can occur.
* The built-in sanitation system is not available in some international markets.
However, the ozone system is available on all spa models in all countries.
Please see your dealer for recommended alternate treatment method if the built-
in sanitation system is not available.
BUILT-IN SANITATION SYSTEM*
After shocking the spa water with Chlorine Sanitizer granules or non-chlorine
Spa Shock, bring the spa water to operating temperature. Then install the Spa
Frog® cartridges.
ADJUST THE MINERAL CARTRIDGE
Remove the protective cellophane wrap from the Spa Frog® mineral cartridge.
While holding the bottom of the cartridge, turn the top until the number six
appears in the setting window.
NOTE: The mineral cartridge should be replaced every three to four months.
You will still feel the "spent" minerals inside, but they are no longer effective and
the cartridge needs to be replaced. It is recommended to drain and refill the spa
at the same time you replace the mineral cartridge.
ADJUST THE BROMINE CARTRIDGE
Remove the protective cellophane wrap from the Spa Frog
Finding the right setting for the bromine cartridge will require monitoring your
usage for the first few weeks. Begin with an initial setting based on the chart
below and monitor bromine levels daily for the first week or so, adjusting the
cartridge by one setting per day until a 3 - 5 ppm level has been achieved. To
adjust cartridge, remove from system and turn to the next highest setting if the
bromine level is low or the next lower setting if the bromine level is high. The
bromine cartridge needs to be replaced when empty between two and four
weeks. Always maintain 3 - 5 ppm of bromine.
Suggested Initial Bromine Cartridge Settings
Daily filter time Spa Litres
568-1136
One hour 2
Two hours 2
Four hours 1
O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
bromine cartridge.
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Spa Litres Spa Litres
1136-1514 1514-1893
3 4
2 3
2 2
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