Testing And Adjusting Spa Water - Coleman Roto Spa Owner's Manual

18

Testing and Adjusting Spa Water

You have two types of testing methods to choose from:
• The reagent test kit
or tablet form.
• Test strips
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 pH level.
The recommended total alkalinity is 80 - 120
ppm .
If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate wide-
ly 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 sta-
ble, although adding water with high or low alkalin-
ity will raise or lower the TA level.
Balancing the pH
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 fix-
tures and the heating element. Low pH can be corrected
by adding a pH decreaser.
If the pH is too high, it can cause scaling by allowing met-
als or minerals to form deposits and stain spa surfaces.
High pH can be corrected by adding a pH increaser
Testing For:
Total Alkalinity
Calcium Hardness
pH
is a method which provides a high level of accuracy. It is available in either liquid
are a convenient testing method commonly used by spa owners.
Ideal Range (ppm)
Minimum Maximum
80
150
7.4
Balancing the Calcium Hardness
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 wa-
ter and is why soft water is not recommended. 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 in-
creaser.
If the CH is too high, dilute the spa water with soft
water.
When the CH is balanced, it normally remains sta-
ble, although adding soft water or very hard water
will raise or lower the CH level.
Too alkaline,
causes scaling
Ideal balance
Too acidic,
causes corrosion
To Raise
120 pH-Alkalinity Up
200 Liquid Hardness Increaser
7.6 pH-Alkalinity Up
8.2
8.0 Need to lower the pH level
7.8
7.6
7.4
7.2
7.0
6.8
Need to raise the pH level
6.6
Chemicals To Use:
To Lower
pH-Alkaliity Down
Stain and Scale Defense
pH-Alkaliity Down
Coleman Roto Mold Spa (online sales)
LTR50001136, Rev. A