Marquis E-series Owner's Manual page 86

sp a c a re & e nj o y m e nt g ui d e
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 sub-
stances 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 Increase and Alkalinity & pH Decrease 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 Decrease instead of one large dose will reduce the pH with
little effect on the alkalinity.)
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