Total Alkalinity; Calcium Hardness - HotSpring Vista Owner's Manual

bAlANCINg THe pH
A. The ideal pH level for your spa water is 7.4-7.6.
B. The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity. Values above 7 are alkaline; those below
7 are acidic. Maintaining the proper pH level is extremely important for:
• Optimizing the effectiveness of the sanitizer.
• Maintaining water that is comfortable for the user.
• Preventing equipment deterioration.
C. If the spa water's pH level is too low, the following may result:
• The sanitizer will dissipate rapidly.
• The water may become irritating to spa users.
• The spa's equipment may corrode.
If the pH is too low, it can be increased by adding Hot Spring
pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen carbonate) to the spa water.
D. If the pH level is too high, the following may result:
• The sanitizer is less effective.
• Scale will form on the spa shell surface and the equipment.
• The water may become cloudy.
• The filter cartridge pores may become obstructed.
If the pH is too high, it can be decreased by adding Hot Spring freshWater pH/Alkalinity down (sodium bisulfate) to the spa water.
NOTe: After adding pH/Alkalinity Up (sodium hydrogen carbonate) or pH/Alkalinity down (sodium bisulfate), wait two hours
before testing the water for pH. Measurements taken too soon may not be accurate.
E. It is important to check the pH on a regular basis. The pH will be affected by the bather load, the addition of new water, the addition of various
chemicals, and the type of sanitizer used.
F. When the pH is within the recommended range, proceed to the final step.
MAINTAININg THe SANITIZeR level
A. Sanitizer is extremely important for killing algae, bacteria and viruses, and preventing unwanted organisms from growing in the spa. At the
same time, you don't want too high a sanitizer level, or it can irritate your skin, lungs, and eyes.
B. Always use EPA registered chemicals for spa sanitizer at recommended levels.
C. Watkins recommends only the following sanitizers:
• Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazinetrione (sodium dichlor or chlorine), Hot Spring FreshWater Concentrated Chlorinating Granules
• Brominating Concentrate
• BaquaSpa
®
(please consult your BaquaSpa manual for instructions on the use of this product).
• Hot Spring FreshWater Three - Part Biguanide Water Care Products
THe WATkINS WATeR MAINTeNANCe qUICk RefeReNCe gUIde
Steps

1 total alkalinity

2

Calcium Hardness

3 pH
4 Sanitizer
WARNINg: DO NOT use tri-chlor chlorine, bromo-chloro-dimethyl-hydantoin (BCDMH), or any type of compressed bromine or
chlorine, acid or any type of sanitizer which is not recommended by Watkins Manufacturing Corporation.
water Quality and maintenance
™
(one step granular bromine)
Ideal Range (ppm)
Min. Max.
40
100
7.4
See section on Maintaining the Sanitizer level
® ®
freshWater
What Chemicals to use
to Raise
120 Sodium Hydrogen
Carbonate, or
Sodium Bicarbonate
150 Calcium Hardness
Increaser
7.6
Page 51
ALKALINE
SPA
DECREASER
WATER
TO LOWER
(SCALING
ZONE)
COMFORT
ZONE
ACIDIC
SPA
WATER
INCREASER
TO RAISE
(CORROSIVE
ZONE)
to lower
Sodium Bisulfate
use a mixture of
75% hard water
and 25% soft water
or use a Stain and
Scale Inhibitor
Sodium Bisulfate
ADD pH
pH
IDEAL
ADD pH
pH