Water Chemistry Basics - PDC spas SYNERGY Series FX15 Owner's Manual

Water Chemistry Basics

The Importance of Proper Water Chemistry
Evapora on:
Only pure water evaporates leaving a higher concentra on of salts, metals, minerals and unused chemicals in the
remaining swim spa water. Over me, the water can become saturated with these impuri es causing stand and scales to build up
on the spa walls and equipment components. Discolora on and possible corrosion may occur on fi ngs, pillows and cover.
Swim Spa Users:
Occupants introduce contaminants to the water. That level of contamina on is dependent on the
number of users, me used and frequency of use. Skin lo ons and detergent residue in bathing suits may cause excessive
foaming and cloudy water.
Temperature:
Swim spas and hot tubs are normally kept in the range of 87°F to 102°F. These warm temperatures increase
evapora on, increasing the solidifica on of minerals, metals and scale forma on. The heat level also increases the need for
proper sanita on to inhibit bacteria growth.
Surrounding Elements:
dust, etc. from the environment. Both indoor and outdoor installa ons are exposed to pollen, dust, etc. in the surrounding air.
Adhere to the rou ne maintenance suggested in this manual for proper water chemistry and maximum enjoyment or your new
swim spa.
Basic Understanding of Water Care
Filtra on:
Cartridge filters in both the suc on‐side Pris ne system and the pressure‐side PowerFlo system remove dust, debris,
algae that are con nuously entering the spa. The frequency of filtra on is programmed at the spa side control and dependent upon
your individual use pa erns. The cartridge is recommended to be changed at least once a month and cleaned per the instruc ons
under maintenance. A spare cartridge is recommended to avoid shut‐down during the cleaning process.
Shocking the Water:
above 8 ppm (part per million) or by adding a non‐chlorine (oxidizer) to eliminate chloramines or bromamines. The non‐chlorine
addi ve releases oxygen into the water ac ng as a chlorinator. Do not enter the water un l the chlorine level as below 5 ppm. The
non‐chlorine addi ve will not treat bacteria.
Total Alkalinity:
This is a measurement of the water's ability to maintain a proper pH level. Total alkalinity is measured in ppm
from 0 ‐ 400+ with the op mum reading 100‐120 ppm. With low alkalinity, the pH level will flip easily. With a high alkalinity
reading, it becomes difficult to regulate.
pH levels:
This a measurement of acidity (ac ve hydrogen) in the water. pH is not measured in ppm but on a scale of 0‐14 with
7.4—7.6 being the neutral desired level. Anything below 7 is considered acidic and will cause eye and skin irrita on and corrode
metals with excessive chlorine loss. Anything above the neutral range may cause cloudy water, eye and skin irrita on and scale
forma on. This level should never be below 7.2 or above 7.6.
Ozone Sanita on:
Ozone is a natural sani zer, a byproduct of oxygen; O
purifier of drinking water. Ozone kills bacteria and has an "a er rain" smell as it leaves the swim spa water. There is no test for
ozone levels in the spa water. It is introduced into the spa water by an ozonator component located behind the cabinet wall. It
is opera ng during the filtra on cycle of the pump and is easily programmed at the spa side control. This is a virtually
maintenance‐free treatment for sani zing the spa water keeping the water clear and odor free. It is necessary to adjust pH levels,
alkalinity and shock as needed.
Chlorine / Bromine as Sani zers:
chlorine. Chlorine immediately sani zes and levels should be kept between 2‐4 ppm. Bromine is a slow dissolve chemical which
takes up to a few days to build a reserve and test levels. Bromine levels should also read between 2‐4 ppm.
Calcium Hardness:
Water that is considered too hard (over 250 ppm) may cause scale forma on in electrical components and
water too low (less than 150 ppm) may also have a nega ve effect on components.
Foaming:
Body oils, lo ons cosme cs, cleaners, high pH levels, algaecides and detergents o en cause foaming. Foam can also
be a result of low calcium and sani zer levels.
Most swim spas are installed in the backyard where occupants introduce grass, leaves, insects,
This is the term used when super chlorina ng the water by adding extra chlorine raising the chlorine level
Only sodium dichlor, granular, is approved for spa use . This is a fast dissolving, pH neutral
3 .
It has been used successfull for may years as a
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