Adding Start-Up Chemicals; Water Chemistry Guidelines - lifeSMART ESTRELLA L Owner's Manual

WATER CHEMISTRY GUIDELINES

Spa water chemistry is ultimately the responsibility of the spa owner. Improper water chemistry may result
in costly repairs not covered under the spa warranty. If unsure about any step in the process, please
contact a Customer Care Associate at (888) 961-7727 Ext. 8440 or at ahsservice@watkinsmfg.com.
Initially, it is advisable to identify what minerals (e.g. iron) are present in the local source water. This will
provide a better understanding of how to treat the water. Please follow the four steps below and be sure to
achieve the correct levels in each area before moving onto the next step.
STEP #1: ESTABLISH PROPER PH LEVEL:
The recommended range for pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. Above 7.8, the water is too alkaline and can
result in cloudy water, and scale formation on the shell and heater. To lower the pH use a pH Down/
Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). Below 7.0 (considered neutral), the spa water is too acidic and can
damage the heating system. To increase pH, use a pH Up/Increaser (sodium hydrogen carbonate).
Any pH Up or Down should be added one teaspoon at a time, waiting one-half hour between
application and re-measuring.
STEP #2: MEASURE TOTAL ALKALINITY:
The Total Alkalinity is the amount of bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides present in the spa
water. Proper total alkalinity is important for pH control. If the TA is too high, the pH is difficult to
adjust. If the TA is too low, the pH will be difficult to hold at the proper level. The ideal range is
between 40-120 parts per million (ppm). Reduce TA by using an Alkalinity Down/Decreaser (sodium
bisulfate). Increased TA by adding an Alkalinity Up/Increaser (sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen
carbonate). These products should be added in small amounts - 5 ml at a time. After adding 5 ml, wait
one half hour before re-measuring. Once the safe range of total alkalinity is established, proceed to the
next step.
STEP #3: DETERMINE CALCIUM HARDNESS:
It is important to bring the calcium reading to between 75-150 ppm. If the reading requires adjustment,
it should now be corrected. If the water is too soft (a low reading) calcium hardness should be added to
the water to increase the ppm reading. If the water is too hard (a high reading), it can be corrected by
either: (A) a mixture of hard and soft water added to attain a reading in the safe range, or (B) addition of
stain and scale control. If calcium hardness is a problem with the local source water (either too hard or
too soft) a test kit, which measures calcium hardness, is essential.
STEP #4: SANITIZING:
After steps 1-3 are complete, the spa must be sanitized using Chlorine (sodium dichlor). Add 2
teaspoons of Chlorine, and increase as necessary to reach a level of 3-5 ppm. Check and maintain
this level weekly, and before and after using the spa. IMPORTANT NOTE: A granulated sodium dichlor
is highly recommended for sanitizing spa water, granular bromine may also be used. Never use
compressed sanitizers even with a floater. As with any other chemicals, the sanitizer should be
introduced to the spa with the jets running for 10 minutes.
WEEKLY SHOCK:
Using a potassium monopersulfate (MPS) shock, add approximately 2 oz. (60 ml) spreading it over the
water while the jets are running. Shocking is achieved by adding the MPS to turbulent water. Leave the
cover up and jets on high for 10 minutes. Then shut jets off and return the cover to the closed position
to maintain heat.

ADDING START-UP CHEMICALS

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