Adding Start-Up Chemicals; Water Chemistry Guidelines - Life Smart Willow 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).

ADDING START-UP CHEMICALS

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.
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