General Safety; Water Chemistry; Automatic Chlorinators And Chemical Feeders - Raypak AVIA 264A Installation And Operation Manual

General Safety

Elevated water temperature can be hazardous. The
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has these
guidelines:
1. Spa water temperatures should never exceed 104°F
(40°C). A temperature of 100°F (38°C) is considered
safe for a healthy adult. Special caution is suggested
for young children.
2. Drinking of alcoholic beverages before or during spa
or hot tub use can cause drowsiness which could
lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in
drowning.
3. Pregnant Women Beware! Soaking in water over
102°F (39°C) can cause fetal damage during the first
three months of pregnancy resulting in the birth of a
brain-damaged or deformed child. Pregnant women
should stick to the 100°F (38°C) maximum rule.
4. Before entering the spa or hot tub, users should check
the water temperature with an accurate thermometer;
spa or hot tub thermostats may err in regulating water
temperatures by as much as 4°F (2.2°C).
5. Persons with a medical history of heart disease,
circulatory problems, diabetes, or blood pressure
problems should obtain a physician's advice before
using spas or hot tubs.
6. Persons taking medications which induce
drowsiness, such as tranquilizers, antihistamines, or
anticoagulants, should not use spas or hot tubs.

2. WATER CHEMISTRY

NOTE: Corrosive water voids all warranties.
Chemical imbalance can cause severe damage to your
heater and associated equipment. Maintain your water
chemistry according to Table A. If the mineral content
and dissolved solids in the water become too high, scale
forms inside the heat exchanger tubes, reducing heater
efficiency and damaging the heater. If the pH drops below
7.2, this will cause corrosion of the heat exchanger and
severely damage the heater. Heat exchanger damage
resulting from chemical imbalance is not covered by
the warranty.
Recommended Level(s)
Water Temperature
pH
Total Alkalinity (ppm)
Calcium Hardness (ppm)
Salt (ppm)
Free Chlorine (ppm)*
Total Dissolved Solids (ppm)
*Free Chlorine MUST NOT EXCEED 5 ppm!
**In saltwater chlorinated pools, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) can be as high as 6000 ppm.
For your health and the protection of your pool equipment,
it is essential that your water be chemically balanced. The
following levels must be used as a guide for balanced
water.
A
which can damage the heater and is not covered under
warranty.
•
•
•
•
Automatic Chlorinators
and Chemical Feeders
All chemicals must be introduced and completely diluted
into the pool or spa water before being circulated through
the heater. Do not place sanitizing chemicals in the
skimmer. High chemical concentrations will result when
the pump is not running (e.g. overnight).
Chlorinators must feed downstream of the heater and have
an anti-siphoning device/check valve to prevent chemical
backup into the heater when the pump is shut off. See
"Plumbing Diagram" on page 23.
NOTE: High chemical concentrates from feeders and
chlorinators that are out of adjustment will cause rapid
corrosion to the heat exchanger. Such damage is not
covered under the warranty.
Fiberglass Pools
68-88°F (20-31°C)
7.3-7.4
120-150
200-300
4500 Maximum
2-3
3000 Maximum**
Table A. Pool Water Chemistry
CAUTION: Free chlorine must not exceed 5 ppm
Occasional chemical shock dosing of the pool or spa
water should not damage the heater providing the
water is balanced.
Automatic chemical
chlorinators are usually more efficient in heated
water, unless controlled, they can lead to excessive
chlorine level which can damage your heater.
Check valve should be installed between the heater
outlet and a chlorinator or other chemical dosing
device.
Further advice should be obtained from your pool
or spa builder, accredited pool shop, or chemical
supplier for the correct levels for your water.
Fiberglass Spas
89-104°F (31-40°C)
7.3-7.4
120-150
150-200
4500 Maximum
2-3
3000 Maximum**
dosing devices and
Other Pool and Spa Types
68-104°F (20-40°C)
7.6-7.8
80-120
200-400
4500 Maximum
2-3
3000 Maximum**
salt
5