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Water Chemistry Basics
The Importance of Proper Water Chemistry
Evaporation:
Only pure water evaporates leaving a higher concentration of salts, metals, minerals and unused chemicals in the
remaining hot tub water. Over time, the water can become saturated with these impurities causing stain and scales to build up
on the spa walls and equipment components. Discoloration and possible corrosion may occur on fittings, pillows and cover.
Hot Tub Users:
Occupants introduce contaminants to the water. That level of contamination is dependent on the
number of users, time used and frequency of use. Skin lotions and detergent residue in bathing suits may cause excessive
foaming and cloudy water.
Temperature:
Spa hot tubs are normally kept in the range of 87°F to 102°F. These warm temperatures increase evaporation,
increasing the solidification of minerals, metals and scale formation. The heat level also increases the need for proper sanitation
to inhibit bacteria growth.
Surrounding Elements:
from the environment. Both indoor and outdoor installations are exposed to pollen, dust, etc. in the surrounding air.
Adhere to the routine maintenance suggested in this manual for proper water chemistry and maximum enjoyment or your new
hot tub.
Basic Understanding of Water Care
Filtration:
Cartridge filters in the Pristine™ and PowerFlo™ systems remove dust, debris, algae that are continuously entering the
spa. The frequency of filtration is programmed at the spa side control and dependent upon your individual use patterns. The
cartridge is recommended to be changed at least once a month and cleaned per the instructions 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
additive releases oxygen into the water acting as a chlorinator. Do not enter the water until the chlorine level as below 5 ppm. The
non-chlorine additive 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 optimum 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 (active 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 irritation and corrode
metals with excessive chlorine loss. Anything above the neutral range may cause cloudy water, eye and skin irritation and scale
formation. This level should never be below 7.2 or above 7.6.
Ozone Sanitation:
purifier of drinking water. Ozone kills bacteria and has an "after rain" smell as it leaves the 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 oper-
ating during the filtration cycle of the pump and is easily programmed at the spa side control. This is a virtually maintenance-free
treatment for sanitizing the spa water keeping the water clear and odor free. It is necessary to adjust pH levels, alkalinity and shock
as needed. The EverlIte™ sight glass located on the upper corner of your hot tub is lit when ozone is being introduced into the hot
tub water.
Chlorine / Bromine as Sanitizers:
chlorine. Chlorine immediately sanitizes 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 too low (less than 150 ppm) may also have a negative effect on components.
Foaming:
Body oils, lotions cosmetics, cleaners, high pH levels, algaecides and detergents often cause foaming. Foam can also
be a result of low calcium and sanitizer levels.
PLEASE BE AWARE THE USE OF BAQUA SPA WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO HOT TUB COMPONENTS AND VOID WARRANTY.
Most hot tubs are installed in the backyard where occupants introduce grass, leaves, insects, dust, etc.
This is the term used when super chlorinating the water by adding extra chlorine raising the chlorine level
Ozone is a natural sanitizer, a byproduct of oxygen; O
Only sodium dichlor, granular, is approved for spa use . This is a fast dissolving, pH neutral
Water that is considered too hard (over 250 ppm) may cause scale formation in electrical components and
3 .
It has been used successfull for may years as a
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