Water Balance; Water Chemistry; Start-Up Procedures; Water Quality - L.A. Spas 2010 North American Owner's Manual

WATER CHEMISTRY

Maintaining proper water chemistry is imperative to maintaining safe water and preventing possible
damage to your spa and spa components.

START-UP PROCEDURES

1. Fill spa to correct level (approximately 4" above the top of the filter cartridge).
2. With your cartridge filter, you may add stain and scale control, or a similar sequestering agent,
such as Metal Gone.
3. Test and adjust total alkalinity – run pump for ½ hour.
4. Test and adjust pH – run pump for ½ hour.
5. If sanitizing with bromine, add sodium bromide with jets running (see Bromine in this section).
a. Fill and set bromine floater or adjustable bromine feeder and place in the spa water.
b. Shock water with potassium peroxymonosulfate (such as "Renew") with jets running.
6. If sanitizing with chlorine, use only a granular "Dichlor" compound (see Chlorine in this section).
a. Fill and set chlorine floater or chlorine feeder and place in the spa water.
b. Shock water with potassium peroxymonosulfate (such as "Renew") with jets running.
7. Run pump for ½ hour.

WATER QUALITY

Your spa is equipped with a specially designed cartridge filter system. Filtering the water helps maintain
water cleanliness and clarity. While the filter traps most solid materials, it is still necessary to add a
sanitizer such as bromine or chlorine to the water in order to control bacteria, algae, and to oxidize any
organic materials in the water.
We recommend that you purchase your chemicals from your spa dealer. The dealer can also advise
you on alternative methods for water sanitation. Use of the wrong chemicals can be dangerous and
may void the warranty on your spa.

pH CONTROL

All water has a pH value determined by a scale of 0-14, which is a measure of the acid to alkaline
relationship. While a pH reading of 7.0 is considered neutral, a lower reading is considered acidic and a
higher reading is alkaline. The proper pH for spa water is between 7.2-7.6. High pH (above 7.8) can
reduce sanitizer efficiency, cloud the water, promote scale formation on spa surface and equipment and
interfere with filter operations. When pH is too high, add a pH down solution. Low pH (below 7.2) is
equally damaging and can cause equipment corrosion, water that is irritating, and rapid sanitizer
dissipation. Add pH increaser to adjust the level. Follow the chemical manufacturer's directions and
procedures when adding chemicals to spa water.
NOTE: Always add pH adjuster with jets operating and circulate all chemicals for at least 30 minutes.
Remember that good pH control and sanitation are absolutely essential for proper spa water treatment.

TOTAL ALKALINITY

Total alkalinity is the amount of carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxyl ions in the water. Total alkalinity
affects and buffers the pH of the water. With high total alkalinity (above 160), pH resists adjustment.
With low total alkalinity (below 130), pH is unstable and difficult to keep in the ideal range. Proper total
alkalinity levels allow other spa chemicals to work effectively.

WATER BALANCE

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