Common Water Chemistry Questions; Water Terminology - HotSpring LANDMARK Owner's Manual

COMMON WATER CHEMISTRY QUESTIONS

Question: Why can't I use a floater to sanitize my spa water?
Answer: Watkins does not recommend the use of a floater for three reasons.
1. The floater is unable to control the rate at which sanitizer is dissolved into the water. When a floater is first placed in a
spa, the sanitizer level can be extremely high. High sanitizer levels can chemically burn or discolor the spa's shell or the
underside of the cover. Then, after a period of time, the sanitizer level dispensed by the floater will fall to near zero. A
low sanitizer level will allow viruses, bacteria or algae to grow.
2. Floaters tend to stay in one area of the spa most of the time (usually over the cool down seat), causing this area to be
exposed to extreme sanitizer levels.
3. The floater may allow pieces of the highly concentrated sanitizer to fall out and settle on the floor or seat of the spa
shell. These pieces of sanitizer will chemically burn (blister) the spa shell. Although your spa shell is specifically
designed to resist the effects of spa chemicals, no spa surface can withstand this type of highly concentrated
chemical. Remember, chemical abuse is specifically not covered under the terms of the warranty.
Question: When I open my spa, I smell chlorine. How do I get rid of this smell?
Answer: There are two types of chlorine in your spa. The first is the Free Available Chlorine (FAC), which is the chlorine
available to sanitize your spa. This type of chorine does not have an odor. The second is Chloramine, which is residue from
chlorine already expended. Chloramines have a strong chlorine odor. The smell from Chloramines can be eliminated by
"shocking" the water. If you smell chlorine in the water, your spa is reminding you to add a shock treatment.
Question: Why can't I fill my spa with soft water?
Answer: Soft water is essentially the same as regular water except that most or all of the calcium has been replaced by
sodium. Soft water may be corrosive to the heater and other components. Replacement of spa components damaged by
soft water is extremely expensive.
Question: I am trying to reduce the number of chemicals to which my family is exposed. Do I really need to use so many
chemicals and in such large amounts?
Answer: While over-exposure to any chemical can be unhealthful, many low levels of chemicals are effective and
beneficial. In the case of spa water, the chemicals recommended in the Hot Spring
needed to protect the user from water-borne pathogens (disease-causing microbes) and to prevent corrosion of spa
components. The Hot Spring
such as halogen sanitizers.
Question: Why isn't water chemistry damage covered by the warranty?
Answer: The chemical levels and water quality of the water in the spa are under your direct control. With proper basic care,
the spa will provide many years of hot water relaxation. If you are unsure about any chemical or its usage in the spa,
contact your Authorized Dealer or Watkins Manufacturing.

WATER TERMINOLOGY

The following chemical terms are used in this Water Quality and Maintenance section. Understanding their meaning will
help you to better understand the water maintenance process.
Bromamines: Compounds formed when bromine combines with nitrogen from body oils, urine, perspiration, etc. Unlike
chloramines, bromamines have no pungent odor and are effective sanitizers.
Bromine: A halogen sanitizer (in the same chemical family as chlorine). Bromine is commonly used in stick, tablet, or
granular form. See the DO's and DON'Ts of Spa Water Maintenance for additional information.
Calcium Hardness: The amount of dissolved calcium in the spa water. This should be approximately 150-200 ppm. High
levels of calcium can cause cloudy water and scaling. Low levels can cause harm to the spa equipment.
Chloramines: Compounds formed when chlorine combines with nitrogen from body oils, urine, perspiration, etc.
Chloramines can cause eye irritation as well as having a strong odor. Unlike bromamines, chloramines are weaker, slower
sanitizers.
Chlorine: An efficient sanitizing chemical for spas. Watkins Manufacturing Corporation recommends the use of Sodium
Dichlor-type granulated chlorine. This type is preferred because it is totally soluble and nearly pH neutral.
Chlorine (or Bromine) Residual: The amount of chlorine or bromine remaining after chlorine or bromine demand has been
satisfied. The residual is, therefore, the amount of sanitizer which is chemically available to kill bacteria, viruses and algae.
Corrosion: The gradual wearing away of metal spa parts, usually caused by chemical action. Generally, corrosion is
caused by low pH or by water with levels of TA, CH, pH or sanitizer which are outside the recommended ranges.
DPD: The preferred reagent used in test kits to measure the Free Available Chlorine.
Water Quality and Maintenance
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Spa EverFresh Water Care System minimizes the use of chemicals with harsh side effects,
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Water Maintenance program are