BullFrog Spas Owner's Manual - page 23
MAINTENANCE
WATER CHEMISTRY
Tap water that is safe to drink is not always safe for a spa. Normal tap water is usually filled with minerals
and micro-contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye. Properly testing and treating your spa
water is essential for the health of the spa as well as the people using it.
Proper chemical maintenance will help control and prevent the following:
Bacteria, algae and fungi, which can spread disease and infection to humans
Staining and scale build-up on the spa shell, equipment, and piping
Clogged
filters
Note: Always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Use an accurate test kit to perform all chemical tests.
Never mix chemicals. With the exception of Bromine tablets, add chemicals directly to the spa, evenly
spreading the chemicals over the surface of the water. Run the filter pump on high speed for at least 15
minutes after applying any chemicals.
OVERVIEW OF WATER CHEMISTRY
Sanitation
Sanitizers kill bacteria and keep the water clean. Effective and safe sanitizers include any of the
following:
Granular
Chlorine
(Dichlor)
Granular
Bromine
Bromine tablets (use with caution and test regularly)
Note: Chlorine tablets must not be used in the spa. It could damage the spa and void the warranty.
Super Sanitation
Normal sanitation does not eliminate non-filterable wastes, such as perspiration, oils, hair sprays, etc. and
will build up in the water. These substances make the water unattractive in appearance, odor, and can
interfere with sanitizer effectiveness. Super sanitation is achieved by “shocking” the spa water with a
non-chlorine shock (potassium peroxymonosulfate), granular chlorine (dichlor), or granular bromine.
pH Control
Proper pH balance is extremely important in controlling bacteria, providing water that is comfortable to the
user, and preventing damage to the spa and equipment. pH is the measure of acidity and basicity in the
water, the pH scale ranges from 0 – 14. pH levels under 7.0 are acidic while pH levels over 7.0 are basic.
The proper pH range for a spa is 7.4 to 7.6.
High pH levels (over 7.6): can cause scale build-up on the spa and its equipment, cloudy water,
a prematurely dirty filter, and less effective chlorine sanitation. To correct high pH levels, add a
pH decreaser.
Low pH levels (under 7.4): can cause discomfort to the spa users and corrosion to the spa
equipment. To increase pH levels, add a pH increaser.
Note: Never use muriatic or hydrochloric acid to adjust pH as it can damage the spa shell and
surroundings.
Bullfrog Spas Owner’s Manual
23