Watkins CalderaSpas Utopia Series Owner's Manual - page 41
Carefully measure the recommended amount of chemical and slowly pour it over the filter basket area. Use care not to splash chemicals on your hands, in your
3.
eyes, on the spa sheet surface, or on the siding.
Replace the filter compartment cover. After ten minutes, shut off the jet pump(s) and close the cover.
4.
Risk of Drowning: Never leave an open spa unattended!
WARNING: High sanitizer levels can cause discomfort to the user’s eyes, lungs and skin. Always allow the sanitizer level to fall to the recommended range before
using the spa.
IMPORTANT “SUPER CHLORINATION/NON-CHLORINE SHOCK TREATMENT” NOTE: After administering a super chlorination treatment or non-chlorine shock to
your spa, leave the cover open for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow the oxidizer gas to vent. A high concentration of trapped oxidizer gas which may exist as a result of
the shock treatment (not daily sanitation) may eventually cause discoloration or vinyl degradation to the bottom of the cover. This type of damage is considered chemical
abuse and is not covered under the terms of the limited warranty.
THe waTkIns sPa waTer MaInTenanCe PrOGraM
Each step in your water maintenance program is dependent on the completion of the previous steps. Omitting a step or failing to reach the recommended range may
cause an imbalance in your water’s chemistry. Unbalanced water chemistry can damage the spa and its components, as well as cause discomfort for the user.
1. BalanCInG THe TOTal alkalInITY (Ta)
The recommended Total Alkalinity (TA) for your spa water is 40-120 ppm.
Total Alkalinity is a measure of the total levels of carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances in the water. TA is referred to as the water’s “pH
buffer". In other words, it’s a measure of the ability of the water to resist changes in pH level.
If the TA is too low, the pH level will fluctuate widely from high to low. Fluctuations in pH can cause corrosion or scaling of the spa components.
Low TA can be
corrected by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up).
If the Total Alkalinity is too high, the pH level will tend to be high and may be difficult to bring down.
It can be lowered by using sodium bisulfate(pH/Alkalinity Down).
Once the TA is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or low alkalinity will raise or lower the TA reading of the water.
When the Total Alkalinity is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.
2. BalanCInG THe CalCIuM HarDness (CH)
The recommended Calcium Hardness (CH) level for your spa is 100-150 ppm.
Calcium Hardness is a measure of the total amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Calcium helps control the corrosive nature of the spa’s water. That’s why calcium-
low water (commonly known as “soft” water) is not recommended. It is very corrosive to the equipment, and can cause staining of the spa shell.
If the CH is too high (commonly known as “hard water”), formation of scale on the spa’s shell surface and equipment can result. CH can be decreased by dilution–a
mixture of 75% hard and 25% soft water will usually yield a reading within the correct range. If soft water is not available or practical for you, a stain and scale inhibitor
should be added to the spa water, according to label instructions.
If the CH is too low add CH Increaser.
Once the CH is balanced, it normally remains stable, although the addition of more water with a high or low calcium content will raise or lower the CH reading of the
water.
When the CH is within the recommended range, proceed to the next step.
3. BalanCInG THe pH
The recommended pH level for your spa water is 7.4-7.6.
ThepHlevelisthemeasureofacidityandalkalinity.Valuesabove7.8arealkaline;thosebelow
7.2 are acidic. Maintaining the proper pH level is extremely important for:
Optimizing the effectiveness of the sanitizer.
•
Maintaining water that is comfortable for the user.
•
Preventing equipment deterioration.
•
If the spa water’s pH level is too low, the following may result:
The sanitizer will dissipate rapidly.
•
The water may become irritating to spa users.
•
The spa’s equipment may corrode.
•
If the pH is too low, it can be increased by adding sodium hydrogen carbonate (pH/Alkalinity Up) to the spa water.
If the pH level is too high, the following may result:
The sanitizer is less effective.
•
Scale will form on the spa shell surface and the equipment.
•
The water may become cloudy.
•
The filter cartridge pores may become obstructed.
•
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WATER qUALITY AND MAINTENANCE
ALKALINE SPA WATER
(SCALING ZONE)
8.2 ADD pH DECREASER
TO LOWER pH
7.8
COMFORT ZONE
7.6
IDEAL
7.4
7.2
ACIDIC SPA WATER
(CORROSIvE ZONE)
6.8
ADD pH INCREASER
TO RAISE pH
pH