Water Chemistry Guidelines
The following step-by-step instructions are a recommended guideline for balancing water chemistry. If unsure about any step in the process, please contact a Customer Care Associate at (888) 961-7727 Ext. 8440 or by email at ahsservice@watkinsmfg.com.
Initially, it is advisable to identify what minerals (e.g. iron) are present in the local source water. This will provide a better understanding of how to treat the water. Please follow the four steps below and be sure to achieve the correct levels in each area before moving onto the next step.
Step #1: Establish Proper Ph level:
The recommended range for pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the reading is too high, lower the pH by using a pH Down/Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). If the pH level needs to be increased, do so with a pH Up/Increaser (sodium hydrogen carbonate). Any pH Up or Down should be added one teaspoon at a time, waiting one-half hour between application and re-measuring.
Step #2: Measure Total Alkalinity:
The ideal range is between 80-120 parts per million (PPM). If the total alkalinity is too high, it should be reduced by using an Alkalinity Down/Decreaser (sodium bisulfate). If the total alkalinity is too low, it can be increased by adding an Alkalinity UP/Increaser (sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate). These products should be added in small amounts – a teaspoon at a time. After adding one teaspoon, wait one half hour before re-measuring. Once the safe range of total alkalinity is established, proceed to the next step.
Step #3: Determine Calcium Hardness:
It is important to bring the calcium reading to between 100-250 PPM. If the reading requires adjustment, it should now be corrected. If the water is too soft (a low reading) calcium hardness should be added to the water to increase the PPM reading. If the water is too hard (a high reading), it can be corrected by either: (A) a mixture of hard and soft water added to attain a reading in the safe range, or (B) addition of stain and scale control. If calcium hardness is a problem with the local source water (either too hard or too soft) a test kit, which measures calcium hardness, is essential.
Step #4: Sanitizing:
After steps 1-3 are complete, the spa must be sanitized using Chlorine (sodium dichlor). Add 2 teaspoons of Chlorine, and increase as necessary to reach a level of 3-5 ppm. Check and maintain this level weekly, and before and after using the spa. IMPORTANT NOTE: A granulated sodium dichlor is highly recommended for sanitizing spa water. never use a sodium trichlor or bromine tablet in any form even with a floater. As with any other chemicals, the sanitizer should be introduced to the spa with the jets running for 15 minutes.
Weekly Shock:
Using a potassium monopersulfate (MPS) shock, add approximately 2 oz. spreading it over the water while the jets are running. Shocking is achieved by adding the MPS to turbulent water. Leave the cover up until the jets automatically turn off. The spas are equipped with an automatic time out feature that will shut the jets off after 15 minutes. Then return the cover to the closed position to maintain heat.