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SPA WATER CHEMISTRY

Why Is Balanced Water Important?

Balanced water is held safely between two harmful extremes. If water falls out of balance on the low side, it becomes corrosive, attacking spa surfaces and equipment. If it should rise out of balance on the high side, scale buildup can occur and leave unsightly deposits. Out of balance water can also cause skin and eye irritation, staining, cloudy water, and will interfere with the sanitizers' effectiveness.

Water Balance Factors

pH Levels
pH is the most important factor in water balance. When the spa's pH is out of range, water balance problems may occur as mentioned above. Maintain pH levels at 7.4 - 7.6 to make sure spa users are comfortable and for maximum sanitizer effectiveness.

Total Alkalinity Levels
Alkalinity is a measure of the water's buffering capacity or ability to resist changes in pH. The proper alkalinity range for spa water is 125 - 150 ppm. Keeping the alkalinity in its proper range will prevent the pH level from moving too high or too low.

Calcium Hardness Levels
It is important to maintain a calcium hardness level of 100 - 200 ppm in your spa water. High hardness levels can cause scaling on your spa components. Low hardness levels can cause erosion on concrete or gunite spas and wrinkles in vinyl lined spas. A special test is required to analyze the hardness in your water.

Sanitizer Levels
Bromine levels should be maintained at 2.0 - 6.0 ppm. Alternatively, if you use chlorine as a sanitizer, you should maintain chlorine levels of 1.0 - 3.0 ppm.

Shocking the water removes organic waste and helps the sanitizer work more effectively. You should add shock when fresh water is first added, but the water should be tested for metals first. After that, it is a good idea to shock your spa water once a week. Be sure to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer when using chemicals.

Safety Precaution: Use only one type of sanitizer (chlorine OR bromine). Mixing chlorine and bromine in your spa water or equipment could result in a dangerous explosion.

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