SPA CARE GUIDE
WATER BALANCE
Spa Water Balance
Water balance has five factors: pH, Total Alkalinity “TA”, Calcium Hardness “CH”, Temperature, and Total Dissolved Solids “TDS”. For our purpose, it is assumed that the temperature will stay between 35 C and 40 C, and the TDS level will remain below 1500 parts per million (ppm), providing the drain and refill schedule is followed.
Water balance affects the safety of your equipment as well as the appearance of the water. pH is most critical, but the TA and CH levels must also be considered.
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pH
Maintain pH between 7.4 and 7.8. Spa Life pH Plus Up raises pH; Spa Life pH Minus lowers pH. See the above table.
NOTE: Dosages will vary depending on TA and CH levels. The recommended dosages are approximate and presume the water is balanced to 100 ppm TA and 250 ppm CH. All dosages per 2000 litres (Tbsp. = level tablespoon).
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Total Alkalinity
Total Alkalinity buffers or controls changes in pH. Maintain TA between 100-150 ppm. Total Alkalinity is critical to the protection of the equipment. Spa Life Buffer, in four level tablespoon doses, will raise the TA 20 ppm in 2400 litres of water.
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Calcium Hardness
Calcium Hardness controls overall buffering capacity of the water. Low CH can lead to corrosion; high CH to scaling, cloudy water and staining. Maintain CH between 150-300 ppm. 10 level tablespoons of Spa Life Cal will raise CH 50 ppm in 2000 litres of water. To lower CH, drain part of the old water, refill with fresh tap water, then retest.
SANITATION
Sanitation refers to the control of infectious organisms (bacteria, virus, etc.) and the removal of excess organics (perspiration, urine, body oils). Lawrason’s offers two types of sanitizers: Bromine and Chlorine.
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Bromine
Bromine is strongly recommended as a sanitizer for spa use. Bromine is more effective than chlorine in higher pH ranges. Also, bromine when coupled with nitrogenous waste will form bromamines. Bromamines are good disinfectants. When chlorine, on the other hand, forms chloramines they have no disinfecting properties. Bromine is available as a compressed tablet or a two part system. Consult your Lawrason's Dealer for the product best suited for your spa. It is recommended to maintain a bromine level of 3 to 5 ppm.
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Chlorine
There are a number of different types of chlorine available and the selection becomes a personal preference. Spa Life Mini Pucks are a slow releasing tablet that require a feeder or skimmer basket to dissolve. Spa Life Mini Pucks will maintain a good chlorine level over a number of days.
Whether using Bromine or Chlorine in your Spa, periodic shock treatments are required. Body oils, lotions, perspiration and dirt accumulate in the spa reducing the effect of your sanitizer. After heavy bather use or weekly, shock the spa using Spa Life Shock according to directions.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Cloudy Water
Suspended particulate matter can cause cloudy water. To keep the water sparkling clear, treat weekly with Spa Life Super Clarifier with the system running. If cloudy water is a constant problem, check TA, CH, and pH levels and bring into balance.
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Other Possible Causes:
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Suspended particles - Add Spa Life Super Clarifier
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Build-up of organic contaminants -Shock treatment with Spa Life Shock
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Total alkalinity too high - Add Spa Life pH Minus until TA is within 100-150 ppm
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Hardness too high - Add Spa Life Secure
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pH too high - Adjust pH using Spa Life pH Minus until 7.4-7.8
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High TDS - Empty spa and refill (have water tested)
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Poor filtration - Clean cartridge with Spa Life Filter Free
Foaming
Foaming is caused by shampoo and soap residues, hair sprays, cleansers and even “soft” water (low TA and CH). If foaming occurs, treat by squirting Spa Life Foam Away over the surface of the water. Repeat if necessary.
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Other Possible Causes:
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High concentration of oils and organic matter - Squirt Spa Life Foam Away over foamy area contaminants being agitated by jets
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Soft water - Use Spa Life Cal until CH is within 150-300 ppm
Coloured Water
If the water takes on a green or brown tint, it is probably due to metal (copper or iron) in the water. To remove colour and prevent staining, treat with recommended dose of Spa Life Secure. Repeat if necessary.
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Other Possible Causes:
1. Dissolved metals - Use Spa Life Secure and have water tested - (copper, iron, etc.) from equipment or source water
2. Algae - Shock treat with Spa Life Shock and add non foaming algaecide
Scale Formation:
If white, chalky or hard residue forms on the sides of the spa, it is due to calcium carbonate scale formation. Also treat with Spa Life Secure and check water balance parameters.
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Other Possible Causes:
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High calcium level - Drain partially and add Spa Life Secure
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pH too high - Adjust pH to 7.4-7.8
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Alkalinity too high - Adjust TA to 100-150 ppm by adding Spa Life pH Minus
Poor Filtration:
Approximately every 3 months, depending on TDS and usage. The spa should be drained and the filter cleaned with Spa Life Filter Free. Heavy usage will require draining more frequently.
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Other Possible Causes:
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Skimmer basket clogged - Remove hair and other debris from skimmer basket on a regular basis
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Filter Cartridge clogged - Remove and clean with Spa Life Filter Free
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Pump not operating properly -Have a service technician examine the system
SPECIALTY
Spa Life Clean
Spa Life Clean is a concentrated low sudsing cleaner especially formulated for spas. Spa Life Clean will remove the bathtub ring and other soils that can accumulate on the spa surface.
Warning: DO NOT use household detergents that can damage the spa finish and also upset the chemical balance of the water.
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Spa Life Scum Free
Spa Life Scum Free is an enzyme based product that breaks down oils and scum that form in the spa. Spa Life Scum Free will help eliminate cloudy water and control odour. With improved filtration, Spa Life Scum Free will lengthen the time between drainings.
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Spa Life Cover Care
Spa Life Cover Care is a combination cleaner and restorer for spa/hot tub covers. All covers over time will start to blister and crack. Spa Life Cover Care will provide protection from the elements and U.V. degradation from sunlight
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SAFETY TIPS
Spa & Hot Tub Use
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Never allow water to exceed 40ºC (104ºF)
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Limit soak time to 15 minutes at a time
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Do not drink alcoholic beverages before or during use
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Do not allow children to use the spa/hot tub without supervision
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If you are pregnant, consult a physician before use
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If you have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular condition, consult your physician before using a spa or hot tub
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Chemical Safety & Storage
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Keep all chemical containers sealed and out of reach of children
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Read and follow all label directions
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NEVER mix chemicals
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Always add chemicals into water - never the reverse
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Store all chemicals in a cool, dry place with the container sealed
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Never store chemicals in direct sunlight
VOCABULARY
Acid: A chemical which lowers pH when added to water.
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Algae: Microscopic aquatic plant life which can grow on pool surfaces or float free in the water.
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Base: A chemical which raises pH when added to water.
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Bacteria: One celled organisms, some of which cause disease and/or infection. Without proper sanitation, pool water and pool surfaces are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria.
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Calcium Hardness (CH): The quantity of calcium dissolved in the water.
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Chlorine: The sanitizer and oxidizer most commonly used in swimming pools.
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Organic Waste: Nitrogen and ammonia bearing compounds such as urine, saliva, perspiration, body oils and suntan lotions that are continuously introduced into pool water by swimmers. Most organic wastes will not filter out and must be chemically removed (oxidized) with a periodic shock treatment.
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pH: The measurement of water's relative acidity and basicity. The pH range is from 0 - 14; a pH of 7 is neutral. pH values below 7 are acidic and values higher than 7 are basic. The recommended pH for pool water is 7.2 to 7.8.
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Residual: The amount of a compound existing in water, usually expressed as parts per million.
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Sanitizer: A chemical compound, such as chlorine and bromine, which disinfects (kills bacteria), kills algae, and oxidizes organic matter.
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Shock: The process of introducing significant quantities of an oxidizer to water to bring about the chemical destruction of excess organic wastes.
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Total Alkalinity (TA): The amount of bicarbonate, carbonate and hydroxides present in water. TA acts as a pH buffer.