By
balancing the water you are creating the right
conditions for bather comfort, chemical
efficiency & equipment protection. A number of
factors are involved in balancing the water
but the main areas are Calcium Hardness, Total
Alkalinity & pH
Calcium Hardness
This will vary depending on where you live and
where your water supply comes from and it is
very important that the correct level is
established. As a guide soft water tends to be
low in Calcium Hardness and hard water more
obviously is high. The level should be checked
each time you top-up or refill the spa with
fresh water. The ideal Calcium Hardness level
for hot tubs is between 100 - 200mg/l.
When it is below this level the water could be
corrosive which could lead to damage of plant
equipment such as the heater. If this is the
case apply Hardness Plus to achieve the
correct level.
When it is above this level the water has a
tendency to appear cloudy and also calcium can
precipitate out and deposit itself on the tub
shell finish, heater element, cartridge
element & within pipework. If this is the case
apply No Scale to achieve the correct level.
Total Alkalinity
This will again vary depending upon your water
source so must be checked each time fresh
water is added. It acts as a buffer to prevent
pH change and if the level is too low the pH
will fluctuate widely, if too high pH
adjustment will be difficult to effect.
The
ideal Total Alkalinity for spas is between 125
- 150mg/l.
When it is below this level not only will pH
fluctuate but also the water could be
corrosive, cause damage to equipment and be
uncomfortable to bathers. Use pH plus to raise
levels.
When it is above this level not only is pH
difficult to adjust but also the water could
be scale forming and clarity impaired. Use pH
minus to reduce levels.
pH Levels
Regular pH checks are an essential part of
your tub maintenance routine using Test
Strips.
The
pH scale has a range of 0 - 14 with 0 being
very acidic, 7 being neutral & 14 being very
alkali. For spas the ideal range is between
7.4 - 7.6, this being slightly alkaline to
protect the spa and prevent equipment
corrosion. This also provides the most
comfortable conditions for bathers and good
sanitiser efficiency.
If
the level is below 7.4 use pH Plus to raise
the level.
If
the level is above 7.6 use pH Minus to reduce
the level.
Sanitising
The sanitising of your spa water is necessary
to kill bacteria and help in the prevention of
algae growth. The level should be checked
regularly using Test Strips. Bromine or
Chlorine are the most commonly used sanitisers
for spas.
Bromine
This is a very effective hot water sanitiser
ideally suited to spas.
It is effective over a wide pH range and has
little odour.
Comes in tablet form and can be used in a
floating dispenser.
Bromine should be maintained between 3 -
6mg/l.
Chlorine
This is available in granule form, which are
rapid dissolving and also in tablet form and
is a good sanitiser.
Tends to be less effective at higher
temperatures and when the pH goes out of the
7.2 to 7.6 range
Chlorine should be maintained between 3 -
5mg/l.
Oxidising
It
is necessary to oxidise your spa weekly using
Non Chlor Shock.
It
destroys odours and wastes such as
perspiration, cosmetics and body oils.
Restores sparkle.
Increases bather comfort.
