Softub of the Rockies - Glossary of Terms

Alkalinity - The concentration of alkaline materials in the water. Proper alkalinity is directly related to the stability of the pH. High alkalinity will make the pH impossible to adjust. Low alkalinity will make the pH unstable and difficult to maintain.

Bacteria - The germs that contaminate your spa water.

Balanced Water - The correct balance of alkalinity, pH and sanitizer.

Calcium Hardness - The amount of dissolved calcium in the spa water. This should be approximately 200 - 400 ppm. High levels of calcium can cause cloudy water and scaling. Low levels of calcium can cause permanent harm to the equipment pack and the Softub vinyl liner.

Calcium Up - Increases calcium levels in your water to avoid damage to the equipment seals, metal in your spa, and the vinyl liner. Especially needed if you have or use soft water in your tub.

Chlor - A fast dissolving, granular product used for sanitation of the spa water. Dispensed manually into the water as needed.

Chloramines - The result when chlorine combines with bacteria and becomes "used".

Chlorine - The recommended type of sanitizer for a vinyl lined spa. It is granular with a nearly neutral pH that dissolves rapidly.

Chlorine Demand - The amount of chlorine that must be added to the spa to destroy existing bacteria and algae and establish a chlorine residual.

Chlorine Residual or Free Chlorine - The available chlorine left in the spa water to destroy harmful organisms after the Chlorine Demand has been met. The correct amount of free available chlorine is 3 - 5 ppm.

Defoam - Instantly rids the spa of undesired foam.

Gon - Rids spa of minerals and metals that can interfere with filtration, affect sanitizer efficiency and stain spa surfaces. Necessary if you have well water or water with a high metal/mineral concentration.

pH - The pH level is the measure of acidity and alkalinity of the water. It is measured in on a scale of 0 - 14. The ideal pH is 7.2 - 7.6. When the pH level falls below 7.2, damage to metal in the equipment pak can occur and wrinkling of the vinyl liner. A high pH level above 7.8 can reduce the effectiveness of the sanitizer, and cause cloudiness and scale formation. Improper pH can lead to eye irritation.

pH Down - decreases the pH and alkalinity level of the water in your spa.

pH Hold - Locks in the pH level in freshly filled spas.

pH UP - Increases the pH and alkalinity level in the water of your spa.

ppm - Parts per million. The measurement of chemical concentration in the water.

Renu - keeps your filter operating efficiently by removing grease, grime, and other build-up that can impair the filtration process.

Sanitizer - Any product or device that kills bacteria living in the water.

Spa Perfect - Naturally biodegrades body oils and grime that can cloud water, clog filter and produce scum lines.

Superchlorination - Also known as shocking or oxidation. Oxidizes used up chlorimines and bromamines in the water that can cause odor and irritation.

Swirl Away - Removes build-up of oils and other debris in plumbing lines and jets. Makes the interior of the spa sparkle.

Water Balance - The interrelation of factors which determine the quality of the spa water.

Water Clear - Restores clarity to dull water by combining unfilterable particles into larger particles so they can be trapped in the filter.

Water Test Strip - An accurate dip test that measures the spa water for sanitizer, pH, and alkalinity levels.