Softub of the Rockies - Water Treatment

Water balance is an interrelation of factors which determine the quality of the spa water. The effectiveness of chemicals and additives is dependent on all these factors working together or "balancing". Water characteristics also vary depending on the local water supply. You may have to "fine tune" the spa water because of these variances. Following is an overview of sanitizing and other factors necessary to "balance" the water.

The sanitizer of choice for a vinyl lined spa is Chlor. Chlor is a chlorine based, granulated product that is added directly to the spa water. Chlorine should be maintained at a level of 3-5 ppm and can be easily tested using a water test strip to determine sanitizer level.

Spa water may become dull, cloudy or hazy even though the water is properly balanced. If it is not time to drain and refill your spa, you may need to superchlorinate the spa water. Superchlorination is performed by adding Chlor to the spa until a level of 6 - 10 ppm is reached. This will burn off or "oxidize" the old, used up chlorine that can cause cloudy water and chemical odor. Always allow the chlorine level to drop to 3 - 5 ppm before using the spa after superchlorination.

Alkalinity refers to the concentration of alkaline materials in the water and is directly related to the stability of the pH. The total alkalinity should be between 100 - 120 ppm. Alkalinity levels below 80 ppm or above 120 ppm can affect your ability to properly maintain the recommended pH. Always balance the alkalinity before attempting to balance the pH.

The pH level measures the relative acidity and basicity of the water. It is measured on a scale of 0 -14. The ideal pH level is 7.4 - 7.6. When pH levels fall below 7.2, it can damage metal in the equipment pack, pump seals, and can cause irreparable wrinkling of the vinyl liner. A pH level above 7.8 will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine or bromine. pH can be measures using a water test strip and can be adjusted using pH Down or pH Up.

When treating your water for the first time, please follow these guidelines during initial set up and each time you drain and refill your spa.

Please Note: Do not add chemicals together. Add them separately to the spa water. When adding chemicals, always have the water circulating in the spa with jets pointed in a downward circular pattern for better chemical distribution. Allow several minutes between chemical additions.

1. Gon - Add 1 bottle of Softcare Gon for up to 300 gallons of water. This will prevent staining of the water by removing minerals found in water such as iron, copper and manganese. Allow to circulate in a full spa for 30 minutes before starting to balance the water.

2. Calcium Hardness - A level of 50 - 150 ppm is desired. If you have or need to use soft water it is very important that you check and adjust your calcium hardness level. Low levels can cause permanent harm to the equipment pak and wrinkling of the vinyl liner. Use Calcium Up to raise your calcium hardness levels.

3. Total Alkalinity - A level of 80 -120 ppm is desired. Use pH Up or pH Down to make any adjustments. Wait 15 minutes before retesting.

4. Add Chlor - In addition to the table spoon of Chlor you should have already added during the early stages of filling your spa, you may need to add a little more. Check your chlorine level now. The ideal level will be between 3 -5 ppm. 1/2 to 1 additional tablespoon of Chlor may be required to reach these levels.

5. Final pH - Check for a final pH reading. A level of 7.4 - 7.6 is ideal.

6. Let tub warm to temp, 100° - 104°, recheck and adjust( if necessary) chlorine and pH levels. Wait approximately 15 minutes after adding chemicals to retest water and enter tub. Make sure your filter is in place and then enjoy your Softub!