Step 2 - Spa care guide
Balancing The Water
Preventing problems with your spa is often a matter of simply maintaining the proper water chemistry balance. The three most important factors in balancing spa water chemistry are pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
1. Test pH and Total Alkalinity using Spa Water Test Strips.
Although your dealer initially tested your water, you should test your water’s pH and total alkalinity on a regular basis using test strips or a liquid test kit.
Each Leisure Time Spa Kit contains SPA WATER TEST STRIPS to test spa water. To test, simply dip a test strip in spa water, swirl 3 times and compare to chart. Determine the pH and total alkalinity levels using the chart on the test strip bottle.
2. Adjust pH & Total Alkalinity
Once you’ve determined pH and total alkalinity readings, your spa water should be balanced so that the pH and total alkalinity levels are within the normal ranges. Each Leisure Time Spa Kit contains granular SPA UP and SPA DOWN to adjust pH and total alkalinity levels. When using these products, remember to circulate spa water for at least 15 minutes before adding another product.
To effectively balance your spa water, review the following information carefully, as well as refer to the application instructions of the product you use.
pH
It is critical that the pH of your spa water remain in the normal range of 7.2 - 7.8. A pH reading outside this range can cause your spa water to be corrosive or scale forming. Water with a reading below 7.2 can be corrosive. A number of problems can occur if pH remains at this level including the corrosion of metal fixtures and heating elements, excessive sanitizer consumption, and skin irritation. Water above 7.8, on the other hand, can also be damaging. Water with a pH level this high is considered scale forming and will allow metals or minerals in the water to form deposits and possibly stain spa surfaces.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer preventing the pH level from changing as additional chemicals or other substances are added into the water. The ideal total alkalinity range is between 80-120 ppm (parts per million). A reading below this range will make it very difficult to stabilize the pH level of the water and corrosion of spa surfaces is possible. A reading above the recommended total alkalinity level may increase pH levels and cause cloudy water, scaling, and decreased efficiency of the spa sanitizer.
Other Leisure Time balancing formulas available individually include:
- LIQUID SPA UP and LIQUID SPA DOWN “No mix” liquid versions of SPA UP & SPA DOWN
- SPA ALKALINITY INCREASER™ designed specifically for raising low alkalinity levels
- PH BALANCE™ formulated to lock in pH within normal range when added to freshly filled spa
CAUTION: In hard water areas where calcium reading is over 150 ppm, PH BALANCE SHOULD NOT BE USED. In these conditions, this formula will soften hard water and release calcium into spa water possibly causing cloudy water, scaling, and clogging of spa filter.
3. Determine & Adjust Calcium Hardness
The professional water test conducted by your retailer should have given you a calcium hardness reading. You may also determine calcium hardness by using a liquid test kit.
It is critical to have some calcium in your spa water. The level of calcium should be between 150-400 ppm.
Calcium hardness readings above 400 ppm can cause scale build-up on spa surfaces and equipment. During initial filling, your spa will be protected against high calcium levels by the SPA METAL GON added while filling your spa with water.
Once you complete the initial set up of your spa, use SPA DEFENDER weekly to prevent calcium scaling. SPA DEFENDER is included in all Leisure Time spa kits.
Low calcium levels below 150 ppm can cause spa water to become highly corrosive possibly damaging spa equipment and plumbing. To raise calcium levels add Leisure Time’s CALCIUM BOOSTER™ available individually from your Leisure Time retailer.
When using these products, remember to circulate spa water for at least 15 minutes before adding another product.
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