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Regulations
POOL & SPA TIPS
Disinfection
Disinfecting your spa water means killing the harmful bacteria and keeping the water
clean. Superior offers two types of disinfectant systems to choose from; chlorine or
bromine based. Both have their advantages.
Chlorine
There are different types of chlorine treatments available to the spa owner. We believe
stabilized chlorine in tablet or granular form is best suited for outdoor spa use. Spa
Tabs are 90% available chlorine and offer a continual slow release of disinfectant. Tabs
require a feeder or skimmer basket to dissolve. CHLOR-AID granular chlorine dissolves
completely and immediately for instant disinfection and does not alter the pH.
Bromine
There are two common types of bromine systems available. These include organic bromine
tablets and the two part liquid bromine program. Bromine tablets are convenient and
require a skimmer basket or feeder to dispense the disinfectant. The two part bromine
systems can be added directly and immediately to the spa. Make sure the bromine level is
3-5 p.p.m.
Shock Treatment
After using your spa, body oils, perspiration, hair and dirt accumulate which can turn
your spa cloudy. Periodic shock treatments with SPA SHOCK will oxidize these organic
contaminants. SPA SHOCK is compatible with both Chlorine and Bromine disinfectant systems.
Water Balance
Water balance is important to he overall performance of your spa. No spa's water
conditions are exactly alike. The water source, location of the spa and frequency of use
all affect the water balance. Unbalanced water can damage the equipment, make the water
uncomfortable for the user, and decrease the effectiveness of the disinfectant. Total
alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness must be within the correct range to balance the
water.
pH
Simply,
pH is a scale indicating whether spa water is basic, neutral or acidic. Spa water should
be slightly basic 7.2-7.6.
A low pH below 7.2 leads to corrosion of spa equipment and will irritate the skin of the
bathers. The sanitizer will dissipate more rapidly. A low pH can be corrected by adding pH
BOOSTER.
A high pH above 7.6 promotes scaling on heat exchange tubes, creates cloudy water, calcium
deposits and reduces the effectiveness of disinfecting agents. A high pH can be corrected
by adding pH REDUCER.
Alkalinity
Total
alkalinity is a measure of the alkalines in the water. They act as a pH buffer or a pH
stabilizer preventing large changes in the pH. The total alkalinity should be between 80
-150 p.p.m.; ideally 120 p.p.m. Tablet chlorines and bromine tend to gradually lower the
alkalinity level.
A low total alkalinity causes:
- the pH to wander
- corrosive water
- disinfectants to be
ineffective To raise the total
alkalinity add ALKA RISE.
A high total alkalinity
causes:
- cloudy water
- scale formation
To lower the total
alkalinity add pH REDUCER.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium
hardness is the hardness present due to dissolved calcium. The desired range is 150-280
p.p.m.
A low calcium hardness causes: - corrosive water - staining of surfaces To raise calcium
hardness add CAL-RISE.
A high calcium hardness causes:
- scaling of heating pipes
- cloudy water
- staining of spa
To correct
this problem add PREVENT II. Do not fill the spa with soft water!
Common Spa Water Problems -
Cause & Remedy
Problem |
Cause/Solution |
Cloudy Water |
Cause
A) Organic contaminants build up.
B) Suspended particles.
C) pH high.
D) Total alkalinity too high.
E) Hardness too high.
F) Poor filtration.
G) High dissolved solids.
Solution
A) Shock treatment and SPA SHOCK. Add deskummer
B) Add SPA CLEAR. Use SPA-BALL.
C) Add pH REDUCER until pH level reads 7.2 - 7.6
D) Add pH REDUCER, adjust total alkalinity to 80 - 150 p.p.m.
E) Add PREVENT II, circulate through a water softener until hardness is 150-280 p.p.m.
F) Dirty filter, clean with CARTRIDGE CLEANER.
G) Empty spa and refill.
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Coloured Water |
Cause
A) Dissolved copper, iron and other metals from source water or equipment
B) Algae
C) Fragrance
Solution
A) Use PREVENT II. Have Superior check water balance.
B) Add non-foaming AGAECIDE.
C) Stop the use of fragrance.
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Foaming |
Cause
A) High concentration of oils and organic contaminants being agitated by jets B) Soft
Water
Solution
A) Squirt DEFOAMER on foam. Use SPA-BALL or add Descummer. B) Add CAL RISE until hardness
is 150-280 p.p.m.
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Scale Deposits |
Cause
High calcium level, high pH, high alkalinity
Solution
Drain partially, add PREVENT II, correct pH level to 7.2-7.6 and alkalinity to 80-150
p.p.m.
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Odour Eye/Skin Irritation |
Cause
High level of organic contaminants, combined chlorine.
A) pH too low
B) combined chlorine due to high concentration or organic contaminants
Solution
Shock with SPA SHOCK, add Descummer.
A) Add pH BOOSTER until level is 7.2-7.6
B) Shock with SPA SHOCK, add CHLOR-AID, SPA-TABS or LITHIUM
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No Chlorine / Bromine Reading |
Cause
A) High concentration of organic contaminants using up sanitizers
B) Test reagents may be ineffective
Solution
A) Add sanitizers until levels are up to recommended range.
B) Replace at least once a year, keep cool and out of sunlight.
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