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Water Troubleshooting
Here are a few of the more common difficulties experienced by spa
owners, together with some solutions.
Dull/Cloudy Water
Caused by:
(i) Saturation of dissolved chemicals and/or organic matter in the
water.
(ii) A pH level that is higher than recommended.
Solutions :
(i) A build up of dissolved chemicals or dissolved organic matter
may occur when filters become blocked, thus restricting the water
flow and filtration process. It is recommended that dissolved solids
do not rise above 1,500 ppm. Check and clean the filters to insure
there are no blockages. If this does not help to restore water clarity
then you should drain the tub, clean it out and refill.
(ii) A pH higher than 7.6 can cloud your spa water. Lower the pH
to the recommended level by adding small amounts of a suitable pH
reducer or similar acidic product to your spa water.
Scaling
Caused by:
a build up of calcium carbonate solids at high pH levels. A high
pH level causes dissolved calcium in your spa water to precipitate
out into solid particles more quickly than at lower/recommended
pH levels.
Solutions :
(i) Lower pH to the recommended level by adding small amounts of
a suitable pH reducer or similar acidic product to your spa water.
You should also stabilize the pH by insuring total alkalinity is
within the recommended range. If the problem persists then add a
sequestering agent to the spa water to restrict the precipitation
of calcium deposits.
(ii) Insure all scaling is removed during your regular cleaning
schedule
Foaming
Caused by:
a build up of soaps, oils and detergents introduced by bathers into
the water. When the water becomes agitated through use, these cleansers
lather up into a foam. The problem is made much worse in water with
a low calcium hardness level.
Solutions :
(i) Ask bathers to wash or shower before entering into the pool.
(ii) Use a recognized defoamer to stop detergents forming lather.
(iii) Check your calcium hardness level and adjust if necessary
with an appropriate calcium additive.
Eye & Skin Irritation
Caused by:
(i) An incorrect pH level allowing the water to become too acidic
or too alkaline.
(ii) Infection by bacteria in the water due to a low disinfectant
level.
Solutions :
(i) Adjust the total alkalinity and pH level to the recommended
range.
(ii) Bacteria must be eliminated by draining and thoroughly cleaning
your tub. You should also insure that the correct bromine residual
is achieved in the refilled pool. If any bacterial infection persists
then you should seek medical advice.
High bromine consumption
Caused by:
(i) a high concentration of organic matter, soaps and detergents
in the water through prolonged use of the spa.
Solutions :
Shock treat the water to oxidize the organic material and then re-balance
the water's chemistry. During prolonged use of your spa you should
regularly monitor the bromine residual. Should the reading fall
below the recommended level then the spa should not be used until
after it has been shocked and re-balanced.
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