Carefree's Spa Water Balance & Purity Tips
  Water balance is essential for the enjoyment of your spa.  Water balance should be checked a minimum of once per week except with the Aqua-Finesse™ water care system.   You should treat your spa water at least once per week even when not in use.

The tables below provide specific instructions with a recommended weekly routine for water balance actions for the water purity systems we offer.

No water purity system is perfect and some work better for some than others. Some skin types are sensitive to chemicals or the additives in the chemicals. The systems we offer are as follows:

  • AquaFinesse™, no more itchy skin, water tests or balance chemicals.
  • Ionization cartridge/shock
  • Bromine/Chlorine
  • Salt system that generates it's own chlorine. Otherwise no packaged chlorines, bromines or spa shock is not needed.
  • Biguinide sanitizers and hydrogen peroxide oxidizers. (least preferred system).

With any water care system shower after use!

  

       
1) Silver Ionization (Nature 2™) cartridges are made of copper and silver minerals that attach to bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth. The ionization cartridge is placed adjacent to on inside the filter as per manufacturer's instructions. Replace this cartridge every four months.  Nature 2™ is not a sanitizer nor does it oxidize contaminates. Therefore the use of chlorine and spa shock or enhanced spa shock is required in this system. Nature 2 uses 50% less chemicals than other water care systems. Use the recommendations that follow and on the box when using an ionization system. Carefree recommends zinc ionization and touch of bromine for business travelers or mountain hot tub properties.
Water Care Schedule What to Do - Mineral Ionization Cartridge/Shock
Spa Start-up (also see Spa Fill Instructions)

 Drain and refill your spa. Do not use softened water.   Correct calcium hardness at the time of drain and refill only (120-150 PPM). Add 2 oz. per 250 gallons of Stain and Scale Control. Add the Nature 2 cartridge adjacent to the filter. With larger filters nest cartridge in the pleats of filter. Add 1 teaspoon of chlorine to spa per 250 gallons of water. Note: 1 teaspoon = 1/4 ounce. Add 1 tablespoon of potassium peroxymonosulfate (Shock) to spa per 250 gallons.
Everyday Run the pump and filter system at least 6-12 hours daily.
After Each Use

Note: You may add before spa usage as long as you wait at least 15 minutes.

 The Nature 2™ mineral purifier will become inactive if you do not add spa shock to the water after each use. Add 1 teaspoon of shock for each person that used the spa (max. 5 teaspoons). If spa is not used, add 1.5 - 2 tablespoons of shock every 3 days.
Once a week (also see Weekly Water Test) Add 3 tablespoons of spa shock per 250 gallons. Frequent users may also need to add 1 teaspoon of chlorine per 250 gallons after each use.  After adding spa shock, run the pumps and keep cover open 10-15 minutes. Check pH and total alkalinity levels with a test strip or 5-in-1 test kit.
As needed If the water starts to look hazy, shock the water with 1 teaspoon of chlorine per 250 gallons. After heavy use or exposure to rain or snow additional shocking is recommended. When using the Nature 2™  system there is no way to test for the shock you are using. You can determine how much shock to add by the water clarity.  Spa shock usage varies from user to user.  If you start with 1 teaspoon per person and the water stays clear you are on the right track.  If the water is cloudy, add 1.5 teaspoons for each person that used the spa until the water becomes sparkling clear to the bottom.
Every 4 Months Drain and refill your spa.  Replace Nature 2™ purifier, repeat spa start-up.
 
2) Bromine comes in three different forms. A liquid (not common), bromine concentrate (a mixture of bromine and chlorine), and  bromine tablets. The easiest is use of bromine tablets. Bromine comes with its own activator and kills bacteria as well as oxidizes contaminates as they dissolve. 1-2 Bromine tablets are placed in the filter area where they can slowly dissolve. Additional tablets are added as required to compensate for bather load.  Occasionally, bromine gives off a harsh or unpleasant smell.  To eliminate odor, the water should be oxidized or shocked once per week.  Use the recommended instructions for this system as follows:
When What to Do - Bromine/Chlorine
Spa Start-up (also see Spa Fill Instructions)

 Drain and refill your spa. Do not use softened water. Add 1 teaspoon of chlorine to spa per 250 gallons of water. Note: 1 teaspoon = 1/4 ounce.  Correct calcium hardness at the time of drain and refill only (120-150 PPM). Then use 2 oz. per 250 gallons of Stain and Scale Control.  Add 2 bromine tabs to your floater or skimmer basket.
Everyday Run the spa's pump and filtration system 6-12 hours or more daily on standard mode.
After Each Use

Note: You may add before spa usage as long as you wait at least 15 minutes.

 Keep some portion of two Bromine tablets dissolving in the skimmer. Adjust with more or less bromine depending upon spa size and bather load. As an alternative to the tablets, bromine concentrate can be added 1 teaspoon per 200 gallons. Repeat that dosage every 15-20 minutes until desired test strip result (3-6PPM Bromine) is achieved.
Once a week (also see Weekly Water Test) Add 3 tablespoons of spa shock per 250 gallons. Frequent users may need to add 1 teaspoon of chlorine per 250 gallons after each use.  After adding spa shock, run the pumps and keep cover open 10-15 minutes.  Check pH and total alkalinity levels with a test strip or 5 in 1 test kit.
As needed If the water starts to look hazy, shock the water with 1 teaspoon of chlorine per 250 gallons. After heavy use or exposure to rain or snow additional shocking is recommended. You can determine how much shock to add by the water clarity.  Spa shock usage varies from user to user.  If you start with 1 teaspoon per person and the water stays clear you are on the right track.  If the water is cloudy, add 1.5 teaspoons for each person that used the spa until the water becomes sparkling clean. Do not add more than 5 teaspoons of chlorine per day.  Common sense says that you should not use the spa when shocking the spa.
Every 4 Months Drain and refill your spa. Repeat spa start-up.
 
3) Biguinide is a non-bromine/chlorine system. It sanitizes or kills the bacteria. It uses hydrogen peroxide to break down the bacteria or to oxidize the waste. Biguinide is a multiple bottle system and is based on the amount of water/gallon size of your tub.  The start-up dose for a biguinide system is twice as much as the weekly dosage.  Weekly products contain waterline control, stain and scale, shock and sanitizer. This system of water care is Carefree's least preferred system.
 
4) The revolutionary ECO Spa transforms mildly salted water (one-tenth the concentration of sea water) into a natural chlorine solution that completely sanitizes your spa water. All pools and spas require the correct balance to function properly including salt system spas and pools. The goal is to achieve the following water balance levels and ranges:

 

 

Total Alkalinity

90-120 PPM

pH

7.4 – 7.8

Calcium Hardness Salt System

150 PPM

TDS (total dissolved solids)

3000-3500 PPM

TDS

3000 PPM Salt

Drain & Refill if TDS levels exceed

4500-5000 PPM
Water Care Schedule What to Do - ECO Salt System
Spa Start-up (also see Spa Fill Instructions)

Contact Carefree Spas & Pools at 303-321-9500 for questions regarding conversion of your spa or pool to and Eco Spa or Eco Pool System.

 

 1) Drain and refill your spa. Do not use softened water. Switch on the red toggle switch on the Eco Spa Power Unit inside salt system access panel or service area   This is the desired setting for the “ORP.”  Oxidation Reduction Potential which is the sanitizing power.

2) As the spa heats up, use a 5-way test strip to determine water balance needs such as pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness. These factors should be corrected as per instructions on bottle labels if out of range.  All chemicals added to the balanced water should be mixed (pre-dissolved thoroughly). 

3)Wait until the spa to heats to 95 degrees.  Do not add the ECO Spa salt prior to the spa temperature reaching 95 degrees.  You will broadcast (spread throughout) the salt in small batches (1.5 pounds) directly into the spa water with the pumps running. 7-12 pounds is typical for our spas.

4)Verify that all salt is dissolved by turning off pumps and visually looking in the spa.  Any settled salt can be “swirled” into a dissolved state.  The estimated amounts of salt required range from 7 pounds per 250 gallons model to 12+ pounds on a 400 gallon spa.  Monitor the “add salt” light on the Eco Spa power unit.  The light will go off once the correct salt level is achieved.  With the “add salt light” now off, your start-up tasks are complete and you are ready to use your spa.
Everyday Run the spa's pump and filtration system 6-12 hours daily on standard mode.
After Each Use Nothing special.
Once a week (also see table above) Use 5 and 1 test strips or a high range test kit to test water balance. Correct the alkalinity and pH before it goes out of range.  Always correct alkalinity first. Often, pH rises as the Eco Spa system operates.  This is a normal function. Lower the pH with pH decreaser.  A typical correction to the water balance for reducing pH levels is 1-2 capfuls which should be broadcast throughout spa with the pumps running.
Other Eco System notes Avoid any items with phosphates and be certain your water is tested for phosphates and treated with “salt water magic” as required.  Test for phosphates or new fill and several times during the life of the water. Laundered swim suits are culprits for containing phosphates.
Every 6 Months Drain and refill your spa. Repeat spa start-up.
What Salt Do I Use in My Spa?   Course, granular, kiln dried solar salt is the only correct salt.  Any salt with potassium chloride additives or anti-caking agents are not approved and will not operate with the Eco Salt System properly.  Carefree Spas & Pools is the only source for the correct salt.
Troubleshooting:  If the test strip reflects out of range levels of chlorine, before adjusting the ORP setting, correct the pH.  High pH is caused by the operation of the Eco Spa system.  Once pH is corrected, verify that the light on the Eco Spa shows ORP “low” or “high” or “in range.”  Remember that the 12 o’clock setting is typically the correct setting for good water balance.

Review water test procedures, the manufacturer’s Eco Spa manual or call 303-321-9500 or visit our Highlands Ranch store to review your questions.

5) AquaFinesse   Developed in the Netherlands with proven results in European spas for the past 10 years, the most simple and effective means of spa water care, AquaFinesse has improved spa maintenance and enjoyment.

This proprietary formula is a salt and enzyme based solution with trace amounts of tri-chlor which not only sanitizes the water but also eliminates the need for test strips, pH adjustment and alkalinity balance. The rules for spa care have now changes.

There is no offensive odor but rather a soft, pleasant lavender scent. AquaFinesse works with your filter, ionization and ozone system to eliminate biofilm and bacteria.

Once a week; simple and quick routine maintenance keeps your spa crystal clear. Once you have tried this system, you will never go back to a harsh chemical routine.

Call with any questions. Our representatives will be ready to assist you. 303.321.9600
 

Buy AquaFinesse on-line now. Spring Specials.

Copyright © carefreespas.com 2008