Before water treatment begins, it is important that you read and familiarise yourself with the workings of your spa and support equipment  because good water circulation and filtration are essential to achieving a safe and clear bathing environment.

The first step is to ensure good water balance which will create the right conditions for bather comfort, chemical efficiency and equipment protection. The main criteria affecting water balance are calcium hardness, pH and Total Alkalinity.

Hardness is the measurement of calcium salts in the water and this will vary depending where you live. Low levels are calcium hardness occur in soft water areas and can lead to corrosion and potential damage to equipment. High levels of calcium hardness occur in areas of hard water and can often lead to the formation of scale in pipework and equipment.

• Ideal calcium hardness levels for spas is between 100 – 200mg/l.
• When level is below 100mg/l, apply Sunspot Spa Hardness Plus as per the label directions.
• When level exceed 200mg/l, apply Sunspot Spa No Scale as per the instructions.

The pH scale has a range of 0 – 14 with 0 being very acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being very alkali. It is essential to maintain spa water within the 7.2 – 7.6 range which, being slightly alkaline, will protect equipment from corrosion and provide the optimum conditions for bather comfort and sanitiser efficiency.

• Ideal pH level for spas is between 7.2 – 7.6
• If the pH is below 7.2 use Sunspot Spa pH Plus as per the label directions.
• If pH levels exceed 7.6 use Sunspot Spa pH Minus as per label directions.

Total Alkalinity acts as a buffer to prevent pH change. If TA levels are too low the pH will fluctuate widely and high levels of TA will not only affect water clarity, but also make pH adjustments extremely difficult.

• Ideal Total Alkalinity for spas is between 125 – 150mg/lWhen TA is below 125mg/l use Sunspot Spa TA Plus as per label directions.
• When TA is above 150mg/l use Sunspot Spa pH Minus to reduce it as per recommendations made by your Sunspot suppler.

Water balance should be checked regularly (see Maintenance routines – page 6) and, certainly, every time you top up or refill your spa. 4-way Test Strips are available to help you or your Sunspot supplier will be pleased to test the water on your behalf.