Spa Water Balance

To keep your spa water comfortable and inviting, be sure to adjust the spa water balance as needed. ​ Balanced spa water is the best way to ensure that bathers are comfortable and the water is clear and ready to use. ​ Balancing spa water includes adjusting levels of pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness to their proper range.

pH

pH is a scale that runs from 0 to 14 and measures how acidic (low pH) or basic (high pH) something is, in this case spa water. ​ The correct pH range for spa water is 7.2 - 7.6 or just about in the middle of the pH scale. ​ Proper pH makes the spa water feel comfortable and helps protect equipment and surfaces from damage. ​ Keeping the water in the proper pH range also helps the Spa Essentials® products work their best.

If the pH is too high (above 7.6) sanitizers are less effective, surfaces and equipment can scale, water may cloud, and shorter filter runs may occur. ​ Correct this by adding Spa Essentials pH Decreaser. ​ Low pH (below 7.2) causes sanitizers to dissipate more rapidly, increases corrosion of surfaces and equipment, and may make water irritating to spa users. ​ Adjust low pH by adding Spa Essentials pH Increaser. ​ Maintain pH level between 7.2 - 7.6.

Alkalinity

Alkalinity is a measure of the water's buffering capacity or ability to resist changes in pH. ​ The proper alkalinity range for spa water is 125 - 150 parts per million (ppm).

Keeping the alkalinity in its proper range will prevent the pH level from moving too high or too low. ​ If the alkalinity is too low, add Spa Essentials Alkalinity Increaser. ​ If the alkalinity is too high use Spa Essentials pH Decreaser.

Calcium Hardness

The calcium hardness level in spa water also needs to be adjusted to its proper range. ​ Low levels of calcium (water is too soft) can lead to corrosion of equipment and staining of surfaces. ​ Add Spa Essentials Calcium Hardness Increaser to raise low calcium hardness. ​ High levels of calcium can cause scaling of equipment (reducing efficiency) and ugly, rough patches on the interior of the spa. ​ Calcium hardness should be maintained between 100 - 200 ppm. ​ Use Spa Essentials Stain & Scale Control if calcium hardness is above 200 ppm.

Proper Water Balance Ranges

pH

7.2 - 7.6

Alkalinity

125 - 150 ppm

Calcium Hardness

100 - 200 ppm

A Better Way to Balanced Water

For an even easier way to perfectly balanced spa water, use Spa Essentials® pH Anchor. ​ pH Anchor helps adjust the pH to its proper range and hold it there for up to two months. ​ There is no need to test for and adjust calcium hardness levels when using pH Anchor. ​ Please follow label directions closely to ensure proper application.

Note: ​ pH Anchor may cause spa water to turn cloudy when first used. ​ This is a normal part of using this product and the filter will quickly remove the cloudiness. ​ Excessive cloudiness may occur if calcium hardness level is over 200 ppm. ​ Consult your Spa Essentials preferred dealer for best results. ​ Do not use pH Anchor in spas with a ​ plaster finish or grouting that contains calcium.