Dolphin Pool Supply & Service, Inc. strongly recommends following the BioGuard chemical program to maintain spa water to ensure clear, healthy hot water for the relaxation and enjoyment of spa users.

Sanitizers keep the water clean, and kills bacteria and viruses.

1. BioGuard bromine tablets are the recommended source for your daily sanitization in your spa water. A constant level of bromine in the water kills bacteria and viruses. Bromine tablets are added to the spa with a floating dispenser. Note: chlorine can be used only in non-heated, uncovered, inground, plaster spas.

A. Maintain a 24 hour bromine level of 2.0-3.0 ppm. Use Aquacheck Select Test Strips daily to check the level of bromine. PLEASE NOTE: Use the "Spa OK" readings on the test strips (3-5 ppm on the Free Chlorine tab.)
B. If bromine is consistently too high, re-adjust floater to a lower setting. If bromine is consistently too low, shock with BioGuard Bromine Concentrate and open floater one more setting or add more tablets to floater.
C. Refill floater when it becomes 1/2 empty.
D. A high level of bromine will distort your tests and give you false readings for both bromine, pH and total alkalinity. If your bromine test turns clear but you know that you just put bromine in the spa, you could have too much bromine in the water. Change the water in the spa immediately and rebalance your water according to these instructions.

A. When a spa if first filled with tap water, it is necessary to bring the sanitizer level up in a hurry. This is done by adding 4 teaspoons of BioGuard Bromine Concentrate per 200 gallons of spa water, directly to the water with the pump running on high speed. This will raise the bromine level very high in the spa water. It will:

1. Establish a sanitizer level without having to wait on the bromine tablets to dissolve and:
2. Burn out or chemically oxidize all the organic waste in the tap water. Note: Spa should not be entered until bromine level is below 6 ppm.

B. Once a week, it is necessary to shock treat or burnout the organic waste that builds up in the spa water. This is accomplished by using BioGuard Bromine Concentrate at the rate of 2 teaspoons per 200 gallons, directly to the water with the pump running on high speed.

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pH and Total Alkalinity: Keeping the pH and total alkalinity in proper balance creates the ideal comfort zone for the skin and eyes, allows the bromine sanitizer to work at its maximum efficiency, and ensures the equipment will not be damaged by corrosive water.

1. The pH should be tested daily and maintained between 7.4 and 7.8. A pH that is too high can cause skin discomfort and scaling in equipment and plumbing. To lower the pH, follow the directions on the container of BioGuard pH Decreaser. Add directly to the spa with the pump on high speed. NEVER ADD MORE THAN 2 CAP FULLS OF pH DECREASER WITHIN AN 8 HOUR PERIOD. Always retest the pH after 30 minutes before continuing to add pH decreaser.

2. A pH that is below 7.4 is dangerous because the water will become acidic. Skin and eye discomfort may result from a low pH. More importantly water with a low pH is acid water. Damage will occur to your equipment or spa surface if the pH is not maintained properly. Add BioGuard Spa pH Increaser as needed, following the instructions on the pH increaser bottle. NEVER ADD MORE THAN 3 CAP FULLS OF pH INCREASER WITHIN AN 8 HOUR PERIOD. If the pH is low and additions of pH increaser prove ineffective in raising pH, this may be an indication that total alkalinity is too low and may need to be adjusted.

3. Total alkalinity serves as a buffer for pH and is a measurement of how slowly the pH will change. Keeping the total alkalinity at 150-200 ppm will ensure your pH will not rapidly fall and create acid water before you realize it. Test for total alkalinity every time you test. Follow the chart on the BioGuard Total Alkalinity Increaser bottle for the correct amount to add. Sprinkle over the water surface with the pump running on high speed. NEVER ADD MORE THAN 3 CAP FULLS OF TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER WITHIN AN 8 HOUR PERIOD. Always retest the water after 30 minutes before you continue to add total alkalinity increaser.

4. Calcium hardness should be maintained between 100 - 200 ppm in fiberglass or acrylic spas, 200 -275 in plaster spas. Too high of a level can cause scaling of the filter, heating element, or plumbing. It can also cause the water to appear cloudy. Too low of a level can cause corroding of metal parts and fixtures. Add BioGuard Calcium Increaser as needed, following the chart on the calcium hardness increaser bottle. Add directly to the spa with the pump running high speed. The only way to lower calcium hardness that is too high, is too drain spa water and refill with softer tap water.

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Water Testing Tips

1. Have water tested by Dolphin the first few times the spa is refilled, to check for metals in the tap water.
2. Test chemistry using Aquacheck Select test strips daily.
3. Allow water to circulate 30 minutes before any re-testing.
4. Check the expiration date on test strips to ensure that they have not expired.

Ideal Chemical Ranges

• Total Bromine 2.0 - 3.0 ppm
• Use 3 - 5 ppm tab on Free Chlorine tab of strip
• pH 7.4 - 7.8
• Total Alkalinity 150 - 200 ppm
• Calcium Hardness 100-200 ppm (Acrylic, Fiberglass)
• 200-275 ppm (Plaster)
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) 1000 or below
• Metals (Copper, Iron) 0

Correction

When correcting chemical balance, do so in this order:

1. Metals - copper and iron
2. Total Alkalinity
3. pH
4. Calcium hardness
5. Bromine

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Drain and Clean Tips

1. Your spa water should be changed every 6-8 weeks. This also applies to inground spas. Ask your Dolphin professional for advice. CAUTION!! Inground spas can move or float out of the ground.
2. When cleaning a drained acrylic or fiberglass spa with Spa Guard Surface Cleaner, if needed. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and drain again to eliminate chance of foaming.
3. Clean the cartridge filter with BioGuard Filter Cleaner and Degreaser.
4. After the spa has been refilled, the total alkalinity, bromine, pH, and calcium hardness, must be adjusted according to prior instructions.

Dos and Don'ts

DOS

1. Occasionally after heavy use, a film will develop on the surface of the water or the water may appear cloudy or dingy. If this happens, and chemicals are not having the desired effect, it indicates the water needs to be changed.
2. Cover spa and close air controls/inlets when not in use.
3. Turn off power before draining.
4. Heat or circulate constantly during freezing weather, if not automatic.
5. Check external Freeze Guards at first freeze.
6. Drain lines and equipment if your spa will not be used in winter (Ingrounds). (Freeze damage is not covered under warranty.)
7. Enjoy your spa whenever the mood strikes you or your body needs relief!

DON'TS

1. On inground spas, don't run external air blowers more than 30 minutes at a time. Shut the blower off to let it cool down before running it again. Running the blower for an extended time may cause damage from overheating. This damage will not be covered by warranty.
2. Don't leave the spa uncovered when not in use.
3. Don't run the spa without any water in it. Heater and pump damage will result and will void the warranty. Always turn the power off before draining the spa.
4. Don't use chemicals that are not necessary and do not over do it.
5. Don't operate your spa at temperatures exceeding 104 degrees. This is the maximum safe water temperature (see safety rules in your operating instructions). Operating your spa at higher temperatures may damage your equipment and will VOID THE WARRANTY. Be aware that overheating the spa will sometimes occur with Texas summer temperatures. It may become necessary to reduce the pump running time, open the cover to dispense heat, run filter cycles at night when the outside temperatures are cooler, and lower the temperature/thermostat setting. Be aware of your spa's water temperature at all times.