Maintaining balanced water helps keep your Chilly GOAT cold tub clean, clear and ready for use. Make gradual chemical adjustments, allow the water to circulate between additions and test again before adding more. You can use the video above for reference.
Step 1: Gather the Water-Care Supplies
Before balancing the water, gather:
- A liquid cold tub testing kit appropriate for the required tests.
- An approved sequestering agent for a new fill.
- Cold Tub Balance Up.
- Cold Tub Balance Down.
- Cold Tub Sanitizer.
- Refresh chlorine-free oxidizer, when required.
- The measuring scoop included with your chemical kit.
Make sure the cold tub is filled to the proper level and circulating normally before testing or adding chemicals.
Step 2: Complete the New-Fill Preparation
Complete this step whenever the cold tub has been drained and refilled.
- During the initial fill, add an approved sequestering agent according to the product label.
- Allow the water to circulate and filter for at least 30 minutes, or for the period specified on the product label, before adding other chemicals.
- Test the total alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness using a liquid test kit appropriate for those measurements.
- Adjust the total alkalinity and pH according to the chemical labels and the recommended ranges in the owner’s manual for your model.
- Wait at least 15 minutes, then retest and make additional gradual adjustments if needed.
Do not add the sanitizer until the pH and total alkalinity are within their recommended ranges.
Step 3: Test the Water
Use a liquid testing kit to check the pH and chlorine levels. Collect the sample approximately 1 foot below the surface and away from the circulation jets.
For pH and chlorine testing instructions, refer to How to Use the Testing Kit . Follow the instructions supplied with the appropriate test kit and the owner’s manual when testing total alkalinity or calcium hardness.
Record the results before adding any chemicals so you know which adjustment is required.
Step 4: Adjust the pH
The recommended pH range is generally 7.2–7.6. Confirm the required range in the owner’s manual for your model.
- If the pH is below the recommended range, add Cold Tub Balance Up.
- If the pH is above the recommended range, add Cold Tub Balance Down.
- Add the appropriate product in a half-teaspoon increment unless its label directs otherwise.
- Distribute the chemical across the water while the tub is circulating.
- Wait at least 15 minutes.
- Collect a new sample and test the pH again.
Repeat the process as necessary. Do not add both Balance Up and Balance Down at the same time.
Step 5: Adjust the Sanitizer
After the pH and total alkalinity are within their recommended ranges, test the chlorine level. Compare the result with the sanitizer range listed in the owner’s manual for your model.
- If the chlorine level is low, add Cold Tub Sanitizer in a half-teaspoon increment unless the product label directs otherwise.
- Spread the sanitizer across the surface while the water is circulating.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before testing again.
- Continue making gradual adjustments until the reading is within the required range.
Do not enter the cold tub when the sanitizer level is outside the recommended range.
Step 6: Allow the Water to Circulate and Reach Temperature
After completing the chemical adjustments, allow the water to circulate and retest it before use. Set the desired water temperature and keep the cover closed while the cold tub cools or heats.
The time required to reach the selected temperature varies with the starting water temperature, ambient conditions, ventilation and airflow. You may notice the water temperature beginning to change within approximately 1–3 hours, but reaching the selected temperature can take longer.
Do not enter the cold tub until the water chemistry, water clarity and actual temperature are within the requirements listed in the owner’s manual for your model.
Step 7: Continue Regular Water Care
Test the water regularly and after periods of heavy use. Maintain the pH and sanitizer levels within their recommended ranges and use Refresh or other approved water-care products according to their labels and your owner’s manual.
Water-care frequency may need to increase with heavier bather loads, warmer operating temperatures or contaminants such as lotions, oils and dirt.