| Glossary of Terms |
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A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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A |
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Activator
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Shock or MPS (Monopersulfate), used as an oxidizer for sanitation of spas.
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Alkalinity
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Measure of the water's ability to neutralize acid and maintain the pH level within the recommended range.
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B |
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Bromide
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A salt (typically sodium bromide) that releases bromine into the spa water when used in conjunction with the appropriate oxidizing agent.
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Bromine
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Oxidizing agent used for sanitizing spa water. Not as aggressive as chlorine.
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Buffer
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An agent added to the spa to prevent large fluctuations in the water's pH.
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C |
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Calcium
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A mineral typically found in hard water. Thermo Spas increases the mineral level of soft water by adding calcium.
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Chlorine
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Used in a granular form, also called Sodium Dichloride. Very strong oxidizing agent used for sanitizing spas. Note that Free Chorine in the water is capable of oxidizing, but Combined Chorine has already reacted with some other compound and is no longer capable of sanitizing. Whenever testing Chlorine levels in your spa's water, make sure that you are measuring the Free Chlorine.
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Chlorination
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A process similar to shocking, where a large amount of chorine is added to the spa to treat biological waste and algae.
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Control Panel
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Located on the top of the spa shell. Contains an LCD readout, and controls for the operating the pumps and regulating the spa water temperature.
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D |
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Diverter Valve
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Used to control the flow of water to multiple sections of the spa.
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Diverter Jet
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A jet that includes a diverter valve to control the flow of water to multiple sections.
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F |
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Filter
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Mechanical method of removing solid contaminates from the spa water. The smaller the pores of the filter, the more efficient it will be at removing small particles. Fine filters, because of their efficiency, require more frequent changing and/or cleaning.
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G |
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GFCI
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt. Type of circuit breaker used for controlling electrical power to the spa. The GFCI breaker senses power leaks and automatically cuts power to the circuit.
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H |
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Hard Water
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Water with a high level of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, etc.
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Hardness
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Refers to the amount of calcium present in the water.
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N |
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Natural and Clear
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Enzyme based formula that breaks down dirt and oils found in spa water. Aids sanitizer in keeping spa water clean.
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O |
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Ounce
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Unit of measure for chemicals. For all Thermo Spas chemicals - two tablespoons are the equivalent of one ounce.
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Ozonator
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A device that creates ozone for sanitizing the water in a hot tub spa. Thermo Spas currently offers several models of ozonators which can significantly reduce the need for traditional sanitizers.
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Ozone
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A strong oxidizer generated by an ozonator and injected directly into spa water. Although extremely effective as a sanitizer, ozone is not retained in the water for long periods of time and must be continuously generated. Ozone is typically used in conjunction with smaller amounts of a strong chemical oxidizing agent such as chlorine and bromine.
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Oxidizer
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An agent that causes oxidation. This compound removes built-up contaminants in hot tub water.
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P |
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| pH |
System of measure used to indicate the spa water's acidity level. 7.0 is neutral, less than 7.0 is acidic, greater than 7.0 is alkaline. The farther away from 7.0 the reading is, the greater the acidity or alkaline level. The optimum pH range for hot tub water is between 7.2 and 7.8.
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pH/Alk Down
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Thermo Spas additive used to lower the spa water's pH and Alkalinity.
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pH/Alk Up
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Thermo Spas additive used to increase the spa water's pH and Alkalinity.
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ppm
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(Parts Per Million) A unit used to indicate the level of a chemical(s) in the spa water.
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Precipitate
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A visible solid created when two or more dissolved chemicals in the spa water combine. Precipitates give the water a cloudy or colored appearance, and they will eventually accumulate at the bottom of the spa when the water is motionless for a long period of time.
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S |
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Scale
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Precipitates that form on the spa shell and in the plumbing. Typically a white, flake-like substance that continues to build up if not removed.
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Shock
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A strong oxidizing agent that does not contain chlorine. Shock is used to break down biological wastes, and aids in the sanitization of the spa water. See activator.
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Shocking
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Process of introducing shock into the spa. Spas should be shocked following use.
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Soft Water
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Water that has a low concentration of dissolved minerals (primarily calcium).
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Stain and Scale
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Thermo Spas additive to inhibit the formation of precipitates that will cloud the water and discolor the spa shell.
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Starter Kit
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Package of water chemistry additives accompanying your spa. These chemicals allow the spa to achieve the correct water chemistry during the initial fill. Enough chemicals are provided to start the water chemistry maintenance routine.
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T |
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Tablespoon
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Unit of measure for adding most of Thermo Spas water maintenance chemicals. One tablespoon equals one half ounce.
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TDS
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Total Dissolved Solids. Combination of minerals, chemicals, and organic matter dissolved in the water.
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Test Strip
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Test strips are used to measure the spa water's pH, alkalinity, chlorine or bromine level, hardness and total dissolved solids.
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Therapy Valve
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Regulates the intensity of the jet action by controlling the mixture of water and air.
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ThermoClear
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Thermo Spas sanitization system based upon mineral bed technology. Alternative method to bromine or chlorine. ThermoClear cartridges are installed in the filter(s).
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W |
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Water Chemistry
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The process of testing and adjusting the spa water quality.
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Welcome Kit
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Packet of documents provided at the time of sale. This packet contains documents familiarizing you with the initial installation and operation of your particular Thermo Spas model.
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