Yes, pH and Total Alkalinity are two extremely important factors to check weekly with your test strips.  Total Alkalinity is the buffer for your pH and must be maintained at a certain level in order for your pH to be correct.  With Poolmart & Spas' GENTLE SPA system, we can allow this level to be high (if you are using Bromine or the Vision system).  It is recommended that the Total Alkalinity be at 200 ppm and higher.  If the Total Alkalinity drops below 200, everything starts to fall apart, your water chemistry, your equipment, funky odors, foaming, etc.

The only time you have to react to your pH reading is when it is below 7.4.  You have no need for pH decreaser or increaser while using Bromine or the Vision Cartridge.  You should only have Total Alkalinity Increaser at home.
Poolmart's Ideal Range on the Test Strips is: pH 7.4 or higher Alkalinity 200 ppm or higher

Your Hot Tub must have some type of hardness in the spa.  The hardness can either be Calcium, which comes naturally from the ground or from Borates, a mineral used in Proteam Gentle Spa.  Filling your hot tub with softened water is recommended because you do not have all the calcium build-up or iron and potential staining of your tub.  HOWEVER, if you fill with Soft Water, you MUST use the ENTIRE bottle of Proteam Gentle Spa at start-up.  NO exceptions! 

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5738 South Main Street
Clarkston, Michigan 48346
phone: (248) 625-0729 fax: (248) 625-7079
e-mail: poolmartinfo@poolmartspas.com