Really, What Do I Need? 1St Timer Needs Advice Before Throwing Money Away

[Bryan]

Just bought a used 2003 Hot Springs Jetsetter. It is my very first hot tub. To learn, I went to the local hot tub store that sells Hot Springs exclusivly. I wanted to know what chemicals I would need to maintain the spa. The guy told me I needed chemicals such as PH Up, PH Down, Some silver Ion powder that I put in once everytime I fill the tub, it did not appear to be a continuous cartridge.

I also mentionded that I had some small round cylinder shaped powdered clorine tablets (about 1 inch by half inch) left over from when I had a small Intex above ground swiimming pool. He mentioned not to used those because I can damage my spa and that I should buy his powdered clorine.

So, do I really need everything he mentioned?

[chem geek]

You really only need Dichlor, bleach, and acid (pH down) or if you plan to use Dichlor-only then you'll just need that and some baking soda. Read the stickies at the top of this Hot Tub Water Chemistry forum.

[Bryan]

You really only need Dichlor, bleach, and acid (pH down) or if you plan to use Dichlor-only then you'll just need that and some baking soda. Read the stickies at the top of this Hot Tub Water Chemistry forum.

Chem geek... thanks for the response. I noticed that you did not mention "continuous silver ion" which the sales guy at our local hot springs recommends. Any opinion on it? Is it a gimmick?

I will read the stickies on my days off from work. thanks again.

[chem geek]

You do not need silver ion if you use chlorine as a disinfectant. If you want a non-chlorine non-bromine system, then Nature² which uses silver ions can be used with non-chlorine shock (MPS) and is an EPA-approved disinfectant when used with this combination (i.e. silver+MPS). To keep the water clear you still usually need to shock with chlorine once every 1-2 weeks.