SoCal Hot Tub

Hi Richard: So far the bleach method instead of Dichlor is very easy. I have a D1 round spa, approx 350 gallons, with an ozonator (at least it's supposed to, not sure what it looks like). I am keeping my TA at about 60 and my Ph at 7.6. If there has been a heavy bather load (more than 1 person for more than say 15 minutes) then I'll add 2-3 oz. of bleach. First thing in the morning I'll check Ph and Chlorine levels and make sure the chlorine is up around 5-6 ppm. Unless the Ph is really high, over 7.9 or 8.0, then I'll put the chlorine in first and Ph down 15 or so minutes later if needed. If the Ph goes above the 7.9 or 8.0, then I'll adjust Ph first. Anywhere from 3/4 to 2 tsp. of Ph down depending on Ph reading from the Taylor kit. Probably every second or third time requires some acid. I personally have not seen any wild Ph swings, up or down, it's pretty predictable how much and when the Ph down is needed. Not rocket science by any means, just consistently checking chem levels every morning-takes all of about 5 minutes. I absolutely agree with you Richard that many people would rather stick to the convenience of using Dichlor exclusively. I would too, except I am convinced of the lack of sanitizing effectiveness as the CYA levels rise. In my family nobody else was bothered by "the itch" except me (just lucky, I guess). I, for one, think it's well worth the extra 5-10 minutes/day to have a more effective sanitizing method. I realize this is anecdotal, but it is what has worked for me. Thanks for all the great information, SoCal Hot Tub

First, I would like to say what an invaluable resource this board is. The information posted by all of the knowledgeable contributors is much better and more thorough than anything I received from local spa retailers. The issue I had was putting in a spa last summer, over $10,000 for spa, deck, landscaping, etc. First few months everything was great; my wife, kids, and I loved it and used it regularly. Then came the dreaded rash and kinda painful itch, on me only. Called the dealer and was told probably due to low Ph. Corrected the Ph, still itched. Was told nothing about bacteria growth, CYA levels, etc. A google search for "hot tub itch" led me here thankfully. First tried the method of draining the spa, and washing down the tub and cover with a bleach solution and then refilling. No luck, rash reappeared immediately. Needless to say this was very disappointing and discouraging to not be able to use the spa after all the expense and time putting it in. I read another post here that finally was the "miracle cure" for the itch. The process used was drain the spa completely, wipe down any residue, refill to an inch or two above the normal water line, add bleach to bring the FC up to 20-30 ppm, run spa for a couple of hours with heater off, while also making sure to turn any diverter valves to both extremes to sanitize all areas. I also drained this water afterwards (may have been overkill) and then refilled. Balanced chemicals normally using Dichlor, dry acid, etc. Bought a Taylor test kit (what a difference that makes from using test strips only), stopped using Dichlor after the CYA level reached a level below 30, which is the smallest measurement the kit can register, and then switched to Clorox bleach. NOR MORE RASH OR ITCH!! A couple of conclusions can be drawn. Information is the key, and it seems the best information does not always come from the local dealer. I was told when I bought the spa to stay on a regimen of checking chlorine every 2-3 days and add 2 tsp if low, shock with non chlorine shock after every use, keep TA up at 150 ppm. I should mention that using this method the first time I tested the CYA level it was way over 100. The dealers method in hindsight is very "cookie cutter" and was not effective for the heavy bather load for me. I think he was emphasizing the simplicity of water care over effectiveness. It really only takes a few minutes now to balance the water once a day using the Taylor kit, and keeping the FC levels up is a piece of cake if done routinely-once a day during light use, adding 3-4 oz Clorox Bleach after heavy use. Also adding a teaspoon or two of dry acid when needed to bring the Ph down. Very easy and much more effective than the Dichlor only method. Thanks to all who have posted here and provided such great information. ChemGeek's analysis about chlorine's lack of effectiveness as CYA rises was very informative. After the expense of putting in a spa, I certainly am not using Bleach as the sanitizer to save money; the savings is insignificant, but the effectiveness is beyond doubt. SoCal Hot Tub, AKA NoMoItch!