NewB@Spa

A cigar and a cocktail...you sound like my kinda guy! I have hundreds of cigars. Hundreds! I"ll be right over

Worldboy, you need to check with you municipality. Each can be very different. I have heard that for instance in California it is very restricted as to where this water can be dumped.

I agree 100% with PoolSpaGuy30. Just drained my spa two weeks ago while I still had semi-good weather in the northeast and as long as I keep my routine (Nitro's method) I always make it to at least March before I feel like I need a fill. I do however try to dump mine to the curb because I have low lying areas of my backyard that I don't want to turn into a swamp. I didn't go the full monty with the big pump. I use a 1/6 hp and it take about an hour...enjoy a cigar and a cocktail and let it drain

This is the one I have

I have always used a submersible utility pump (I think it is 1/6 hp) and never had an issue. I drain ~400 gallons with a hose run of ~100ft in a little over an hour. I think I bought the pump at Lowes for about $70. Well worth it. I see by their web site they have a newer model (1/3 hp) for $84 this should do the trick nicely.

gman was spot on with most of his points/advice. I did not notice one critical piece of advice. DECONTAMINATE your tub immediately. I did not catch whether this was a new or used tub, but in light of the bacteria issues you are having it is highly recommended. Use Nitro's Decon procedure; Decontamination. I had an issue with water that I could not get in balance and was causing folliculitis. I decontaminated using Spa System Flush-System Flush. Then I would refill and balance according to whatever method you are using.

I have had my 400 gallon spa for almost a year and thankfully switched to the Dichlor/Bleach method after my disastrous first fill which turned out much like the friend above. My water has never been cleaner or safer. I can't imagine ever switching from this. As for the tester the Taylor Kit is good, but there is also another TFT Test Kit - TFT Test Kits which although a little more expensive at start up provides more tests, especially CYA, for your money. I have had my kit almost 9 months and I am just getting to need CYA test and Chlorine (FAS/DPD) refills. I will never, ever use strips again except for maybe testing salt (unstabilized chlorine adds salt). Do what you want, but I will tell you I am much happier - no Ph drift, no scaling, no irritation/rash.

Does the SpaEase or Scum absorbers really work? I thought they were a gimmick

Right now my Ph ~7.6, TA ~60, CH ~150, Borates ~50, TC~ I super shocked to 10ppm. A little foam is understandable and I can deal with that, what I had looked like a bubble bath! I will try changing out the filter. Anybody have any opinions good, or bad about filter cleaning chems/tools that are available on the Spa web sites?

You may be able to run this on 120v, but you may not get heater functionality while the pumps are running and vice versa. Not certain though

Over the holiday I had a large bather load in the tub (5-6 people for 1/2 hour). I super shocked (I am using bleach) in hopes of killing all the waste, I thought I did okay but I am getting a lot of foaming and I can see some of the oils/residue on the surface of the water. I just dumped and refilled a month ago. I really don't want to refill again. Any recommendations?

What does everyone recommend for wiping down the spa shell with before refilling?

First of all, welcome aboard! I hope your impending experience with a spa is an enjoyable one. I echo everyone else's concerns over a used tub that is not currently operation. In that you have no guarantee as to how it was drained, cleaned etc before storage there is a very good change of biofilm and other nasties growing in the plumbing. Personally I would go after a new lower end tub, your choice. There is an excellent product for cleaning out plumbing, I got it at Spa Depot http://www.spadepot.com/ (excellent source for spa needs) it is called Spa System Flush. I used it to decon my tub after my initial fill went awry. When you do get your spa do yourself a huge favor and take a look at Nitro's approach to water maintenance; http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=13634 Which is an excellent resource, I used the Dichlor/Bleach method for my second fill and for nearly four months I have had zero water issues and I am about to dump and refill again and I will most certainly be using the same method. Also make sure you get yourself a good (Taylor or TFT) test kit. Without it you will be lost. It will be the best $60 you ever spent. Good luck with whatever you choose and happy tubbing!

I am getting prepared for a new fill and instead of Boric Acid (I could not find it this time) I am going with Borax and Muriatic Acid combo. Do I mix it together before I pour it into the tub? I assume I can do this last after everything is balanced?

I was positive that you guys would not lead me down the wrong trail. Thanks Chem, btw you said that the cover would see the affects? I would guess that is an affect of outgassing? My tub has been averaging 4 - 6ppm, sometimes more, some less throughout this fill so you would think that this would be okay? I am right at about 4 months on this fill and I have not been running into any balance issues, should I dump and refill now? I have been getting a little pH float (7.4 - 7.7).