PaulaME

Thank you. Now I'm curious... just how high should the bromine go after I put the shock in? Since I found this forum, changed the water and got a real test kit, I think I'm getting some understanding of what I'm doing! I wish the spa sales people knew half as much and didn't just send you home with a bottle of test strips and a bucket of bromine.

I do have an ozonator and the temp is 100-101. I was planning on a 1/2 oz. of MPS after each soak (1-2 people for 30 min.). I'm under the impression as long as I have some bromine reading, even a 1 or 2, I'm OK as long as I add the shock after.

Just completed a refill. Testing with a Taylor test kit the results are - CH-150, TA-120, PH-7.6, after adding 2 oz. of 100% Sodium Bromide and 1 oz of MPS the bromine is 6. I'll be using 1.3 dibromo-5.5dimethlyhydantoin (brilliance) in a floater. I've gotten conflicting advice on whether to add MPS weekly only or use small quanities daily (the tub isused 5-6 times a week by 1-2 people). Also getting conflicting advice on whether to add the MPS before soaking or after. The tub is 500 gallons.

I'll be draining and refilling my spa on Friday. I've decided to stay with bromine. If I use shock that has Dichlor in it do I test for Chlorine levels also? If I use bromine (such as Brilliance pellets) that does not have any dichlor in it and use MPS to shock after each use - what happens if the spa isn't used for a few days? Without any dichlor in the pellets is there any sanitizing going on without daily shocking?

I forgot to mention in the above post. The spa supply dealers in my area want to sell me Silk Balance or Nature2. The dealer I bought the spa from says use Arctic Pure, 2 step powdered bromine. The Nature2, according the mfg website is good for up to 500 gallons. 3-4 dealers everyone has a different, yet very strong opinion on why I should use the product they sell.

I have an Arctic Tundra Hot Tub (600 gallons). Purchased new in Nov. 2012. I'm due for a water change and want to get opinions on Bromine. I've had foaming issues for a while now. Have adjusted PH, TA and Calcium but can't eliminate foam. TDS are 1900. I don't believe I established a good bromide bank in the beginning and the tub has never been crystal clear. I'm considering using Brilliance (non-chlorine) because I've read that floating bromine tabs with chlorine will damage the cover over time. Also since I have an ozone feature is Spa Frog something I should consider? I'm pretty sure all bromine is not created equal so are there brands that are better or that should be avoided? Any help on new start up procedure would be greatly appreciated. We will be trucking in water since our well water is extremely hard with a TDS of over 2000. The water company brings 2000 gallons so we'll be able to rinse it with "city" water before the final fill. I really want nice pretty water. I did just purchase a Taylor K2106 testing kit so I'd like to stay with bromine. Also, any thoughts on MPS shock? Thanks!