ncspa

I agree. I'm going to continue to monitor it each day until I get a feel for how things are likely to change. I'll check back in as I get more details. Thanks again...

I find if I keep my TA at about 80, my pH is much more stable. When my TA runs up close to 100, my pH will rise with it. Well, shoot. I added a bit more (~1oz) dry acid today (95%, by the way, Richard) because the pH hadn't really budged. I also shocked with 2oz of MPS - because I was due anyway. My bromine shot right up (From 1ppm to about 6ppm) as it usually does right after a shock. My pH dropped nicely to ~7.5. But, of course, my TA fell to about 45 (almost changed at 4, changed completely at 5 drops). So, no doubt I'll shoot it right back up if I add the Sodium bicarb to increase the TA, right. Hmm...how to proceed? One other note - I'm using the Taylor K2005 kit for bromine and chlorine. I assume there's no chance the bromine is screwing this up, right? I read through the owners manual (for the kit), and they mention the issues that can interfere with pH reading, including bromine being too high. However, they don't mention the need to neutralize chlorine or anything prior to testing. The reason I ask is that others have recommended a different kit (K2106) for bromine. Not sure why, since this one seems to accomplish the same. However, my little test strips always indicate lower pH than my Taylor kit (Taylor currently says about 7.5-7.6, strips say about 7-7.2). Help again? And, as always, thanks. You guys are more valuable than my local pool shop, which seems not to be able to think outside the box.

Thanks again...will go after the pH and see what happens.

Okay - so, I added the chemicals per instruction. The TA jumped nicely from 60 to 80, but the pH didn't really move. So, I added another 0.6 dose of the sodium bisulfate, circulated for ~30min again. The pH came down slightly (I'd still say 7.9), but the TA also dropped to 70. Don't think I'll mess with it anymore today - need a good soak tonight (nice and chilly). However, I'm wondering about the right approach for tomorrow. Do I concentrate on TA or pH? Is either far enough out of range for concern? I guess I'm more concerned about pH, because it seems to be hovering in the 8 range, and might be higher (that's as high as the kit goes). Any suggestions for how to proceed? Thanks to Richard, especially, but also any others that might have had similar problems or advice.

Wow - thanks! That's great information. So, it sounds like messing with the new stuff (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) is unnecessary? Anyway, my spa is 350 gallons, my TA is about 60, and my pH is about 8.0. So, sounds like I should just follow the solution in your hypothetical. Can these be added concurrently? Thanks again! (I've only had water in the tub for a week, so I don't have a frequent problem with anything yet...here's hoping that continues.

My alkalinity is currently a bit too low (about 60) but my pH is very high (about 8.0). I'm using a Taylor drop kit, and had the numbers confirmed at a pool supply place. I'd like to bring the Alkalinity up and the pH down - problem is, it's not clear to me how to do that! I just bought some "Alkalinity up", which I believe is Sodium Hydroxide Carbonate. It's supposed to bring the alkalinity up without affecting pH. So, for all of you with more experience - how can I get my pH to come down without dropping alkalinity as well? Small additions of "Alkalinity/pH down"? Any help would be much appreciated.

DPR, Mark and I were chatting as he was searching. I, too, am an unbiased consumer. I wet tested HS, D1, Caldera, Artesian, Calspa, Jacuzzi & Marquis. Even though the other brands had spinning jets, I still felt (as did my wife) that for us (Again, minds may differ), the Marquis felt the best. And if you really want spinners, they're about $10 a piece, and I've read many posts where dealers would swap out one of the seats with spinners at time of purchase. My dealer says if I want to try them, they're an easy swap. Hope that helps. Took the first soak in my new Marquis Reward last night - wow! Well worth the wait! Everything was fantastic. Interestingly, the dealer installed two spinning jets for me....but they're not spinning! Oh well, small complaint. The tech has to come back out with a new light for me anyway, so he can fix those when he visits. Anyway, the tub looks and feels great. Wifey and me took a midnight soak directly under Orion. Two full moons under the stars ! Then the kids took a quick dip this morning. Gotta say - I'm only 36, but may just decide to retire and spend all my time in the tub! Price Please? I'm hoping to purchase a Reward signature series on East Coast. Dealer says we'll get a 'deal' since they're installing a pool for us. I phoned Marquis and they said dealer sets price, though they did tell me that MSRP was $10,400 for Reward signature. Ouch! I always hate to enter these discussions because I know they vary so much region-to-region and dealer-to-dealer. But, here in central NC, I paid 6500 out the door for a 2007 floor model that they'd had since August. It is a signiture series, but doesn't have the extra toys (like stereo, etc.). That price included cover, cover lifter, and installation. It's a great tub - good luck!

Thanks for the input. Bought the Taylor kit today at a local pool/spa store for $60. Like you, tired of guessing (especially being still new, and trying to get water stable at the levels I want). Thanks for input.

Congrats - you'll enjoy it. My new spa was delivered with the frog system as well. Seems easy to me - bromine and minerals dispensed to keep your background sanitizer levels up. With the ozonator, you can keep your bromine use low (around 1-2ppm). If you read the posts you'll notice that the test strips can be difficult to read. Based on advice in this forum, I just purchased a Taylor kit - expensive ($60) but much easier and more precise. have fun!

DPR, Mark and I were chatting as he was searching. I, too, am an unbiased consumer. I wet tested HS, D1, Caldera, Artesian, Calspa, Jacuzzi & Marquis. Even though the other brands had spinning jets, I still felt (as did my wife) that for us (Again, minds may differ), the Marquis felt the best. And if you really want spinners, they're about $10 a piece, and I've read many posts where dealers would swap out one of the seats with spinners at time of purchase. My dealer says if I want to try them, they're an easy swap. Hope that helps. Took the first soak in my new Marquis Reward last night - wow! Well worth the wait! Everything was fantastic. Interestingly, the dealer installed two spinning jets for me....but they're not spinning! Oh well, small complaint. The tech has to come back out with a new light for me anyway, so he can fix those when he visits. Anyway, the tub looks and feels great. Wifey and me took a midnight soak directly under Orion. Two full moons under the stars ! Then the kids took a quick dip this morning. Gotta say - I'm only 36, but may just decide to retire and spend all my time in the tub!

Just looking for your quick 2 cents on experience with chemical strips, strip readers, and drop kits. I'll be maintaining a bromine spa. Strips seem pretty easy. Automatic strip reader seems easier, but I've heard mixed results. Surely the drop kits are more accurate, but maybe not necessary. What's been your experience? As always, thanks for all the useful insight. This forum has been great for me!

[Where else would you recommend looking?] I don't know how much you're willing to spend. I started my search looking at tubs that would save me some money. Almost pulled the trigger on a Gulf Coast spa. Thankfully, careful reads on this forum made me realize what a potential disaster that might be. I moved from there to a Down East (mid-grade Master line), but was hesitant due to reports of high energy costs. Finally realized that spending a bit more for something that's intended to 1) provide therapy and quality of life, 2) increase the value and enjoyment of my home, and 3) last long enough to get my money's worth, made the most sense. So, I turned my sights to the brands with the best reputations for durability, reliability, and quality. I think you'll find that search will lead you in the direction of Hot Springs, D1, Sundance, Marquis, and a few other brands. In that regard, this forum is amazingly helpful and you'll find lots of useful information (and it won't take much reading to sort the good from the bad . I ended up choosing the Marquis - just liked the features the best, was the most comfortable during wet testing, and had the best dealer experience. For what it's worth - if you end up spending a bunch more on high energy bills (as has been attested by some on this forum), it doesn't take long to add up to the differnce in cost between a quality, full-foam tub and one that will save you a little $ up front. Happy hunting (it's the most fun part!).

Congrats! If the weather holds, my Marquis Reward will be delivered tomorrow, hooked-up in the afternoon, and I'll be tubbing by Tuesday (might have to skip work)!

Are you a homeowner? If so, you can easily have it added to your policy (negligible cost). Make sure it has a locking cover for liability purposes.

I've been enjoying this forum and sure appreciate all of you with more experience weighing in on these issues. I guess my question is fairly simple, and no doubt has been asked before, but here goes: I just purchased a new Marquis Reward. It uses the floating frog bromine system (inline was an option but I bought the floor model without it) - one cartridge of bromine, one of mineral. It also has an ozonator, of course. According to my dealer, all I have to do is 1) float the frog and adjust the cartridge to keep my bromine levels at 1-2ppm, and 2)add non-chlorine shock (assuming this is MPS) 2-3 times per week depending on use. The only testing he's recommending is the use of the strips to test bromine levels. So, seems pretty straightforward to me, and my gut says not to complicate things unnecessarily. However, I've read other posts here that are considerably more involved - more chemicals, more testing, etc. I've gathered that chlorine-based sanitization can be a bit more complex. My question to all of you with more experience - is it really this simple? Or, should I plan on purchasing a better test kit (than the strips) and should I be testing more than just bromine levels? I'm happy to spend the money on good chemicals, good tests, etc., and more than willing to pay attention to things that I need to. That said, I sure don't want to make this more complex than it has to be. I know I'll get better at this as I go, but any help/thoughts upfront would be useful, and much appreciated. Delivery and setup of the tub is scheduled for this Friday, weather permitting!

As the recent purchaser of a Marquis Reward (delivery next week), I'm more than glad to hear it!

Actually, my carpenter came by my office today and said he could get started on my deck shortly. Also, the Marquis dealer just called me. He got an '08 Epic in stock last week in the color combo my wife likes, with the new Constellation lighting system on it. It doesn't have the stereo, but I was leaning away from that anyway. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger! Fire away! Can't wait until next week when mine is installed. Hopefully, two new happy marquis customers. Good luck!

For IL Parrothead and Mark Windsurfer: Just called my Marquis dealer. She asked me how I liked my wet test (of the Reward vs. the Tiger River - she wasn't in the store Saturday when I tested). I mentioned all of the reasons I liked the Marquis better - but pointed out that the only thing I liked better on the TR was the spinning jets. So, she says, we'll put some on for you! She said that it's very easy and inexpensive, and she happened to have some already in stock. She said she'd put a couple on the lounge seat for me and, if I liked them, she'd get as many more as I wanted. She said I could also hang on to the other jets so that I could switch them back out if I wanted. So, there's your answer - easy, cheap, and Marquis can do it for you. Ah, the benefits of a good dealer!! IL Parrothead - was reading your earlier posts and it sounded like you were ready to buy your Epic before Christmas. But sounds like you haven't yet?? Why still on the market?

The word I got (from the Hot Springs Dealer) was that the tub was well insulated enough that you would only lose a degree or two in a 20-30min soak. On the flip side, if you want to turn down the temp a bit and enjoy it longer (with friends, family, etc.), you'll obviously lose more the longer you go. For what it's worth, all three electricians that I got estimates from recommended the 240 option. Of course, they make more money with that, but their answers seemed sincere and seemed to make sense.

So, how do you go about it?

You'll get other responses from people that have more experience. What I'll tell you is that the quote that I got for the 110 line was only 250 (vs. about 900 for the 240 line, box, etc). Prices vary by region, but again - my dealer had a "close-out floor model" bengal with all of the things you mentioned listed at 6400. Without much effort I had him down to 6000. I think your electricial will suggest that you run a separate, dedicated line from your box to the tub. Maybe not, but seems safer that way (if slightly more initial expense to run). With energe-efficient tubs, my sense is that it's a wash in terms of monthly bills. Some folks in my area have said that they actually spent a bit more on the 110v bills. Bottom line is that the 240 option is nice to have, very efficient, and though it costs more to put in, your bills shouldn't go up very much each month. Good luck!

Price? Knowing that these things vary regionally, I'm not sure whether I got a good deal or a bad deal or whatever....but I was comfortable with it. I paid $6400 for a never-filled floor model - that's the 'out the door' price. I'll get some pictures posted once it gets here - probably will be another couple of weeks (still have to have the patio poured, etc.).

I'd love to hear a response myself. Just purchased a Marquis Reward. It has no spinners. I asked the dealer about switching - he said that they didn't sell them, but thought it would be fairly easy to swap out others if I found them. Anyone know the answer to this?

Hi everyone - thought I'd post my experience here since it's been so valuable to me to hear everyone else's. I posted a thread that asked for opinions on Down East (Master) Exeter vs. Tiger River (Hot Srpings) Bengal vs. Marquis Reward. After research and wet test, here's my opinion (for what it's worth!): 1. Down East Exeter - liked it, but didn't end up wet testing. Mostly because I became convinced that A) I wanted a fully-insulated tub, significant concerns about power consumption, and C) because I really wanted a high-quality tub that would last a long time. I have some concerns about the quality of the Down East line. 2. Tiger River Bengal - very nice tub, obviously good quality (Watkins), lots of things to like. However, I found the motor to be very loud. I don't know if it was just the 'bad apple' I was testing or if that's true of TR in general, but I didn't enjoy the noise during the wet test....kind of spoiled the tranquility . Also, given the price, I would have expected more jets. I guess this is a small thing, but I agree with other posters that the line may be somewhat overpriced - not that they don't make a good product, but I had some sense that I was paying a bit of a premium for the brand. 3. The Marquis Reward blew me away! For only ~$500 more than the TR, I get what I would consider to be a more comfortable, therapeutic tub. The jets were numerous, well positioned, and offered lots of flexibility. Personally, the tub fit me better (more comfortably) than the TR. So, what's the bottom line for all the newbies like myself looking for advice?: 1) WET TEST! Before doing so, it was basically a coin flip between the Marquis and the TR. After wet testing (like everyone else here recommends), it wasn't even close - the Marquis by a mile for me. 2) Find the things that matter most. For example the TR had a waterfall, the Marquis did not. I thought that mattered to me until I tested them. Turns out that comfort, jet position, and 'feeling' in the tub matter a helluva lot more than a waterfall. 3) Like everyone else suggests, comfort with the dealer is a big deal. I really enjoyed the Marquis dealer - not as much the case with the TR (Hot Springs) - in the latter case, he was much more negative about competing lines. Bottom line is that there are a handful of good spa makers - find the one that works best for you. In my experience, the Marquis Reward is a great product that outshines the TR of comparable size. Thanks to everyone for their input during my decision-making process! Deliver in 10 days, then hopefully I'll be too busy to write for a while !

Well I'll keep it simple, because I'm nowhere near being in the pool and spa industry and never have been. We looked at alot of spas but they were all tub-side-up so I never had had the opportunity to get a peek inside every brand of spa. All I saw was the part I currently interact with... shell, water, jets, and that's all I really care about ....now hhaha until something breaks. We'll see how that goes. Me pitching for Master Spa? [chuckling] For all I have said about Master Spa on this forum... if I worked for MS I would fire myself and that's after re-enacting a scene from Fight Club in the parking garage. The only thing good about Master Spas as far as I'm concerned is my spa. I have received good service and my dealer has to travel, so service has also been very good... I mean I have never had to pay anything or call repeatedly. I really made the decision on design and the way it was powered... but then my car uses 93 octane and goes 0-60 in under 5 seconds... so I spend more on gas in 3 days than I spend on electricity in the worst month in my spa. If I wanna go from 99 degrees to 104 I can (and do) just bump it up whilst I'm in. And while it takes longer than 5 seconds I certainly don't have to shut off jets or bubbles so it'll heat in Winter. Maybe next time I do that, I'll clock it. While it may not qualify as a high end spa, it does not in any way *seem* (performance-wise) to have a weak/budget heater or pumps or filtration. I'm no spa technician so I have no knowledge of pump/heater models or lifecycle expectancy. Maybe down the road I'll discover the weaker points of design or manufacture... I'm just not seeing them now, at all, not in the very least. IMHO it's the perfect spa for us... it was chosen by me over other models/brands ...and they didn't exactly give it away. We like it as much now as we did then... what? All joy, no remorse ...hahaha except for the Carney Sales Event but hey that's shootin' fish in a barrel and callin' it huntin'. Thanks for all of the replies everyone - very helpful info. I'm going to wet test the TR and the Marquis today. Really still torn between the two and hoping that this will make things obvious for me. Looking forward to being done looking!