SoCal_Mark

We just had our spa resurfaced but we went with fiberglass instead of plaster as we had previously. My question is regarding the proper chemicals to use. I work for two Hilton brand hotels here in San Diego and we usually get all our pool/spa supplies from Leslie's Pool Supplies but the company that did the work on the spa directed us to get one of two different chemicals, to use after our initial fill, that are either not available or need to be special ordered through Leslie's. "Stain Treat" or "Super Stain Out" were the two he recommended. I mentioned to him that we get all our supplies from Leslie's and he proceded to tell me how awful they were and that we would have to go to Discount Pool Supply Inc for the chemicals. He also said not to ever let Leslie's test our water for us(we usually have them test for phosphates & metals) or take any advice they might offer as they don't know what thier talking about. I thought it a little odd he ripped Leslie's as bad as he did as I have never heard of them having a bad reputation. Anyway, I went into Leslie's this morning to inquire as to what other chemicals might work in place of the two that were recommended. I was told that I could use Spa Metal Free to serve the same purpose and we would not have to leave the pumps off for between 12-24 hours after adding the chem as with the Stain Treat & Super Stain Out. They also said it seemed odd that we would be directed to add those chemicals on startup as there wouldn't be any metals in the spa at that point. All this sound right? I appriciate any help provided. Mark

I appriciate the replys! i'll look into the info you provided.

Ok, so I work for a hotel here in San Diego and we recently took bids for the resurfacing of our spa. We got 3 bids of $3087, $3250, & $3780. My question regards one of he bids where the rep quoted $650 to split the main drain. I asked him about it and he said we would be required to have it split by.....can't recal for sure but I think it was by early 09. Neither of the other companys included this in thier bids so it stood out as a little odd to me. Is there indeed a law that will require spa main drains to be split? If so, can you provide a link where I can get more info? One of the bids also notes a $350 charge for "Health permit" while another one lists a charge of $300 for "Health department plan check fee". Are this legit charges? Thanks for any help provided! Mark in San Diego

"One more thing, the return jets MUST be on a 45 degree angle facing downward," Why is it important that they be at that angle? The pool at the hotel I work for here in San Diego does not have angled returns.