frugal1

I am searching for answers too. I have been working with 2 local pool companies and have been putting $$$ into the pool. I have an inground 22,000-24,000 gals, vinyl lined. I almost had my pool set and we got hit with some very wet and cold weather. I have a Frog mineral system so ideally, I use less chlorine. My test strips showed: Hardness - OK Alkanity - 100 PH - 6.8 CYA - < 0 Chlorine - 0 (or very little) I was told to add Balance stabilizer 100 ( & not to backwash for 3 days) and Balance 200 to bring the PH up. I have my chlorine turned up and my Frog down to get balanced. I have also added and added chlorine and it doesn't even register! PH has moved either. Maybe Cyanuric Acid has come up to 0. It went cloudy and still low PH, Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid. When I went back with the info and another water sample, they checked the Phosphate - it was very high and then I was give Phosphate remover and told that my pressure would be going up and to backwash in 24 hours - that is why I had no chlorine, it was eating it. I backwashed after running my pump for 55 hours straight, it took the pressure close to normal. It was still cloudy and no change to the chemicals. I went in to have the water tested again, there was still phosphate and still low PH, Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid. I had to add more PH+ and stabilizer and a clarifier run the pump for 10 more hours turn it off, vacuum and bypass the filter (waste). Well now I was out of chlorine tablets. I have filled that put the pump going again and tried to get the chlorine going again. I will vacuum tonight (Happy 4th by the way!), but the chemicals haven't changed. My hardness has always been acceptable and alkalinity OK, with some variance. Hopefully when the chlorine gets circulating, it will improve the other tests. I have only been following the instructions of one place but checking with another company to verify their findings. I have a feeling that I should just empty the pool and start over. I am ready to fill the pool in.

Anthony, I am in the same boat as you, ready to hit "add to cart" at Costco, just nervous especially with the comment from the Tech guy... I too would like a bit more info from him. If I don't get this hot tub - I probably won't get one, I am frugal and just continue to use the hot water in my bathtub for my back every day - so much for saving water. Did you make a decision yet?

It's up to you, If you want a 3000 dollar spa Costco is the best way to go with there return policy. But if you want a 6000 dollar spa which will last longer and give you less trouble than the 3000 dollar spa, the Hot Springs model at Costco or everal other brands are available out there. But The Infinity at Costco is NOT a 6000 dollar spa for 3000 dollars. Its a 2500 dollar spa for 3000 dollars. Tell me more what to look for. The Infinity Laguna is so tempting. I have been looking at spas for over a month now. I was able to see a one year old Infinity sun peak at a neighbors, and it looked very nice. I have looked at a $6,000 river ridge and a $6,814.00 Tiger River, a $5864.00 Hot Spot, a $8,000.00 Hot Spring Sovereign. All had less features than the Infinity on paper.... The HS Sovereign was the only spa that looked like I might be getting some better guts.... It just looked inside to me...but I don't know exactly what I need to look for. Why should I spend $5,000.00 more for more insulation, a circulation pump, and 25 Less jets? This is not a challenge question, I just need help. This stuff is so confusing. When I visit the local spa dealers I feel like I am buying a car and should know how to haggle with them. As I was walking out of one where I has spent a while they came running after me and said they could drop the price of a spa I was looking at by $1,000.00 (It was would have been $7,000.00) They should have just gave me that price to start out. How much markup is there in these things? I have purchased big items from costco before and have only had one problem. Both Costco and the Manufacture took care of it...and went above and beyond. Costco's sale end tonight on this tub and I am so torn. Even if it costs twice as much in electricity it will still be cheaper even after many years. I will make up my mind in a few hours, but will check back her first. Thanks, Anthony