kac

We have just experienced a similar outbreak of skin problems, which I am sure is related to a rather lax approach to spa care (which I am rapidly trying to address). We have had a beautiful cedar tub for about 3 months, and have been using a 3-step bromine system. We are decontaminating tomorrow. A couple of questions: 1. Would there be any difference in decontamination procedures if we were hoping to return to bromine? Can I still use the superchlorination approach to cleaning? 2. What is "spa flush"? 3. Is there any difference in decontamination procedures for a wood tub? 4. When we get back to trying to enjoy the tub...do pH, calcium, and alkalinity have as much influence in bromine-maintained tubs as in chlorinated tubs? I have had trouble keeping my pH above 7.0 and don't know how much this matters. I was considering buying a better test kit, but if I don't need it.... 5. I am confused by the chlorine vs. bromine choice in wood tubs. Our manufacturer advised against chlorine. On the other hand, I have noted a post by Dr. Spa in this forum stating that bromine is more damaging than chlorine to wood tubs. Then I went to the Roberts Hot Tub website, and bromine seems to be offered as an environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine. I know that several of my family members have sensitivity to chlorine in pools and was worried about this (though dry cracking skin would be better than pseudomonas itch). I appreciate any input...we are new to this and humiliated by the bugs we have hatched in our tub. Thanks.