The Pup

I cannot imagine a need beyond the Taylor kit series you mentioned above. I use a Taylor 2106 (Bromine) and it works perfectly for my needs. However, and to be perfectly honest...I could just as easily get away with using these new Leisure Time Test Strips I received with my spa; I do not have any problems decerning the gradients between the different measurment readings.

Nicely done!

...it really is a very high quality spa (my family agrees too...preferring the Catalina to our other home's HS). Update: No issues or concerns to date; the spa still looks as new and the cost to operate seems quite minimal (spanning $18-$24 each month at $0.12 per/kW per my wife's best calculations with some verification using a C-clamp amp meter). We are still only filtering/heating for 1-hour every 12 hours and the water has been crystal clear and the temp only varied 1-2F in the winter with a target of 100F. I have set the Spa Frog Bromine cartridge at 3 and it is lasting just over 3 months (typical). I use very little MPS (2oz of 38% per week). The 1-3 ppm sanitizer levels have worked great with no noticeable smell/rash/itch/cough/etc. As stated before, I purchase my chemicals on the Internet vs. the local spa shop and my average cost ranges between $3-6 per month at most (i.e. at refill). The therapeutic jets (especially the rotating massage jets) have done wonders for my wife and I (especially with my arthritis). The lounge is proving to be the "best" highest-demand seat. The foot-well jets are especially relaxing too. Note: The circulation during filter cleaning cycles is truly phenomenal, I cannot remember having to scoop or suck out any debris, rocks or other foreign matter to date and no scum lines either!

Just buy a new clean plastic kitchen garbage can. Good idea.

You might consider converting to Bromine. I am currently using the Spa Frog Mineral and Bromine float cartridge system; where I slightly overdose with a quality MPS when I know I am going to be away and I have had no issues or worries to date. In fact, I do this all the time because of my work travel requirements and this system works great for even longer periods when we are away on vacation (3-4 weeks). Example: For two weeks away, I may use 4-5 oz of MPS right before I leave vs. 1-2 oz during my normal 4-or-5-day period of absence and I may adjust the Bromine cartridge from the “3” orifice setting to “4” or “5” depending on my previously observed/perceived Bromine demand. The mineral cartridge lasts 4 months and the Bromine cartridges seem to be lasting well over 3 months on my typical “3” setting. Regarding bromine system costs, I spend less than $3-6 per month on Spa chemicals because I buy in-bulk and use the Internet vs. the local Spa shop for chemical supplies (perhaps the Ozonator might have something to do with lower costs as well). My family has not noticed any smell/itch/rash/cough issues (and my wife has somewhat “sensitive” skin). We just refilled after nearly 6 months of use and the water was still quite usable. My wife and I spend 20-50 minutes 3-5 times per week in the Spa set for 100F.

I don't even want to tell you where they found my lost thermometer!

The dishwasher isn't going to clean out the grit and junk in between the pleats like a hose will. I use 1 cup of dishwashing detergent plus a tablespoon of bleach in a 5 gallon pail. Soak for a half day, flipping ends every 30 minutes or so. Sooner or later I'm going to make a soaking vessel that's better than a 5 gallon pail, but I have to find some tubing that's 7" or 8" ID first. Then there will be no flipping involved. Good idea.

...this is my observation also.

I have used TSP for years and it works well. Make sure you thoroughly rinse afterward to avoid related aeration induced foaming. I buy TSP in bulk to save a few $.

Great testimony...albeit with TMI.

Over the decades I have changed my perfectly good tub water at the typical 4-month period...for no real good reason. Yes, the water was slightly/noticeably fresher (slightly less thick), but the old water was perfectly good. I also change my car's perfectly good oil earlier than truly needed...for no good reason (it was just the way I was brought up). Maybe I will learn someday. Note: I have experienced perfectly balanced 4-to-6-month old water (with low sanitizer demand) where I would get a throat tickle or slight cough during aeration while soaking...that's a clear indicator to me to start fresh with a refill even though the numbers all indicate good-to-go.

I am interested to know this too...as I have never used any fragrance products because I continously strive for perfect water and I do not want to add something that would be counter to my objective of crystal clear non-smelling water. Regarding Bromine smell, I have been keeping my ozone-equipped spa at 0.5-1.0ppm with no ill effects (no scum, crystal clear water and very little to no smell). My Bromine demand is minimal and I usually use 0.75oz of MPS (38%) after each soak or 2oz if I leave home on business for the workweek. My wife and I usually soak for 20-50 minutes 3-5 times per week at 100F. I use a Spa Frog (Bromine and Mineral cartridges) with the Bromine opening set to "3" in a 420 gallon (as filled) spa. My filtration is set on Economy Mode at 1 hour every 12 hours (although the minimum recommended is 2 hours per 12 hours). I have been watching my water quality closely for the better part of the year and the water has been very near perfect (my last refill was over 4 months ago but the water is still very nice [not sluggish]). The largest drop in temperature in the winter (mid-20F lows) was 2-3F (for which the spa heats up quickly on demand). This minimal approach might be risky for some (especially for a family load with small urinating-prone children)...but for my wife and I, we are very satisfied while using very little in the way of chemicals. My monthly energy costs are relatively low (4-7kw per day with a 3kw Titanium heating element).

I have been keeping my ozone-equipped spa at 0.5-1.0ppm with no ill effects (no scum, crystal clear water and very little to no smell). My Bromine demand is minimal and I usually use 0.75oz of MPS (38%) after each soak or 2oz if I leave home on business for the workweek. My wife and I usually soak for 20-50 minutes 3-5 times per week at 100F. Note: I use a Spa Frog (Bromine and Mineral cartridges) with the Bromine opening set to "3" in a 420 gallon (as filled) spa. My filtration is set on Economy Mode at 1 hour every 12 hours (although the minimum recommended is 2 hours per 12 hours). I have been watching my water quality closely and for the better part of the year and the water has been very near perfect (my last refill was over 4 months ago but the water is still very nice [not sluggish]). The largest drop in temperature in the winter (mid-20F lows) was 2-3F (for which the spa heats up quickly on demand). This minimal approach might be risky for some...but I am very satisfied and using very little in the way of chemicals. My monthly energy costs are relatively low (4-7kw per day with a 3kw Titanium heater element).

Here is really all you should need (courtesy of Nitro): Nitro's Approach To Water Maintenance A guide to Water Balance and Sanitation using Chlorine http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=13634 Lowering Total Alkalinity How to lower TA, without lowering pH http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19149 Chlorine Demand (CD) What is it, and why you should care http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=18706 Decontamination How to Super Shock your Tub http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19115

After 6 hours of filtering, the water is clear but there is still some "film" floating on the water. Nitro, both pH and TA are very high just as you predicted. I'll work on getting the pH down and will continue rinsing the filter each day for the next week and hopefully the film will disappear. Trust me, I won't be using this stuff again - wouldn't have used it this time except, as I said, it was shipped to me by mistake and, since it was just sitting here, I thought I'd try it. Thanks for the input/advice. Sandi I would be interested to know how well the water responds to your attempts to lower pH...since the "pH Balance" product is designed to lock-in your pH.

I believe the cloudiness is a symptom of hard water...what was your Total Hardness before you added the Leisure Time pH Balance? For hard water applications, you would use Leisure Time "Balance +" to "lock-in" you pH for 3-4 months. I have 4 containers of it that I received with my spa and I have not had the courage to use it yet. When I was at the local spa dealership, someone had the same problem with using the pH Balance product (we live in the high desert with slightly hard alkaline water), and the dealer recommended a drain and refill. I also believe the instructions warn the user to use the "Balance +" product for hard water applications. If you can wait a few weeks...I would be interested to know if the cloudiness dissipates through normal filtering.

I use a 3-step Bromine system using the Spa Frog (Bromine/Mineral cartridges). I keep my sanitizer levels down to 0.5-1 ppm and have only the faintest odor at the higher readings. I use very little MPS (typical less than 1 oz after each use and 2 oz when I am required to travel or I have not shocked the spa otherwise that week). It is very effective and my wife and I have not suffered any skin irritations or incurred the "chemical smell." My wife has very “sensitive” skin. I purchase all of my water balancing chemicals in bulk online as well as the Spa Frog cartridges...all told, I spend $3-6 per month in chemicals. The Bromine cartridge last 2-3 months and the Mineral cartridge must be replaced every 4 months. The subject spa contains 425 gallon (as filled) and is ozinator equipped. We use the spa 3-to-5 times per week for 30-50 minutes at 100F with a filtering cycle consisting of 1-hour every 12-hours (recommended minimum is 2-hours every 12 hours, but we have crystal clear water and apparently no issues). The only reason I use the 3-step Bromine system is because I may be called away to travel because of my work. Otherwise, Nitro's well publicized method might be my choice…I used a very similar method for over 20 years with no concerns or issues. Note: I also use a Defender and Bright-and-Clear product once a week (2 oz each), but I am not sure why I am doing it (we have no scum or cloudiness issues)...I may stop just to see what effect there is. I received these chemicals with the spa and I have more than a 2 years supply remaining.

Using a Balboa system, I am saving some money using Economy mode...the water is only heated during the filter cycle vs. Standard mode where the water is heated once it drops below a certain threshold throughout the day (I think). In my spa, the water temp (even on the coldest nights) never drops more than 2F from 100F using Economy mode running 1 hour every 12 hours. Note: According to the owner's manual, the 1-hour cycle option is not mentioned...and it is not recommended to use filtering cycles less than 4 hours per day...but my water is clear with very low demand and no scale or scum to date. Depending on how well you maintain your water quality (bather load/cleanliness notwithstanding) and the efficiency/effective-insulation of your spa, you may be able to save money by using the Economy mode. Regarding the degree of savings...that would depend on the insulation quality of the spa; perhaps using 30-40% less energy in Economy mode for a typical spa (just a guess).

What is your total hardness? ...in my experience, TA and TH are quite interdependent (e.g. you may get along fine with a lower TA when you have a higher TH).

Although I am not the OP, thank you for the explanation...it now makes better sense to me.

Do not be a hero...change the water. Just say no to strange unidentified snot-like goo.

I use the Taylor 2106 (Bromine) kit and it is working well for my needs. However, I am also finding the Leisure Time Test Strips seem to read very closely for those quick checks. I am buying them off eBay for cheap too.

I do the same thing with my tub...but with a 3-step Bromine system using the Spa Frog (Bromine/Mineral cartridges). I keep my sanitizer levels down to 0.5-1 ppm and have only the faintest odor at the higher readings. I use very little MPS (typical less than 1 oz after each use and 2 oz when I am required to travel or I have not shocked the spa otherwise that week). It is very effective and my wife and I have not suffered any skin irritations or incurred the "chemical smell." My wife also has very “sensitive” skin. I purchase all of my water balancing chemicals in bulk online as well as the Spa Frog cartridges...all told, I spend $3-6 per month in chemicals. The Bromine cartridge last 2-3 months and the Mineral cartridge must be replaced every 4 months. The subject spa contains 425 gallon (as filled) and is ozinator equipped. We use the spa 3-to-5 times per week for 30-50 minutes at 100F with a filtering cycle consisting of 1-hour every 12-hours (recommended minimum is 2-hours every 12 hours, but we have crystal clear water and apparently no issues). The only reason I use the 3-step Bromine system is because I may be called away to travel because of my work. Otherwise, Nitro’s method might be my choice…I used a very similar method for over 20 years with no concerns or issues. Note: I also use a Defender and Bright-and-Clear product once a week (2 oz each), but I am not sure why I am doing it (we have no scum or cloudiness issues)...I may stop just to see what effect there is. I received these chemicals with the spa and I have more than a 2 years supply remaining.

I used a web search to find the least expensive 10-lb bucket of TSP (5- and 25-lb quantities are also available). Note: When comparing, watch out for shipping costs. I use a cup of TSP dissolved in 5 gallons of warm water and soak the filters overnight (at least 24 hours) with a thorough rinsing afterwards with no problems (you must rinse well to avoid foaming). In my previous tub, I was able to get well over 5 years out of a filter set. Note: As most folks do, I have a spare set of filters to swap-out to minimize the spa's downtime during cleaning. I typically deep-clean the filters after each fill (every 4-6 months) and I do a minor cleaning each month.

Do a web search for Kenwood marine stereo...you should be able to find adequate power and compatibility with MP3 and other formats with remote access control for a reasonable price.