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Assuming you've been using Dichlor for more than two weeks, you can probably switch over to Clorox Regular 6% bleach. Like you, I had troubles with my FC count. Over the last few days, I've switched to bleach with great results. My tub is 425 gallons. A few days ago, I added 6 oz. to get my FC from about 1.5 to 6. and since I've found adding about 3 oz. a day is good maintenance, plus adding 2 oz. or so after a soak. But I'm still early on so this mostly like will be tweaked some more.

I am very impressed with the cover mate III. My only gripe was that the covers sits above the spa top when open. Annoyed me fr a bit, wish it dropped bellow. But than i realized it created a perfect privacy fence between me and my neighbor.

I'm in a very similar boat. Here's what I've done/doing. I cant switch water due to weather. So I've switched to 6% bleach so i don;t keep adding CYA. I've also just got a Taylor drop kit and found my TA is very high. Therefore I'm working on lowering TA done to 60 or so. Then I'll add borates (using poolcalculator specs) to stabalize my ph around 7.2. Then I'll ride it out until I get a day of above freezing weather.

WHile I would like your advice, I will be extremely happy to have your information. Thank you. Without people like you, my spa experience would be an impossible puzzle. Thank you again for sharing.

Okay, quick question about lowering my TA. My product lowers TA and PH. I'd rather adjust them separately. I intend to use .4 oz of muratic acid to reduce my PH per the pool calculator. What should i use to reduce the TA and how much? The pool calculator says "To lower TA you reduce pH to 7.0-7.2 with acid and then aerate to increase pH." Not sure I understand this. Does aerate mean run with pumps on? How is that any different than just using my spa? FYI, I also plan to add 3.3 oz of bleach per the pool calculator to correct my FC levels. My tub is 425 gallons.

I love you folks. This is really helpful information. Thanks for taking the time. I'll review this all in detail and put a plan into action tonight.

ARGH! It's so hard to figure out what you need, what you don't, what works and what is hype when it comes to spas. I have a Nature2 and now I think I' might not replace it.

So, here's my water story according to the Taylor k2006: FC: 0.5 CC: 0.2 PH: 7.8 TA: 90 CH: 275 CYA: Off the charts. Well, well past 100 Saturation Index: 0.5 (not sure what this is, but it seems okay). No, my questions. FC is low but CC is high. How can I increase FC while also lowering CC? Connected to this, since CYA is off the charts and can;t change water due to weather, should I be using bleach rather than dichlor or is there a better option? My PH and TA are both just a tad high, but I can reduce them without issue using my decreaser product. CH is a bit high, but seems to be well in the acceptable range. Do you concur? What is saturation? SHould this concern me? THANKS FOR HELPING ... Now that I have "good" data, I really want to dial things in.

The package just arrived. It is indeed, exactly as advertised, a Complete (FAS-DPD Chlorine) K 2006 test. Great deal, excellent service, highly recommend this company/site for purchasing your own kit. Now to see what my levels really are. Time to test out the testing kit.

I do not have a second set. I was going to buy a back-up, but was told i needn't worry if no one is using the tub while it is removed and the cover stays on.

The phosphates are really the active ingredients in the cleaning process. From what I understand, they are the agent that truly cuts the oil/scum and grime. However, many cities (mine included) have banned the selling of phosphate products for environmental reasons. HOWEVER, as said in my first post you can buy cascade powdered dish detergent with phosphates, even in cites that have banned phosphate products. WHy? I don;t know. A loop hole I guess. When buying the Cascade, check the ingredients for phosphates. Some versions of Cascade have it, others do not. I'll check to see which one I have when I go home tonight. I used Cascade to clean my filters with great results. Use 2 to 3 Tablespoons per five gallons, let soak for a few hours at least (over night is best). Then spray clean with a sprayer.

If your CYA is high, and changing water is not an option due to freezing weather, can a person just switch to adding bleach rather than continue to use dichlor?

If you use TSP, make sure it is not phosphate free. It's labeled TSP pf. You can also use Cascade powdered dish detergent. It's loaded with phosphates and works great (and it's cheap). Just make sure to rinse it well with a sprayer of some type when done soaking.

For snowblowers, always go TORO. They never let me down. Took four inches or so out just yesterday with mine.

Something is wrong. My water was also around 50 degrees from the hose, but I was up to 102 in five or six hours if I remember correctly. I know for sure it was same day.

Holy cow, color me super impressed now. Order is shipped, UPS trakcing number delivered to me along with a very nice message attached as a word document from the President of the company. Sure, I doubt he sent it personally, but I really think it's a nice touch. December 10, 2009 David XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX, MN 55439 Mr. XXXXX, I just wanted to drop you a note and express a sincere thank you for your recent order from Amato Industries! We are a third generation family company that takes great pride in the products and services that we offer. We trust that this transaction was handled professionally and promptly! If you have any suggestions that would enhance our operation or if you wish to compliment one of our team members, please reply to this note and the response will go directly to me. Thank You for ordering from Amato!! I look forward to serving you again in the near future!! Sincerely, Joe Amato Joe Amato, III President

Quick update. I screwed up my order and they notified by phone call and email right away so i could correct it. So far, customer service has been excellent. Order is officially placed as of today (I couldn't respond to them until now). I'll let you know how things develop.

Depends on your method and your water. You may need to add a metal/scale defense. I do, but I'm still not sure if i need to. Also, you may need to add a spa brite or sea kleer type product if you have cloudy water (As i understand it, some particles are to small for filters. These products bind them together so they can be removed by the filter.) Last thing I can think of is an oil/scum ball or additive if that is an issue for you.

That's an excellent idea. Thanks Dr. Spa.

I wouldn't worry about damage, but I was shocked to find how much heavier my cover was last night with only a couple inches of snow on it. So, for ease sake, you might want to brush it off. I'm having a different issue though... My cover's skirt, the 4 inch portion that hangs down over the edge, has a crimp in it that keeps getting folded under right by the cover mate bracket. I think this will cause some heat lose. I keep pulling it out, but it's a bit of a pain.

Just ordered one so i'll let you know if it is legit in a few days, but seems so thus far (called and emailed them). I got the test kit for $41 dollars plus $8 shipping. http://www.amatoind.com/taylor-k2006-test-p-555.html

On my Cal Spa, the ozonator only operates when the filter mode is running.

I wouldn't classify the shed as a cool place. I use a closet in my house. It's dark, dry and air conditioned.

I was about to pull the trigger on the Taylor, than I saw a Chem Geek post talking about the TF100. It seems you get more materials with it (i.e. ability to conduct more tests) and the test ranges are broader and more complete. Sounds great. But here's the question, it seems everyone on here is a k2006 fan, so am I missing something?

I was in a similar boat, or spa as it is. After reading complaints online, i was concerned about the Cal Spas brand. But then i noticed most complaints were a few years old. That coupled with the fact our dealer has been in the area for a long, long time and we know people who have bought from them before, made me feel good about choosing Cal Spa. So far, so good. in fact, i'd say everything has been excellent, from ordering, to delivery, to set up and operation. I'm only a bit over a month into my ownership, but couldn't be happier. I'd say spa wise, it's a solid unit. But it really does come down to the quality, stability and longevity of your area dealer. Hope this helped.