Rivendell

I'm brand new on this forum - first posting- but have some thoughts that might be helpful. By way of background, I've had hot tubs since the early 70's, starting with a 1,000 gal cypress pickle barrel with a wood fired heater and now have 2 "modern" (ie:1998) D-1 spas, one at my home and one at a vacation rental cabin I own. One is filled with well water, the other with spring water. Over the years I've tried most sanitizing systems, starting with a 3-day drain/fill cycle, then chlorine, bromine, ozone, silver ions, and biguanide. Regarding your iron problem, I recently had an iron problem on my well water system and, long story short, it turned out to be the iron pipes in the well which, after 15 years, had developed a coating of rust. I had the pump pulled (375 foot well) and replaced the pipes with pvc. Problem solved. May not apply to your situation but maybe something to consider. I also was searching for a non-chlorine/bromine system and, especially for my rental cabin, something simple and low-maintenance. For over 2 years now I've been using Baquaspa on both systems and have been happy with the results. Now, I know from reading posting on this site and others that folks, including dealers, service people and bathers, either love or hate biguanide systems. I like it because the sanitizer is much more stable and doesn't require daily attention, a real plus for my cabin guests, and it doesn't have any offensive or lingering odor.I also have guests who cannot tolerate chlorine/bromine. I generally treat every 4-7 days depending on usage and do a water change every 3 months. The drawbacks to Baquaspa, in my experience, are 1) it took a little getting used to and initially I had a problem with a scum line which was probably due to residual chlorine from the changeover. Once I had drained and filled a couple of times (over several months) the problem mostly disappeared. Now a quick swipe around the water line when treating takes care of any minimal scum. 2) One tub has a smooth, white, Ultralife liner and I have noticed some staining in the seats and elsewhere which is difficult to remove. My other tub has a darker, textured Granitex liner and any staining isn't obvious. 3) I have noticed a rough, plaque-like buildup at some spots, particularly around the filter intakes. I'm not sure if it's calcium buildup or maybe etching from the peroxide. I know some manufacturers' warranties are voided if Baquaspa is used, maybe related to this. I've never noticed problems with deterioration of light lenses reported by others. Since my tubs are used, 1998 models and I do all my own maintenance and service I'm not too concerned. You'll hear some opposing views I'm sure but for me Baquaspa has been very effective and low maintenance and a good alternative to chlorine/bromine systems. Gordon Watkins Ozark Mtns