NewB@Spa
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Posts posted by NewB@Spa
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Worldboy, you need to check with you municipality. Each can be very different. I have heard that for instance in California it is very restricted as to where this water can be dumped.
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I agree 100% with PoolSpaGuy30. Just drained my spa two weeks ago while I still had semi-good weather in the northeast and as long as I keep my routine (Nitro's method) I always make it to at least March before I feel like I need a fill. I do however try to dump mine to the curb because I have low lying areas of my backyard that I don't want to turn into a swamp. I didn't go the full monty with the big pump. I use a 1/6 hp and it take about an hour...enjoy a cigar and a cocktail and let it drain
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I have always used a submersible utility pump (I think it is 1/6 hp) and never had an issue. I drain ~400 gallons with a hose run of ~100ft in a little over an hour. I think I bought the pump at Lowes for about $70. Well worth it. I see by their web site they have a newer model (1/3 hp) for $84 this should do the trick nicely.
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gman was spot on with most of his points/advice. I did not notice one critical piece of advice. DECONTAMINATE your tub immediately. I did not catch whether this was a new or used tub, but in light of the bacteria issues you are having it is highly recommended. Use Nitro's Decon procedure; Decontamination. I had an issue with water that I could not get in balance and was causing folliculitis. I decontaminated using Spa System Flush-System Flush. Then I would refill and balance according to whatever method you are using.
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I have had my 400 gallon spa for almost a year and thankfully switched to the Dichlor/Bleach method after my disastrous first fill which turned out much like the friend above. My water has never been cleaner or safer. I can't imagine ever switching from this. As for the tester the Taylor Kit is good, but there is also another TFT Test Kit - TFT Test Kits which although a little more expensive at start up provides more tests, especially CYA, for your money. I have had my kit almost 9 months and I am just getting to need CYA test and Chlorine (FAS/DPD) refills. I will never, ever use strips again except for maybe testing salt (unstabilized chlorine adds salt). Do what you want, but I will tell you I am much happier - no Ph drift, no scaling, no irritation/rash.
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Does the SpaEase or Scum absorbers really work? I thought they were a gimmick
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Right now my Ph ~7.6, TA ~60, CH ~150, Borates ~50, TC~ I super shocked to 10ppm. A little foam is understandable and I can deal with that, what I had looked like a bubble bath! I will try changing out the filter. Anybody have any opinions good, or bad about filter cleaning chems/tools that are available on the Spa web sites?
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You may be able to run this on 120v, but you may not get heater functionality while the pumps are running and vice versa. Not certain though
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Over the holiday I had a large bather load in the tub (5-6 people for 1/2 hour). I super shocked (I am using bleach) in hopes of killing all the waste, I thought I did okay but I am getting a lot of foaming and I can see some of the oils/residue on the surface of the water. I just dumped and refilled a month ago. I really don't want to refill again. Any recommendations?
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What does everyone recommend for wiping down the spa shell with before refilling?
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First of all, welcome aboard! I hope your impending experience with a spa is an enjoyable one.
I echo everyone else's concerns over a used tub that is not currently operation. In that you have no guarantee as to how it was drained, cleaned etc before storage there is a very good change of biofilm and other nasties growing in the plumbing. Personally I would go after a new lower end tub, your choice. There is an excellent product for cleaning out plumbing, I got it at Spa Depot http://www.spadepot.com/ (excellent source for spa needs) it is called Spa System Flush. I used it to decon my tub after my initial fill went awry.
When you do get your spa do yourself a huge favor and take a look at Nitro's approach to water maintenance; http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=13634
Which is an excellent resource, I used the Dichlor/Bleach method for my second fill and for nearly four months I have had zero water issues and I am about to dump and refill again and I will most certainly be using the same method. Also make sure you get yourself a good (Taylor or TFT) test kit. Without it you will be lost. It will be the best $60 you ever spent. Good luck with whatever you choose and happy tubbing!
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I am getting prepared for a new fill and instead of Boric Acid (I could not find it this time) I am going with Borax and Muriatic Acid combo. Do I mix it together before I pour it into the tub? I assume I can do this last after everything is balanced?
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I was positive that you guys would not lead me down the wrong trail. Thanks Chem, btw you said that the cover would see the affects? I would guess that is an affect of outgassing? My tub has been averaging 4 - 6ppm, sometimes more, some less throughout this fill so you would think that this would be okay? I am right at about 4 months on this fill and I have not been running into any balance issues, should I dump and refill now? I have been getting a little pH float (7.4 - 7.7).
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For my last fill, almost 4 months ago, I switched to Nitro's Dichlor/Bleach method. I have not had any hint of issues through this whole period. I was speaking to a pool/spa professional and I mentioned that I switched to a bleach method and she stated she would not recommend that and was concerned that the bleach would damage the plumbing/heater element. She did not try to sell me on any product/method so I am not sure what her motive to warn would be. I trust Nitro's method, I just want to verify that someone has used this for an extended period (years) and have seen no harm
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Well I can certainly chime in here. I have a 400 gallon spa that I have owned (brand new) for approximately 7 months. My first fill went horribly mostly due to bad/misinformation from dealer and spa "experts". I was fortunate enough to happen upon this site and Nitro and Chem Geek's suggestions have been instrumental in my renewed enjoyment of my "baby". I filled nearly four months ago (due for a re-fill soon). After balancing initially with Calcium Chloride (~150) I get my TA in line (~80 to start). Typically that same day once everything is balanced I add the Borates to 50ppm - all of this is done with the indispensable assistance of the Pool Calculator. Usually the next day I start my course of Dichlor (to build CYO), this step the last time took approximately 5 days until I had a CYA of 30ppm. To make things easier on myself I did not use the tub throughput this entire 5-6 day process. I then switched to 6% Chlorox regular bleach and have been a happy camper ever since.
I calculate my bleach use over the last 3 1/2+ months as approximately 1 gallon (~$2.00) versus lord knows how much Dichlor and multiple other chems that the "experts" recommend. They recommend it so they can sell you on a program of chems that keeps you coming back. Bleach is all you need for your day-to-day sanitation. After a typical 1 or 2 person soak (20-30 minutes) I throw in about 1/2 C of bleach which keeps my FC at about 5-6ppm, certainly not 6 gallons! My PH has never varied from between 7.2 and 7.6 - I have only used MPS once in nearly 4 months, but maybe mine doesn't get amount of usage as some.
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I barely read any of the other posts, but I agree with most. This "electrician" should be jailed, sued and/or have his license (assuming he has one) revoked. What he recommended is just plain deadly. I have to say there are some parts of the NEC that I do not readily agree with ( sometimes overkill), but this requirement is DEAD on!
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I am in my 4th month of enjoying soaking. Unfortunately I did not do enough research before my first fill, balancing never was achieved (tried in vain to use strips!). Congrats - love soaking, especially when it is clear and cold at night.
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It is beneficial to test (with a good drop test kit) every couple of days to see where your FC is to determine proper bleach dosing. The calculator is a tremendous tool, but you still need to accurately determine your Chlorine Demand http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.ph...c=18706&hl= only then can you get a real sense for what you need to add after each soak or as a maintenance. Since I have switched to all bleach I no longer "shock" - there is no need to.
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Wouldn't it be easier to just dose with Dichlor a couple of times (instead of bleach) to get CYA back up? I just hate to buy another chem just to use it once or twice.
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I have a question related to that. If I plan to refill every 3 to 4 months do I even need to retest my CYA between fills?
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I am not sure why, if you are using Dichlor, you would want to add a separate conditioner. It only takes about a week to get your CYA up to between 20 and 30 ppm. About 3 weeks ago I did an empty and re-fill and started using Nitro's method. I will never use any other method. Used a little bit of chems to get rolling and balanced and now only Chlorox at $2 a gallon
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Spa Depot.com is definitely my choice for chems and filters. The $3.95 shipping (for orders under $100) is great. Unfortunately they don't carry drop test kits or refills. As I have switched to Nitro's Dichlor/Bleach method my dependency on chems has decreased dramatically. Currently I am going through a gallon of Chlorox about every two months (or so). So if I need chems when I do my re-fill then I use Spadepot.com
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I agree with BigD...went to the Dichlor (for about 1 week to build CYA) and then switched to good old Chlorox 6% bleach from the grocery store that goes for about $2 a gallon and lasts almost 2 months. Haven't used any MPS, "Shock" or any other treatment with the exception of dry acid (to get my TA and pH in alignment). That method is a godsend - Nitro is my HERO! Do yourself a favor - next fill - switch
Draining Of Tub - Question
in Portable Hot Tubs & Spas
Posted
Hundreds! I"ll be right over