[How To Test & Manage My Water?]

Thanks Waterbear; helpful as always!

The LaMotte ColorQ was actually given to me by a friend! I thought it was an adequate way to test my water, but maybe the Taylor kit is the best option. I appreciate your advice on this.

Thanks again,

Kalev

[How To Test & Manage My Water?]

Hi,

First off, thank you all for such a great resource and helpful community. This site has made my hot tubbing experience much easier than I anticipated so far! I'm using Waterbear's step by step guide for running bromine in a hot tub, and have my chemistry in a good place. I think I understand the basics, however I haven't found any particularly satisfying answers on how to test my water, and how to add my chemicals to my spa. I'm hoping you can help!

I find that I waste a lot of test tablets because of the fluctuations in my readings; I keep retesting until I'm comfortable with the accuracy of the readings. Now, I understand that they will fluctuate due to certain variables, such as the addition of chemicals. However, I have no idea what chemicals have this effect, and how long to wait after adding chemicals, when to test etc.. etc..

So, I'm curious if there are certain guidelines I should consider when testing and adding chemicals. What to add, in what order, and how long to wait before testing, and so on. In case its important: I have a 500 gal tub with CD Ozone, 3-step bromine system, bleach as my shock/oxidizer, using a LaMotte ColorQ Pro7 test tablet kit.

Thanks in advance,

Kalev

[Hot Springs, Arctic And Pricing]

A salt system is just a chlorine generator, and for what they are asking for that option, you ever recouping the cost from chlorine isn't likely to happen for 50 years, Salt syatems are a "Selling tool" more than anything else, designed to appeal to either your desire for low maintainence, or having a chlorine-free tub, niether promise which is delivered on.

1) Spas will always need maintained, none of them "practically take care of themselves"

2) Something cannot be both "new" and time - proven for reliability.

3)Arctic is a very new company, less than 10 years old, and "wisdom" they offer is relative.

4)The hot springs manufactured today is only a shadow of what the reputation has been based on.

5)Both use 100% proprietary parts, post-warranty you will pay DEARLY for parts and service.

Hi,

You touched on something I hadn't considered completely: post-warranty maintenance. In your opinion, which quality spa manufacturer would be the cheapest for post-warranty parts & service?

I'm currently in the market for tub, and am considering: Arctic, Beachcomber, Clearwater, HotSprings, Jacuzzi & Sundance.

Thanks!

Kalev