Rbrb

ok, thanks so much.

We have a 500 gallon Hot Spring spa. I've switched over from using an ACE saltwater system to the Nature 2 cartridge. We use the hot tub infrequently -- maybe only 1x every 3 weeks or so. The Nature 2 guide says only to add MPS at use (right before and right after). If I am using so infrequently is that still ok, or should I add maybe once a week? I initially shocked the water with dichlor so currently there is residual chlorine. I want to try not shocking once a week with chlorine as we have an ozonator. Thoughts?

I have a four year old Grandee and am on on my second ACE cell. The first was replaced as defective with the warranty. This second cell has had similar problems but no longer covered by warranty. I would like to just get rid of the cell and convert it to a regular tub using my ozonator (already installed) and a mineral stick like Nature 2 (plus chlorine). Can I simply disconnect the ACE system myself. I would just remove the cell and cord unplugging from the cords that lead to the control box. Is there anything wrong with doing this myself? (Obviously with power off, etc.). Thanks.

Hello everyone. I hope someone can help me. I am a complete newbie and am knee deep in trying to learn spa chemistry and I'm more confused than ever. I have a Grandee spa with the ACE system. My water looks great. When I last tested my FC was 2.4 and my CC was .8. I am coming upon my 30 day maintenance and the instruction book says to "super chlorinate" every 30 days with dichlor to raise the total chlorine level (based on little test strips) to 5 ppm. From my little knowledge, it seems the only reason to ever shock is to try to rid a spa of CC. Isn't it arbitrary for HotSprings to say raise to 5ppm without knowing the CC? Wouldn't I have to shock to 8 ppm to attack my CC? But testing over several days I have seem my CC level starting to drop on it's own which makes no sense to me given what I've read about CC. SO - would you shock monthly? If so, to what level? If you have no CC would you still shock? I really want to get this whole chemistry thing right so any advice would be really appreciated. I also don't really know the benefits with an ACE system of raising CYA which would happen over time with dichlor. Again, all handholding would be much appreciated.

Thank you! Ok, I'll use the vanishing act and use a bit of the PH decreaser. What about my Combined Chlorine? I thought CC should be as close to 0 as possible. How does one lower it? And should I be worrying about my CYA? Thanks!!

Ok, I've poured over all the advice I could find but I'm still lost. I bought a HotSprings Grandee about a month ago with the Ace system. I just received the Taylor testing kit that was recommended on this site and i've done all the tests but have no idea what to do! My FC is 3.6 ppm. My CC is 1. My Ph is 7.7. My total alkalinity is 70. My CYA is 0 (I only added dichlor once the first day and not very much). My calcium hardness is 90. According to the ACE specs, my TA is fine but my Ph is slightly too high (should be below 7.6) but the PH decreaser says not to use if the total alkalinity is below 140 (or so, can't remember exact number). When I used the test strips my calcium looked fine but 90 is above the ideal range of 25-75. I think my FC is fine but obviously the CC is too high. I don't understand how to lower it on an ACE system. And, should I try to increase my CYA by adding dichlor? Finally, should I use the calcium remover that came with the spa (a filter thing you put in the bottom) for a day or so? Any advice will be MUCH appreciated. I feel like an idiot right now!