walleye

My Ozonator only is on while the circ. pump is on and that is only on when it needs heating up. It also filters through cycles automatically. Not 24 hrs.I wonder if there is a way to set it to circulate more often.

Glad I did not buy a Artic Spa. Will put on my "do not buy" list. That is just not right.

If you have a bromine system an add chlorine it is converted into bromine sanitizer. You might want to take some time and read bromine for beginners so you understand how bromine works. The spa frog is really pretty useless, IMHO and just an extra expense. As far as test kits, if you are going with a chlorine system then get a Taylor K-2006. If you are going with N2 then you need the special MPS reagent in addition to the kit. If you are going with bromine the Taylor K-2106 is less expensive since it only included the tests needed for bromne but you can use the K-2006 by multiplying the chlorine test results by 2.25 to convert it to a bromine reading (and you only need to to the first part of the test). FWIW, MPS is a known irritant and my opinion is that bromine oxidized with bleach introduces less irritating chemicals into the water than N2 or bromine with MPS. Thanks Waterbear and all the rest for the replies. I am sure learning as I go. I will stay with the system I have for now until I am more comfortable. Based on the opinions I get here (which I value more than any others)the Bromine may be the best for me. As long as used properly, should be as safe as any for my family. Currently, I have the container in my filter area which holds bromine tabs, the spa frog in the filter area (free with spa) and the ozonator. I plan on cutting back to one bromine tab (from 3) and hopefully just shock as needed with a product called "renew"; unless advised otherwise here. My biggest challenge now is to master the PH and Alkalinity. From what I understand a PH of 8 is OK and should come down with time? I think it is a tad less than 8 now. My alkalinity is around 40.

Thanks chem geek. I am going to try to find a decent water testing kit locally. I need one that test both Bromine as well as Chlorine since I will likely need both at some point regardless of which system I get. I need Bromine testing currently. You are very helpful, thank you.

Thanks Chem Geek. I did not see your other reply regarding Clearwater Blue until after I posted. I will mark it off as a choice. As for Bromine, I am just trying to rid the tub of any irritants for my Grand Kids. I am VERY new to this and don't want to make any errors. Maybe I will wait till I am more used to everything to make a decision. The Nature2 seems like a good choice according to your replies? I am in the tub nightly, but after the fall that will change to 1-3 times weekly. I look forward each night to just soaking for 15 minutes or so. I do need a water kit as I do not trust these strips. I get the same reading from my tap as I do the tub. I just added the Spa Frog that came in my spa kit to the inner filter. Not sure what that even does in addition to the Bromine tabs in floater as well as the Ozonator. Now that you know my usage and details, unless you say otherwise, I think once I use up my bromine supply I will go with Nature 2? Is that a good choice for my situation? Thanks again.

Well, Unless otherwise noted here, I have made my mind up to go away from the Bromine system my new Spa came with. I am now thinking either the Clear Water Blue or Nature2 systems. Any help or advice is needed so when I order I get it right. Are these good alternatives? Please tell me your educated opinions. Sorry for being a pain but this is the place I have to help me learn. Thanks again.

Thanks for the help. I do have an Ozonator, but the Spa people who set it up put 3 Bromine tabs in the container that is basically in the filter department, so I do have Bromine tabs. They said once they are gone to always keep 1 tablet in the container. Is this OK? Seems like a lot of Bromine since I only need 1 in there going forward? I added 2 ounces of Baking soda prior to reading your reply. Current test strip reads Bromine = 1 PPM ALK = 80 PPM PH =8 and Calcium = 300. What should I do now? I know I need a water test kit and will order one ASAP. Thanks all, this help is much appreciated.

Bromine system, 400 gallon Sundance Altamar with Ozonator. PH is at 8 and TA at 40-50. How can I raise the TA to 80-120 as needed without raising PH?

I am wanting to get something other than test strips to be sure I am maintaining my new spa correctly. As of right now I am using Bromine to sanitize it, although I am looking at other ways depending on recommendations from the experts here. (i have another thread asking about that) Is there a test kit I should order that will do the testing I need regardless if I use Bromine, Chlorine or Nature 2? Or do I need to determine the treating method prior to ordering a testing kit? Currently all I have are test strips. Thanks everyone, the help here is great. I do have an Ozonator if that makes any difference.

Thank you for the reply Chem Geek. I did not mean to come across as if I know if anything is safe or not, as I am as novice as it gets about this. I have only had my hot tub 3 days. I just want to be sure I am doing the best safe way to maintain my tub while being sure I do not expose my grand kids to anything harmful. Maybe Chlorine or Bromine is OK, I don't know. Currently I use Bromine. Is that better than Chlorine? What do you use? Better yet, if you were in my situation, what would you use? I really appreciate and value your opinion. I know there are a few of posters here that have a lot of experience and I am looking to use that experience to do the best thing. I own a 2011 Sundance Altamar with Ozonator. Thanks again for the help.

Sorry if this has been talked about prior, but I am wanting to know if this is an alternative to chemicals. I will have my gran kids in the spa regularly (98 degrees) and don't want to expose them to anything dangerous. I would like to get away from the Bromine the dealer has recommended, but I am novice at this. By reading about this Nature 2, it seems that along with a shock treatment as needed will be safer? Any input on this is greatly appreciated. Looking for best way to keep tub safe and clean.

My link Not sure how to get pic to show?

My link

Up and running! Don't know how to post pictures.....?

I used Romex NM 6-3 with ground all the way. I don't think it is THHN wire? From the Panel in my garage, to the outside disconnect (50 AMP) on to the tub. All inside Carflex water tight fittings outside.

Walleye, I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN (disclaimer). Check your local electrical codes to be sure your hot tub electrical setup and wiring is in compliance with your local codes. Many communities have special requirements for hot tubs. If your set up is not in compliance, your insurance may not cover you if a problem arises and is sourced back to your electrical set up. If you refer to page 12 and page 16 of your owner's manual, you'll find the electrical information for your Altamar. It is shipped from the factory configured for the most common electrical configuration, i.e., 240 VAC/50 AMP. You may be able to simply switch the 50 AMP with the 60 AMP. However, the wire size requirements are different for a 60 AMP breaker compared to that required for a 50 AMP breaker. The physical dimensions of the breakers may also differ. So, besides the size of the wires required for each breaker, space in your electrical box or sub-panel may be a consideration should you want to switch. I hope this helps. gman I used 6-3 NM Romex and it is rated for 240V 60 Amp. I will check, but I think if I were to change the 50 AMP breaker in the panel as well as the 50 AMP GFCI in the disconnect both to 60 AMP I should be OK. I will wait to see if it is a issue for me prior to doing anything different. Thanks to all for the help. It is very helpful.

So can I just change my 50 AMP breaker on my GFCI to a 60 AMP if this becomes an issue? If so I will keep the 50 for now. If I can't simply change to a 60 AMP, then I will return the entire unit right away and be done with it. Can anyone tell me for sure? I would think it is just the breaker but I am no electrician. Thanks guys.

I wish I would have known this. The 60 AMP was right next to this one for $10 more. I asked the Electrician and he said the 50 AMP is fine. I wish I would have got the 60 now. Oh well. I guess since it is new I can return and get the 60. It is the same box I believe... Or can I just switch out the 50 AMP Breaker in the box for a 60 AMP?

Thanks Guys. It should be all set in place and electrical hooked up by noon tomorrow. All that's left for the electrician is to tie into tub and panel. I have the wire at the panel as well as out of the GFCI as of now. I bought a 50 AMP GFCI from Home Depot made for Spas'. It was only $50, I hope that was not a mistake. Has room to add a 110 outlet as well. Anyone have trouble with these? Says Midwest on the outer side of box with a Duck logo. One last question, inside the box, there is a what looks like an lead or magnesium looking antenna? Some sort of ground? Nothing to hook up to it. Wiring was pretty straight forward.

Well after over a year of reading, debating and hearing all the different opinions about all types of hot tubs, I finally bought one. I bought the Sundance Altamar. My wife wanted a lounger and since there will be only two and on rare occasions 3 people the space was not a concern for us. Reviews I found on this tub were good and I feel I got a good price. I want to say I appreciate and value all replies I have read. The decision came down to the fact I am a new Spa owner and the fact they will deliver, set, fill make sure the water is proper and teach me all I need to know means a lot to us. I was down to the Sundance and Hot Spring but the Sundance local dealer is what did it. The local tech was at the store and spent lots of time with me explaining things. He did not try to sell me anything, in fact he knew I was considering Hot Springs and he said they make a very good spa as well, did not bad mouth any tub. What he did do was explain in detail every question I had. He had a lot to do with me buying the spa from that dealer. I spent a lot of time today pulling wire through my attic and have the GFCI mounted and wire to it. All the electrician has to do is tie in both ends. After this job I need the hot tub more than ever!~ Thanks again everyone, your opinions and replies played a big part in our decision. Now wish me luck!

Considering these Spas. Any feedback? Also what is a good price, has anyone here bought either of these Spas? This has been a very tough year trying to figure out what to buy. I will something this fall. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks everyone. I am considering a 6 person Spa and I expect most of the time only 2 (me and my wife) in it, possible up to 4 (rare). That said, I guess a Lounger is OK since there should be plenty of room anyway. I am not in a position to wet test unfortunately.

What do you all think about a lounger in the Hot Tub? Yes or No? Why? Thanks

What do you all think about a lounger in the Hot Tub? Yes or No? Why? Thanks

So by your comments, I have to interpret that you recommend a two speed pump over a circ pump? Correct?