hoopy

PaulR: What about Zeobrite? I was told that it is used in a sand filter instead of using sand.

chem geek: So what you are saying is that your pool has 4 cartridges in the filter? Is that normal or did you specially order that? How can I tell how many square feet the cartridge at the pool store has? Also, what would you recommend for a 27' pool (about 17,133 gallons)? Lastly, is it true that cartridge filters give the best filtration over sand, DE or Zeobrite?

imnay: I have heard bad things about cartridge filters. How often do you have to clean them? How often do you have to replace them? Have you heard about using Zeobrite with a sand filter? I heard that it is one of the best options for filtration.

Thanks for all the good info. I guess I should add a couple of things. I live in NE Ohio. What about using Zeobrite with a sand filter? Does it make it better than either cartridge or DE filtration? It's funny you brought up salt chlorine generators as I recently learned about them. Like I said I have been getting contradicting information from dealers. Can you use a salt chlorine generator with either an aluminum or steel pool? If so, I was also told that they keep your pool perfectly balanced chemically. Is that true? Also, what is the cost involved with using a salt chlorine generator? Thanks again.

I am looking at purchasing a new above ground pool for the first time. Even though I will be a first time pool owner, I am not new to pools and pool chemistry. I have worked with pools for many years, mainly commercial so I am a little at odds with all the choices I have for a residential pool. Here is where I am now: 1) Leaning toward an aluminum pool over a steel pool because of the rust factor and I want it to last (have 2 small kids.) 2) Was told to get a sand filter over DE or cartridge. 3) Sanitizer is where I am at a lose, many options and would like to know all of your opinions on it Right now it is between a 24' and a 27' round pool. But it seems like every dealer I take to gives me different information regarding which sanitizer and/or filtration system is the best. Please I would really appreciate any advice on any of the above 3 points and anything additional you can add. I know there is a lot of knowledge in this forum so thanks for any help.

I currently own a D1 Diplomat for about 2 yrs now. Just recently, I have noticed that when I put the jets on, I get massive amounts of bubbles. It almost looks like a bubble bath! I have never had this problem before. I have tried shocking it but nothing. I have also noticed that the water has had a slight green tint color to it lately. Any idea what might be causing these 2 problems? One other thing I have noticed is that when I check it randomly, the circ pump is never on (maybe because it says the water temp is either 102 or 103 and I have it set for 101) What do you think? Thank you.

Gotta agree with most people here. We have had our Diplomat for almost a year now and we love it. I am not the tallest person in the world (at 5'7") and I do not float in either of the loungers. Great spa, great brand. Maintenance has been very easy, just cleaning the filters when it tells you to and changing the Vision cartridge every 6 months. Pretty easy.

Can jets be taken out while there is water still in the tub?

Well, I have only had my Diplomat up and running since March, so when I put the metal gone in, I went in before I had the Vision cartridge in. Ask your dealer, he should be able to help with that one.

kateyc61, I never used the anti scale, just the metal gone with no problems.

What about the Vision Cartridge? Think I can maybe get another month out of it?

Also, my vision cartridge was supposed to be changed in Sept. Since I didn;'t use the spa a lot in the summer, I figured I could get maybe another month or two out of the vision cartridge. Could this be causing the problem?

Sorry I thought I was clear about that. I haven't changed it since March. Sorry about the confusion.

I have a D1 Diplomat that I have up and running since March. Recently I have noticed that when the jets are on, more bubbles and a little bit of foam are showing up. I just had the water tested and the TDS is right around 900. What could be causing the bubbles and foam as I have never had them before?

Metal Gone removes all the metals in the water. Since I use a metal based sanitizer (Silver Nitrate in the form of a Vision Cartridge), I have to remove the Vision Cartridge for 48 hours once I put the Metal Gone in.

Just got my water tested and I was told that the TDS was right around 900. I have had this water for about 6 monhts now. I was that the water is great and I don't have to change it. What do you think?

Thanks again for the great info. I do have a place where I can take my water to get tested that is fairly close. I will have to get that down ASAP. My dealer did tell me this though, when I drain it to change the water, only drain it about 3/4's of the way, leaving 1/4 water in it. Then refill it and use the Metal Gon. He said this will help prevent any air locks that would occur if the water was completely drained. What do you all think of this? Good or bad advice?

How often are you guys changing your water? I know it depends on usage, and mine is like 1 or 2 times a week. I was told every 6 months but if usage is down, can that be stretched? Also, how long before you are changing your Vision cartridge? Again, I know it depends on usage, but instead of the recommended 6 months, can this be stretched too? Thanks.

Are there no D1 owners that can help me out? Any comments on the subject are welcome. Thanks.

I currently own a D1 Diplomat and I love it. The one thing that bothers me though are the Neckflex jets. Someone please help me with this one. If you put your head in the Neckflex pillow, the jets hit your shoulders, not your neck. In order to get the jets to hit your neck, the pillow has to be higher than your head. Am I doing something wrong here or what? Thanks.

flibotte: Zip lock bag? Good idea, I will try that. What about the earbud wires, is it ok if they get wet?

So does anyone who is doing this now have any comment on this?

Anyone listen to their Ipod when in the hot tub? Any risk of damaging the Ipod by listening to it while in the hot tub (other than the obvious of it falling into the water)? I wrap mine in a towel and keep the earbud cord out of the water.

What exactly does chlorine do to the PH? I have searched and googled and can't seem to find this. When I add some granular chlroine to my spa, does this raise or lower my PH? Also, what does the shock do to the PH? Thanks.

Guzz, thanks for the tip. When adding chems, just run the jets for 5 or 10 mins. or more?