LCP

Hello...I am just new to the forum and very grateful I found the site. My issues are this; I have no idea how to maintain my hot tub!!! It was my husbands prior. It had been in dis-repair and after a few broken nail, a heating coil, blower, etc. I filled it with water and now what? I have been using the strips to test the water, however it gets a very intense odor that burns you lungs after some time. I would greatly appreciate it if some one would not mind giving me some guidance on what to do; step by step maintenance. I have asked several spa dealers in the area and to no avail they try and sell me hundreds of dollars worth of unnecessary products. Also, I would very much so like some information on the alternatives for chemical uses such as the baking soda method. I am not sure if it is of great importance or not as to the climate you live in or rather the tub is outdoors or not. I live in Colorado and the tub sits in a Gazebo. When I lived in Arizona and had a pool, it seemed easier to use a testing kit for the water. Your help is very greatly appreciated!!!

I am in desperate need for the brass tacks on chemical used and the maintanance of a hot tub! It is 11 years old and works great after I replaced some parts needed. A few broken nails, but hey, it works great! From what I have gathered from a few people there are many different options for the products as well as alternatives costing much less. Baking soda being one.I don't use an ozinator, however there is one attached and it has been there since 1996! Not sure why! I would appreciate step by step instructions and reasons for the baking soda, other than cost, verses brominating tablets for risk factor of damage purposes only. Your help woud be greatly appreciated. Oh, I do use the strips to test the water after I shock it.