egclassic
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Posts posted by egclassic
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I hope you figure out what it is that's affecting you. I have been having the same issues since we got our new tub, and I am also the only one affected. I never had a problem with our other tub, with the exception of once I did get follicollitis.
My rashes seem to be getting fewer and less intense, so I don't know if I am developing a tolerence to whatever it is, or if that is even possible.
It really is disappointing when you can't enjoy your tub.
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According to instructions, when testing for Chlorine/bromine you only add 5 drops of each reagent, there is no end point like when testing for TA or CH.
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I am certainly no expert and I am working through my own set of problems, but, when you set up your new tub, did you put the required amount of sodium bromide (i believe 1/2oz per 100 gallons) in your tub to build the bromine reserve?
Also, did you decontaminate the tub before your first usage? Even though it is new, it can still have stuff growing in the plumbing.
I have just started using bromine also and I am finding it a bit more challenging to keep it at the desired levels. Once I shock the tub, the levels go high and it takes quite some time to return to normal, there is definately a learning curve.
I am sure Chemgeek, Waterbear or someone else with more knowledge, will be along to give you better advice/solutions, but sounds like something is in the tub using up your sanitizer. I would follow the decontamination procedure (which I've done twice) and see if that helps.
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Thanks Chem Geek,
That is what I was going to try after this rash clears, a soak in the bath tub and see what happens. I usually take HOT showers, twice a day, so hopefully I am not sensitive to hot water, that would be tragic.
The only way to turn the ozonator off is to unplug it from the control panel, so that is what I did for now.
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Can it cause skin irritation in any way?
I am at wits end on what I may be allergic to in my spa. This is our 2nd tub we have owned, and I never had any issues with our 1st, except once, I got Follicolitis because I listened to the dealer who suggested I use Baqua spa. Add to that it was my 1st spa and no experience with water quality.
Anyway, I started out with Chlorine and MPS shock. I got a horrible rash. I found this site and followed the decontamination procedure, twice. (forgot to mention, it is a used spa from a friend, 4 years old) Filled the spa and tried again. Rash.
Switched to bromine (waterbear's 3-step method) and quit using MPS. Rash.
My wife has had no issues whatsoever and my rash always appears within 12-24 hours after use. Chemical related from what I gather.
The only other thing this tub has that the old one did not is an ozonator, and the fact I was using MPS.
I know I am grasping at straws asking this question, but I am about to give up and drain the tub for good.
Here are my test results:
pH 7.6
TA 80
CH 275
Only other chemicals I have used are: Metal gon, Spa defender, spa perfect(enzyme), and I have added 50 ppm borates using 20 mule team and Muraitic acid.
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Yes, calcium carbonate scale can redissolve if the water chemistry has some combination of low pH, TA and CH (especially low pH).
The pool products that help to dissolve or dislodge calcium are not harmful. They are usually metal sequestrants and sometimes an organic acid. If you were to use a strong acid and lowered the pH too much, then that would be of concern. The Calci-solve MSDS says it is hydrochloric acid, but says it has other inhibitors that protect pipes -- probably chemicals that slow down metal corrosion. It doesn't look like it was designed for pool/spa use, but the copper heat exchanger is similar to other copper plumbing. You might test the pH in the spa water to see how low it goes. If it's not for very long (hours, not days), it should be OK.
I was only planning on using it the next time I do a refill, and only during the last hour or so before draining. Calci-solve works pretty quickly, I use it about 2-3 times a week at work. It it safe for rubbers, plastics, steel, brass etc, but it will react with aluminum. I do know that the fumes will burn the chrome off of plumbing fixtures.
I may do an experiment to see its effect on pH before using it. Thanks!
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Yes, I followed Taylors instructions for suspected high Calcium levels.(I may have added 1 additional drop of 11L)
I also tested my city tap water and I have approx. 200 ppm CH. I think I realized how my level got to 400 (maybe). I got this hot tub from a freind who lives in an area that has horribly hard water. If fact, every year, I go to his house to do a preventative maintenance on his electric water heater for this reason. One year, we skipped it, and the next year, I almost could not get the bottom element out of the heater. I kid you not, we always fill a 5 gallon shop vac with calcium deposits. Back to the point, He had this tub for about 4 years and I am suspecting that the plumbing in the tub has calcium build up in it, which may be leeching out into the water. Does this sound feesable? This spring I plan to replace the heater element and hopefully between now and then, I can come up with a plan to "flush" this build up out. I carry a product on my work truck called "Calci-solve" ( http://www.nucalgon.com/products/plumbing_calcisolve.htm ) which eats calcium and scale, but I fear it could damage my tub.
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Thanks for replying.
I am using Bromine and the levels have consistantly been around 2-4. My pH seems to stay @ 7.5 with TA of 70-80.
I am guessing that I had a high CH, because I tried the 10mL test and the color held. My CH seemed to be 400.
This morning I drained about 1/3 of the water and refilled. My CH is 275 now. I do not use MPS as I think I had an allergic reaction to it, I use 6% bleach as suggested here, only when needed.
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Today I bought the (Taylor)reagents to test for CH.
I filled my vial to the 25mL line and added 20 drops of r-0010, and then 5 drops of 11L.
The sample turned pink for a second or 2 and then went clear.
Does this indicate that my Calcium levels are too high and that I should do the 10mL sample test?
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I have a Taylor dpd test kit and, of course, I am using Bromine.
I am trying to get my new pentair floater set properly, and I was wondering, when you test for bromine should you read the results immediately or let it sit for a minute? Seems if I read it right after I flip the tester a couple times, I get a reading of about 2. If I let it sit for a minute or two, it seems to increase a bit, not much, but a little.
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From re-reading your first post, I am assuming this hot tub came with the new house, yes?
You mentioned that you had drained the tub, but did not mention whether you decontaminated it. If not, I think I would because you have no idea how the PO took care of it and besides, its their "filth" left behind. There could be something in the plumbing fouling your water that just draining will not remove. Good Luck!
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I am no expert, but since no one else has replied, thought I'd offer my .02
How long has your tub been set up? Did you establish a bromine reserve by adding the required amount of Sodium Bromide when you set it up? Do you have a Bromine floater? I just ordered the one everyone on here recommends. If you have one, maybe open her up a bit more, if you don't have one, get one. Try shocking the tub with a couple Oz. of Clorox bleach, that always brings my levels up. I just switched over from chlorine to bromine, so I am also still learning the in's and out's myself.
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I can't comment on whether an Ozonator is good or bad, but I too have recently developed a very itchy rash, which started shortly after we got our hot tub. It was used, from a friend, and I decontaminated it (twice).
This is our second hot tub, and I do not remember having these issues with our last one. The only differences are this tub has an Ozonator (the other one did not) and I have used MPS (non-chlorinated shock) in it. I do not think I used it in our first tub.
I have since stopped using MPS and went with straight bleach, as recommended here. Think I may be allergic to MPS.
Winter Water Change
in Hot Tub Water Chemistry
Posted
I would suggest using a "spa flush" product that you leave in over night to thoroughly clean the plumbing. I would not get in too big a hurry, because if you don't do it right the first time, you'll have problems and have to do all over again.
You should be able to order the flush product as well as the Sodium Bromide that you need online.