rice40

Thanks Kyle, I really appreciate the advice! I'm actually using the granules which are only around 12% bromine I believe. Do you typically have to add a lot to start with fresh water and a lesser amount each time you use it to maintain it? I probably have about two cap fulls in there now and it's finally registering in the range although I'm still getting some bubbles.

I am a new hot tub owner and have a few questions. It's a Vita Spa. 1) I'm using Spa Essentials brominating concentrate which I'm being told is really the only chemical I need as long as my PH is good. I just changed the water and cleaned the filters and checked the PH and alkalinity and both look good. I followed the directions by adding a few teaspoons of sanitizer and then checked the levels. It wasn't registering any bromine so I added more. I've now added about two cap fulls from a two pound container and it still shows no bromine. I'm also getting a lot of bubbles when turning the jets on. What am I doing wrong? The hardness is a little low, would that make a difference? Also, do I need to use an oxidizer since this is a one step product that already includes it? I can definitely smell the sanitizer but obviously something is wrong. 2) The waterfall isn't flowing very well. Any tips on how to fix it? 3) It sounds like there is a small rock or something stuck in the top of the air vent. Is there a way to get in there to remove whatever is stuck? 4) The filters are in good shape and I've just cleaned them. I was going to replace them because I don't know when they were replaced last if ever but the guy at the hot tub store said it wasn't necessary unless they are torn or broken. Things I read online said to replace them every 12-24 months. Is there any reason to change them if they're not damaged? Thanks for any help of suggestions!