hendr1x

haha...good story. What you said makes sense. If I have to I can keep using the taylor, I assume I am getting it close. I also have the little test strips which I almost every time I used the machine. Those are easier to read but I assume not very reliable. I was just hoping there was another accurate test that didn't rely on my worst skill...shades of red.

I'm stuck. My water naturally has a TA for 40. I bring it up with baking soda to 100-140. However this causes my ph to spike...when I try to lower it with PH Down (sodium bisulfate) it brings down my TA With it. I'm not clear what exactly I am suppose to do in the situation. I assume I just have to accept a low TA level? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Hello everyone, I'm red/green color blind and the ph test that comes with the Taylor brand bromine kit is almost impossible for me to tell what level it is at. My understanding is that the affordable electronic testers are not good and I don't have a ton of money to spend on a professional one. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do? Prior I had a Pool Master 5 way test kit...their ph test had two chemical you add and I was able to see the difference more clearly. I can't afford to buy their tests just for the ph version and their other ones only have the single chemical (phenol red). I would appreciate any suggestions.

Sorry...I couldn't find a place to post this. I just have a regular hot tub. Hot tub is level. Drain is fully open and pointing downward. There is still about 1/2 inch of water left in tub after all flow stops. What is recommended in this situation? I wanted to close it down for the summer but I can't leave water in there...it will get absolutely disgusting if I do. Any suggestions?

Hello everyone, When I first setup my hot tub I checked it really well for leaks. Didn't see anything at all. I put it all together (inside my deck so its hard to take apart now..though completely possible....just 3 or 4 hours of work) and it lost about an inch of water in about 5 days. I'm going to estimate 24 hours of the top being off...I'm just curious what is normal or what is cause for concern. Thanks

Oh man...so I got a my new (used) hot tub up and running 3 days ago. I guess I didn't realize what I was getting into from the start but to save you a long story I really would just like some help on the chemistry of things. I started off buying test strips and everything was looking good in the beginning using them. I brought my water to the local pool place and this is what the report said....starting with the good stuff...saturdation index is normal, TDS : 200, calcium hardness : 177, CYA : 2. The issues... they told me to do in the following order 15 minutes between each step 1) Low Total Alkalinity: 102, add 2 tbsp on spa total alkalinity increaser 2) ph Adjustment Required : 8.1, Add 2 tsps(s) of spa ph Decreaser 3) Low Bromine : .3, add 1tbsp + 1 tsp of brominating concentrate I did this. I also bought the liquid test kit : Poolmaster 22260 online and it arrived this afternoon. So when I went to test tonight...I mean this kit makes it impossible to determine bromine. Apparently I have to differentiate between the slightest shades of yellow and I honestly don't think I can do it. It sure seems like my I am the highest level however...I used the test strips I have (two different brands) and they confirm the same...around 10 maybe? I don't know what do from here....the pool shop is closed until Saturday so I guess no using the tub until then? I only yesterday founds @waterbear guide and I realize I did a horrible job starting things off...I just filled up the tub and let it get hot and then started adding chemicals the morning after the first use. He made is seem like I don't have a bromine bank at all so I ordered some straight sodium bromide which should be here Friday. So I would appreciate any guidance...I'll tell you I don't trust the pool place at all..they said they don't offer anything but the strips which as I have read are worthless...they also don't see sodium bromide straight at all. I would really like to know if the other test kits any better for being able to determine the difference in levels....I know Taylor is recommended but maybe you guys just have a better eye then I do. That involves waiting a week+ for it unfortunately. Is there any salvaging the current setup or should I just drain and start from scratch? Thanks for any help you can provide. I really appreciate it.