Spa Frog? Worth The Money?

[hot_water]

Hi guys,

I've been buying the "spa frog" mineral stick for something like $20 a pop. You put it in the filter, it's supposed to last for 4 months.

My question is, does this thing actually do anything positive or an I just wasting $60 each year? I don't know how to test for its effectiveness, and I'm not sure it's wise to reduce the bromine level based on something so.... voodoo.

What do you chemistry experts think?

[The Pup]

I am not a chemistry expert...so ignore if that is your only qualifying criteria. However, from a user experience perspective (continuously since the early '70s and counting):

I have used the Spa Frog floater Bromine and Mineral cartridges for well over a year and have been maintaining a sanitizer level of 1.0ppm +/- 0.5ppm with no issues. My spa has provisions to use in-line cartridges, but I prefer the option of removing the floater when I am using the spa.

I bought my initial purchase of cartridges in-bulk online (typically via eBay, Amazon, etc.).

Here is an excerpt from a previous post: http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21953

In one of my spas, I use the Spa Frog yellow (Bromine) and blue (Mineral) cartridge float system. I buy in-bulk and on my last purchase I paid approximately $80.00 for 9 Bromine and 3 Mineral cartridges. Doing a little algebra based on market observed dependent ratios between the two cartridge products...I believe the approximate unit cost for this given purchase was $4.99 (Bromine) and $11.68 (Mineral) per cartridge. Further, my last bulk purchase of 43% MPS cost approximately $128.00 for 50lbs...which relates to 6.25oz per $.

My observed monthly water sanitation costs:

Bromine cartridge is replaced when expended; for me, it typically will last 3 months with an orifice setting of "3" tethered and floating mid-way between active filter-cycle jets (the manufacture states the cartridge will last 2-4 weeks which is way below my observations).

= $1.66 per month.

Mineral cartridge, per the manufacturer's instructions, should be replaced every 4 months (I have gone 6 months with no ill effects...which may indicate it does less than advertised).

= $2.92 per month.

I typically use not more than 2-3oz of MPS per week (CD ozonator; *sanitizer target: 1ppm [+/-0.5ppm]; 420 gallon [as filled]; 100F; 1-or-2 people at 20-50 minutes 2-3 times per week; *1hr/12hrs filtering cycle)...or approximately 10.75oz per month.

= $1.72 per month.

Total monthly cost to maintain sanitizer levels with Spa Frog: $6.30. Note: This price is dependent on discount out-of-state (no tax) bulk purchases with nominal shipping charges.

My wife and I travel, so I rely on the proven 3-step Bromine system because it is very simple, somewhat cost effective and keeps my water crystal clear and odor/irritation free for 4-to-6 months between fills. In fact, I used only 2oz of TA+ and 1oz of pH- over 5 months between refills to maintain water balance. Edit: I have not had to use any water balance chemicals on my latest fill now going on 2 1/2 months.

* I maintain my spa's sanitizer levels and daily filtration cycles below recommended minimums (3-5ppm and 2hrs/12hrs respectively) with no ill effects to date.

P.S. If my wife and I did not enjoy traveling so much, I would simply use Nitro's method...which I did (with some variation) for more the 10 years with no issues. I have been using some form of the Bromine 3-step method for over 25 years with no issues (other than somewhat higher costs, but arguably lower effort).

P.P.S. Please let me know if there is a cheaper MPS way to go: http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21724

For reference (Nitro's methods):

Nitro's Approach To Water Maintenance

A guide to Water Balance and Sanitation using Chlorine

http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=13634

Lowering Total Alkalinity

How to lower TA, without lowering pH

http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19149

Chlorine Demand (CD)

What is it, and why you should care

http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=18706

Decontamination

How to Super Shock your Tub

http://www.poolspaforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=19115

[hot_water]

Thanks for your comments, Pup.

Not sure we're using the same product. I have a regular floating dispenser that I put bromine tabs in - not a spa frog product. The spa frog mineral gizmo I'm using is just the "mineral stick" that you put inside your filter. I looked it up - last time I bought it, it was just under $23, basically lasts for about one fill (4 months).

But based on your comments I might just look into your setup.

Surprised not have gotten more comments on this. Is no one using the spa frog mineral stick?

[The Pup]

Thanks for your comments, Pup.

Not sure we're using the same product. I have a regular floating dispenser that I put bromine tabs in - not a spa frog product. The spa frog mineral gizmo I'm using is just the "mineral stick" that you put inside your filter. I looked it up - last time I bought it, it was just under $23, basically lasts for about one fill (4 months).

But based on your comments I might just look into your setup.

Surprised not have gotten more comments on this. Is no one using the spa frog mineral stick?

I believe it is the same, just a different delivery systems (filter vs in-line vs. floater):