Suggestions for keeping water chemistry in check for longer periods

[Venams]

Have been using the tried and true Dichlor then bleach method to dose my tub on daily basis.

This has worked great but now I have a new dilemma.

I have to leave the spa to travel out of state for 2-3 week intervals for the next 6 months.

Other than draining the spa and leaving it dry/dormant, is there a way that I can safely balance the water and keep the chlorine levels within check when I'm away during the 2-3 week time period?

 

[partyboy]

Other than a salt cell I’d say no. You’ll get more time out of it if you turn off the heater and superchlorinate before you leave, but in my experience anything more than 5 days will require a bit of cleanup work before re entry. 

[Venams]

What about using this product for 2-3 week trips while still using the Dichlor/Bleach system when I'm home? It says it maintains a low CL amount between .5 to 1ppm and seems easy enough to use?

https://www.spadepot.com/Spa-Frog-ease-Floating-Sanitizer-System-P2793

 

 

[Venams]

can anyone comment on using the Spa Frog @ ease chloring treatment during the extended periods when I'm away (2-3 weeks)?

[mrwrick]

Hi, this is not a reply about Spa Frog, but my experience keeping water clean for extended periods.

I use bromine in my "away" spa. I also installed an ozone generator that runs 24/7 with my recirculation pump. Together they have been able to keep my spa clean and clear for weeks, even a month or two, at a time.

A while ago the ozonator seemed to stop producing the tiny bubbles. With that change came a big change in the water quality while away, despite having the bromine level maintained. I would also turn the heat down, almost off.

I have now drained the tub and will refill and start fresh, then resume the pattern of bromine with ozone for sanitizing. I expect the same good results. One issue I have been dealing with is the inability to bring my pH into the test zones; it is always off the chart on high base side. This coincides with consistently high alkalinity. I accept this in order to avoid acidity which could ruin my motors and heater over time.

I invite the experts to comment on whether this is a worthwhile method or the consequences i may be facing. This forum is great.

[Venams]

so checking back in to report Guys and Gals.. I went ahead and purchased the Spa Frog @ease floating chlorinator system after reading lots of positive reviews.

I balanced the water as I usually did using the Dichlor then Bleach method:  TA = 70, PH 7.4, CH 150

@Ease said to add the package of their spa shock to the water prior to installing the system. I then switched the unit to setting # 3 which is for spa volumes of 450gal to-530 gallons.

Dropped in the Spa Frog.

Just shy of 3 weeks later I returned to find the water cloudy, smelly with a milky white tinge to it. I grabbed the Spa Frog floater and it was dripping the milky white water as I removed it. So the milky white cloudiness definitely came from the Spa Frog floater.

Quick test showed the PH at 6.8, TA at 40 (water temp was steady at 96 degrees). Does ANYONE have an idea what went wrong here? The chlorine section of the floater still had granules and it was not flipped over when I returned which is the indicator that all the chlorine has exhausted and needs replacement.

I added Spa clarifier to the tub and tried in vain for hours to clear mess up. I ended up dumping the otherwise clean fill water and rinsed the filters with a garden hose.

Refilled the tub and balanced back to TA= 7.6,  TA = 80 and added 1.3 oz of Dichlor.  Next day my water is turning cloudy... What the heck is going on. I normally have pristine extra clear water, all the time with these parameters using the Dichlor then bleach method and the water was absolutely pristine before I used the Spa Frog system.

calling WaterBear, Nitro et all!  Any idea what's clouding the water right now and how I can clear it? Maybe I need to add non chlorine shock?  Can I add that if my chlorine level is at 12ppm right now? Need help and advice on how to right the ship please....