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Questions for Hot Spring Freshwater (salt) Owners
swilly1000:
I am certainly no expert but it seems to me that manufacturers will market sanitization systems to appeal to people who are understandably concerned about gross water. I suspect this is another one of those areas where the sizzle beats the steak and that those systems are more bark than bite. Hydropool's "self cleaning tubs" (WTF?!) and salt water systems come to mind.
I don't have a big bather load most of the time so I don't have the experience to report on that. But after ten months of use I've gained a pretty good comfort level on water maintenance and chemical use. I've resolved a few minor cloudy/green water issues and now have the confidence and feel for how to deal with it and maintain nice clear balanced water. Getting your water tested at the dealer periodically is key as well in confirming that things are as expected on the water front.
I use Spa Marvel in my tub and I believe it really does reduce the need for chemicals. It also affects the chlorine readings on my text strips. Even though I'm diligent about sanitizing after each soak the readings for chlorine on my strips are at or near zero. I think the Spa Marvel has something to do with that.
I think the other point that needs to be accepted is that keeping your water clean and balanced requires attention and a little time. There's no substitute for that, especially a manufacturer's miracle on board system that doesn't do (as much) as it is marketed to do.
Just sayin'
Hottubguy:
Are either of you using a mineral stick in your filter with the freshwater salt system? I have a Geneva with it (and sell Caldera Spas) and have had good luck with the system. It took about a week for me to get everything regulated but since it has been running fine. I’ve had my tub since late November. I run my output at 5 and typically shock with liquid chlorine once a month or so. I aim to run my chlorine level at a 1ppm level. Use my tub 4-5 times a week usually in morning then in the evening with my wife and sometimes with my kids. Haven’t had the cloudy water yet. Did get foamy for a few days after I had a birthday party at my house. Bunch of kids used it at the party. Had to shock twice with liquid chlorine to get rid of foam. I’ve sold a bunch of these systems. Have had a couple people have some trouble with it but when I’ve had them add the mineral stick to the filter the issues have dissipated. Currently have one customer who is having a hard time with it but I think he is on the right track and will be corrected soon. Try running in with a mineral stick. I bet that helps greatly.
castletonia:
As Hottubguy stated, the mineral stick will help as it is an additional sanitizer and also allows for a lower chlorine level. I personally think 5 is way to low of a setting for a Grandee. I recommend to my customers 7-8 based on usage. Boost does work but user demand can exceed the rate at which boost creates chlorine. If you can prepare ahead of time, boost prior to the party. With any water care routine, being proactive will always yield better results than being reactive. A couple of other things to consider. You should really switch from using granular chlorine to liquid chlorine. By doing so you prevent the buildup of CYA which eventually will reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine and/or create a chlorine lock. I would also see if your dealer can do a phosphate test. High phosphates can cause issues with any system, salt, chlorine, bromine, @ease, etc.
So far, I have had success with Freshwater Salt. I do have 2-3 customers that have had more difficulty than others but overall customer satisfaction has been high.
Steph135:
We are using a mineral stick, and we are able to keep the chlorine levels quite low with crystal clear water. Our system, for the two of us, has remained steady at 7, but I just bumped it to 8 to see what it does.
When we had the 7 people over, I did start the boost that morning before. We are having people over again, so will start the boost tomorrow, but I think we'll add additional chlorine in addition to the boost, as well as adding chlorine periodically, and we will be ready to give it a very good shock after. Actually, after tomorrow, it will be about time to take the filter out, soak it, shock it, etc.
Hottubguy:
--- Quote from: Steph135 on August 31, 2019, 06:31:32 pm ---We are using a mineral stick, and we are able to keep the chlorine levels quite low with crystal clear water. Our system, for the two of us, has remained steady at 7, but I just bumped it to 8 to see what it does.
When we had the 7 people over, I did start the boost that morning before. We are having people over again, so will start the boost tomorrow, but I think we'll add additional chlorine in addition to the boost, as well as adding chlorine periodically, and we will be ready to give it a very good shock after. Actually, after tomorrow, it will be about time to take the filter out, soak it, shock it, etc.
--- End quote ---
After the boost cycle ends what is your chlorine reading at? What does it start at?
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