Original > Hot Tub Forum
Making your own Frog @ease cartridges?
waterpro:
So we're about to order a larger Bullfrog tub, and it seems like all the dealers are using the Frog @ease system which sits between the filters. Apparently the triangle filter setup is only used on Bullfrog tubs. After reading a bit, even though it states that blue smartchlor cartridges are good for 4 weeks, most people with bigger tubs are going through the blue cartridges every 2-3 weeks. This gets really expensive, really fast!
I have also noticed that people made comments on using the inline cartridges instead of the triangular bullfrog specific cartridges and just letting them float around in the tub because it's cheaper. But even then, if I'm replacing them every 2-3 weeks that gets expensive as well.
I also saw how some people are using the inline cartridges and popping off the top to refill them which seems more ideal for me and a ton better for the environment! The downside seems to be that getting the top off is a PITA. I saw someone using a vice grip to pop it off. Doesn't seem ideal and I don't have a vice grip.
So this got me thinking, has anyone tried making their own smartchlor canister out of pvc? You could glue a bottom cap on and then use a screw on cap for the top so you can refill it. You could then just drill a few small holes in the pvc simulating the Frog @ease hole pattern you normally use and then you'd have a lifelong refillable cartridge that's easy to refill.
Curious if anyone has ever tried making their own chlorine cartridge like this? Any downsides to doing something like this?
Also as a follow-on question, for those of you that are refilling the cartridges, what are you putting inside them? I super new to the chemical thing, but I thought someone had mentioned dichlor? I'm probably butchering that.
Thanks!
BullFrogSpasMN:
just to clarify the 'blue colored cartridge' is good for (4) months, the grey colored cartridge is the chlorine cartridge that will require replacement every 3-4 weeks...Good Luck!
cranbiz:
I don't know about the Bromine cartridges but the Smartchlor chlorine cartridges are filled with Dantochlor. The issue with Dantochlor is the lack of a retail source for it.
I found a supplier at $50 a kilo but they will not sell to individuals.
The Wizard of Spas:
I like the out-of-the-box thought process but the premise is flawed (in my opinion): @ease is a different chlorine compound as it is patented. So you cannot swap out and expect the same result, nor would you want to. Thus one option would be to just buy tri-chlor tablets and float them, which would probably void any warranties as I don't know of a manufacturer that allows the use of tri-chlor tablets or biguanide systems. Not saying there are zero brands that allow that, just don't know of any off the top of my head when you read the fine prints in the warranties and owner's manuals.
If I have misread / misunderstood your question, I apologize in advance.
The point of @ease is the DCDMH combined with the silver creates a different yield in both free and total chlorine, and a totally unique interaction w/the FC and TC as well. My experience is more with the @ease floating ball instead of the in-line cartridges so I will certainly give way to another poster who might have more experience with those specific delivery methods but to this date I have not found much differentiation between the two in terms of what you're referring too. I have found a few things that *might* help as it pertains to what I use in my personal tub and the tubs on my showroom floor:
1. Keep pH and Alk inline. pH specifically works better when really tight - 7.4-7.8 and Alk closer to 80ppm.
2. Don't let the floater or cartridges dry out.
3. Keep water above 94F
4. Use the Jump Start later in the SmartChlor's lifespan - around week 3.
5. If the pH is good, the floater hasn't turned over / SmartChlor cartridge isn't empty, and water is clear - don't worry about what the strip reads!
6. Supplement later in the SmartChlor's lifespan - around week 3 or so but a few days away from the Jump Start dose - MPS Shock to help keep you consistently around 3-4 weeks.
I have a spa that is 525 gallons and I keep the dial at 4. Useage is always a big variable and I understand that your habits and mine might be different. Just noting some general points here that I have noticed over the past 6 years or so that @ease has been out. Hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
BullFrogSpasMN:
--- Quote from: The Wizard of Spas on August 27, 2021, 09:50:17 am ---I like the out-of-the-box thought process but the premise is flawed (in my opinion): @ease is a different chlorine compound as it is patented. So you cannot swap out and expect the same result, nor would you want to. Thus one option would be to just buy tri-chlor tablets and float them, which would probably void any warranties as I don't know of a manufacturer that allows the use of tri-chlor tablets or biguanide systems. Not saying there are zero brands that allow that, just don't know of any off the top of my head when you read the fine prints in the warranties and owner's manuals.
If I have misread / misunderstood your question, I apologize in advance.
The point of @ease is the DCDMH combined with the silver creates a different yield in both free and total chlorine, and a totally unique interaction w/the FC and TC as well. My experience is more with the @ease floating ball instead of the in-line cartridges so I will certainly give way to another poster who might have more experience with those specific delivery methods but to this date I have not found much differentiation between the two in terms of what you're referring too. I have found a few things that *might* help as it pertains to what I use in my personal tub and the tubs on my showroom floor:
1. Keep pH and Alk inline. pH specifically works better when really tight - 7.4-7.8 and Alk closer to 80ppm.
2. Don't let the floater or cartridges dry out.
3. Keep water above 94F
4. Use the Jump Start later in the SmartChlor's lifespan - around week 3.
5. If the pH is good, the floater hasn't turned over / SmartChlor cartridge isn't empty, and water is clear - don't worry about what the strip reads!
6. Supplement later in the SmartChlor's lifespan - around week 3 or so but a few days away from the Jump Start dose - MPS Shock to help keep you consistently around 3-4 weeks.
I have a spa that is 525 gallons and I keep the dial at 4. Useage is always a big variable and I understand that your habits and mine might be different. Just noting some general points here that I have noticed over the past 6 years or so that @ease has been out. Hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
--- End quote ---
The Wizard always gives good advice ;-)
FYI: Sold 2 Arcadias today!
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