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Brand Specific Forums => Hot Spring Spas => Topic started by: jbizzlr on May 09, 2020, 12:36:24 am

Title: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: jbizzlr on May 09, 2020, 12:36:24 am
I got a Hot Spring salt tub about a month ago.  I was told it might take a few days to a week for the salt generator to start generating chlorine.  Whenever I dip the test strip there is zero chlorine.  If I don't add chlorine I never get a reading.  What's going on?  Is the chlorine created by the salt generator so low that you never get a reading?
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: hottubdan on May 14, 2020, 10:00:22 pm
What model? What is your setting? Has your water been tested for phosphates?
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: HotTubLife on May 28, 2020, 07:49:57 pm
I have a similar issue, although I don't sweat it too much. I add a small amount of chlorine every few days or so. As long as the water stays clear (it does) I'm happy.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on September 14, 2020, 12:09:02 am
I'm having the exact issue. Just got my spa a few days ago, so naturally have been using it a lot. If I don't add chlorine granules after use I get a zero reading. I've had the setting at 10 since day 1 and added 4 tablespoons of granulars first day. Have had to add 1-2 tablespoons every day since. 

Also - my salt system says OK when I test it but the meter shows in the yellow on the left. Dealer has told me as long as the system says OK DO NOT add any more salt until I drain and refill next year.  My question is how do these systems work? The two water tests my dealer gave (3 days a part) me both said to add 3 additional cups of salt (I added 4 initially on their recommendation). Dealer told me to ignore the printout and go by what the tub indicator is telling me. They said all that matters is that it says Salt System OK.  They also told me to keep the salt chlorine meter at 10 for the first 10 days. I would think with a little more salt the system would have an easier time producing chlorine? The book also recommends to add more salt. Basically my dealer strongly suggests and contradicts the water test read out recommendation and the book recommendation.  And my chlorine output is non-existent. Confused as heck but adding a tablespoon of granules isn't a big deal. Dealer told me I shouldn't even worry about it as long as my water is clear (which in this short time it is even with heavy use).
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: castletonia on September 14, 2020, 08:38:29 am
Which tub do you have?  having to add 3 additional cups is a lot considering even the biggest Hot Spring or Caldera only requires 9-10 cups.  I would want the salt indicator in the green, if you are in the left yellow, its borderline low.  I would maybe add a 1/2 cup at a time until you get into the green. 

If the usage is heavy and you started using the hot tub the day it heated up the salt system didn't get sufficient time to initially disinfect the water which is likely why the no chlorine reading.  If you were also using ozone with the salt system, that would be why too.  If your usage is going to continue and be high I would consider switching to liquid chlorine.  If you continue to use chlorine granules your CYA is going to increase and it will reach a point which will require a drain and refill.  You should not have to add chlorine with every use.

Also, have your dealer test for phosphates.  High phosphates can consume the chlorine in the water so if they are present, removing them will allow the salt system to work a lot more efficient.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on September 14, 2020, 12:21:20 pm
Which tub do you have?  having to add 3 additional cups is a lot considering even the biggest Hot Spring or Caldera only requires 9-10 cups.  I would want the salt indicator in the green, if you are in the left yellow, its borderline low.  I would maybe add a 1/2 cup at a time until you get into the green. 

If the usage is heavy and you started using the hot tub the day it heated up the salt system didn't get sufficient time to initially disinfect the water which is likely why the no chlorine reading.  If you were also using ozone with the salt system, that would be why too.  If your usage is going to continue and be high I would consider switching to liquid chlorine.  If you continue to use chlorine granules your CYA is going to increase and it will reach a point which will require a drain and refill.  You should not have to add chlorine with every use.

Also, have your dealer test for phosphates.  High phosphates can consume the chlorine in the water so if they are present, removing them will allow the salt system to work a lot more efficient.

I have an Envoy. My tap water quality is good, and they also connected it to a softener tank during the fill. Upon start up I was instructed to add only 4 cups of salt rather than what the book recommends. I was also instructed to add 4 tablespoons of chlorine granuales at startup with the salt. I do also have the ozone system on my spa. The Spaguard report does not have a phosphate reading that I can see. We will be continuing to use the spa heavy and have since day 1. My wife and I soak twice daily for around 45 min/time. CYA to me means Cover Your A - what does it mean in hot tub speak?  ;D
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Hottubguy on September 14, 2020, 12:58:57 pm
Which tub do you have?  having to add 3 additional cups is a lot considering even the biggest Hot Spring or Caldera only requires 9-10 cups.  I would want the salt indicator in the green, if you are in the left yellow, its borderline low.  I would maybe add a 1/2 cup at a time until you get into the green. 

If the usage is heavy and you started using the hot tub the day it heated up the salt system didn't get sufficient time to initially disinfect the water which is likely why the no chlorine reading.  If you were also using ozone with the salt system, that would be why too.  If your usage is going to continue and be high I would consider switching to liquid chlorine.  If you continue to use chlorine granules your CYA is going to increase and it will reach a point which will require a drain and refill.  You should not have to add chlorine with every use.

Also, have your dealer test for phosphates.  High phosphates can consume the chlorine in the water so if they are present, removing them will allow the salt system to work a lot more efficient.

I have an Envoy. My tap water quality is good, and they also connected it to a softener tank during the fill. Upon start up I was instructed to add only 4 cups of salt rather than what the book recommends. I was also instructed to add 4 tablespoons of chlorine granuales at startup with the salt. I do also have the ozone system on my spa. The Spaguard report does not have a phosphate reading that I can see. We will be continuing to use the spa heavy and have since day 1. My wife and I soak twice daily for around 45 min/time. CYA to me means Cover Your A - what does it mean in hot tub speak?  ;D

With ozone and salt combo you will never get a chlorine reading. I use a mix of salt, ozone and freshwater mineral in my tub. I never have a chlorine reading but have 3 methods of sanitizing my water at once so my water is always crystal clear and very few problems. We also use our tub heavily. At least daily and most time 2x a day with the kids at night
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on September 14, 2020, 01:33:24 pm
Which tub do you have?  having to add 3 additional cups is a lot considering even the biggest Hot Spring or Caldera only requires 9-10 cups.  I would want the salt indicator in the green, if you are in the left yellow, its borderline low.  I would maybe add a 1/2 cup at a time until you get into the green. 

If the usage is heavy and you started using the hot tub the day it heated up the salt system didn't get sufficient time to initially disinfect the water which is likely why the no chlorine reading.  If you were also using ozone with the salt system, that would be why too.  If your usage is going to continue and be high I would consider switching to liquid chlorine.  If you continue to use chlorine granules your CYA is going to increase and it will reach a point which will require a drain and refill.  You should not have to add chlorine with every use.

Also, have your dealer test for phosphates.  High phosphates can consume the chlorine in the water so if they are present, removing them will allow the salt system to work a lot more efficient.

I have an Envoy. My tap water quality is good, and they also connected it to a softener tank during the fill. Upon start up I was instructed to add only 4 cups of salt rather than what the book recommends. I was also instructed to add 4 tablespoons of chlorine granuales at startup with the salt. I do also have the ozone system on my spa. The Spaguard report does not have a phosphate reading that I can see. We will be continuing to use the spa heavy and have since day 1. My wife and I soak twice daily for around 45 min/time. CYA to me means Cover Your A - what does it mean in hot tub speak?  ;D

With ozone and salt combo you will never get a chlorine reading. I use a mix of salt, ozone and freshwater mineral in my tub. I never have a chlorine reading but have 3 methods of sanitizing my water at once so my water is always crystal clear and very few problems. We also use our tub heavily. At least daily and most time 2x a day with the kids at night

Thanks! Thats really good to know. I did pit a tablespoon of chlorine granules in this AM after testing and only showing 0.5 reading. I ran the tub for about 40 min and let it sit for another 20 before getting in. My chlorine reading was up around and I didn't like the feeling of the water. It will dissipate as the day goes on. The dealer did say I shouldn't have to do anything with the water as long as it is clean and clear, but then the kid that ran my water test told me to add chlorine.

Hottubguy - does your salt indicator show green? That's the part that confuses me the most is that mine is in the yellow but the system says ok and the dealer is insisting I don't add any additional salt.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Hottubguy on September 14, 2020, 01:58:14 pm
Mine is on low side of green.  As long as it says ok you are good
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on September 17, 2020, 12:28:10 pm
Woke up to cloudy water this AM and no residual chlorine. I guess trsuting the salt system is ozone system to work together isn't going to work for me.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Hottubguy on September 17, 2020, 03:31:15 pm
What level do you have salt system set at? And are you using a freshwater mineral stick with it?
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Hottubguy on September 17, 2020, 04:58:05 pm
One other thing to add Sammi, when your dealer tested water did he test for phosphates
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on September 18, 2020, 01:04:09 am
I don't think they tested for phosphates but in fairness our tap water has won awards for being one of the best in the nation. My local brewry brews with straight tap water because it so good and is one of the top micro-brews in the country. My dealer is very familiar with my tap water and also used a water softner when filling my spa. Though after 6 cups of salt my salt system reading is still boderline yellow/red on the light side (around 7:00 o'clock) but salt system says OK.

We've used the spa heavily in the past week. It's new and we love it. I added a 1/4 cup of chlorine granuales today and by tonight the water cleared up for the most part. I also cleaned the main filter which was very yellow on the bottom half.

I have the salt water system and ozone system but no mineral stick.  Its been a week since we installed the spa and the salt walter system has been set at 10 since day 1.  I've been testing the water multiple times a day ans last night after use there was zero residual chlorine which worried me - but i was hoping the system would handle it.  Obviously I was wrong. We do rinse in a high pressure shower before each use and have used the same rinsed suits since day 1. 

My feeling is due to heavy use we need to supplement with a half to full tablespoon of chlorine granuled every  two days to allow the system to keep up. I have no idea how much a non-salt tub would need.....
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: castletonia on September 18, 2020, 08:12:18 am
The salt system isn't going to work as effectively as it could if the salt is low.  Maybe your dealer has a master plan that works for them but I was told by Hot Spring tech support that the system produces chlorine most effectively when the salt system is in the upper end of the green. 

Ozone oxidizes chlorine so you likely will never have much of a chlorine reading when using ozone + salt.  Get your water tested for phosphates.  You can't see or taste phosphates.  Municipalities will actually add phosphates to tap water to prevent corrosion so if you live in a city will older underground pipes, I would be surprised if you didn't have any.  High phosphates can deplete chlorine.

I would have a talk with your dealer also about switching to liquid chlorine if you need to add chlorine with any regularity. 
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Flyonthewall on October 03, 2020, 06:38:31 pm
them telling you to keep the salt low directly contradicts the freshwater salt owners manual.  download one from the hot spring website if you don't have a hard copy.  under the no chlorine reading section of troubleshooting it says "keep the salt level near the high end of the ok range (2,000) to ensure maximum chlorine generation".  the same section talks about cyanuric acid lock (cya).  other things like ph balance, and filter cleanliness can have an effect.  it could also be simply the 1st time fill up blues.  apparently test water stagnating in the pipes is an industry wide issue.  another major manufacturer's owners manual says to fill the new spa, shock it with an incredible amount of chlorine, then drain it right away. who wants to do that.  the gist of the story is people report the water being much easier to maintain after their 1st drain and refill.  as far as the after soak chlorine consider mixing in some non chlorine shock instead.  it will help oxidize bather waste without raising cya.  then your salt chlorine can build up that reserve.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on October 16, 2020, 12:38:23 am
Well.... I'll definitely be calling my dealer in the AM. More of a vent than anything.....

I've been testing my water at least daily and we've used the spa daily. 5 weeks today since install and first use.  I've followed my dealers instructions to a T up until this point even though every time I hit the salt test button on my remote it shows I'm on the low end and around the yellow or borderline red mark. I've questioned the dealer twice and they've told me not to worry about it.  I've had to add about 1-3 teaspoons of chlorine after every second use otherwise my water starts to turn green and/or cloudy.

Long story short when I hit the test button on the remote tonight it came back saying my salt system is inactive/low salt.  On Monday it showed in the yellow and said OK. I'll contact my dealer but I have a sinking feeling my titanium salt stick already burnt out.  I've had it set on 10 since day 1 per my dealers instructions, but in order to keep clean and clear water i've had to add the chlorine granuales frequently (never more than a tablespoon and usually a half tablespoon). I've also added PH decreaser once in a while per their instructions.

I would really hate to have my salt stick burn out in 5 weeks. Frankly that is BS if that's the case given the cost of them (something like $80/stick). Will update after I speak with my dealer.

Update: I used the system test this AM and it came back as good on the salt system. Took my water out to be tested, and the phosphates came back fine. Alkalinity was very low as well as chlorine.  Added both  per the instructions over a 3 hour period. PH and was fine and salt was at 1850.  Ran the salt system check again came back as inactive.

Dealer said their service center "should" warranty the cartridge, but I would have to spend the money on a 3 pack of cartridges as I guess the tub will leak if I take the cartridge out without putting in a new one? Was hoping I could bring the cartridge out, have it replaced under warranty, and put the new one in. I don't want to be spending $80 every 5 weeks on cartridges. My suspicion is that either the cartridge or salt system as a whole is bad.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on October 22, 2020, 12:16:52 am
NEW UPDATE

I picked up a new salt cartridge yesterday and BOOM. To recap - since Day 1 of my spa install my salt reading has been on the low end of yellow and sometimes in the red. I was having to add chloone granuales every second use. After 5 weeks my salt cartridge was burnt out. I had it set at 10 the enite time because overnight my water would cloud up if I didn't add extra chlorine and my salt reading on the remote was ALWAYS on the low side.

Popped in the new cartridge yesterday. Immediately after setup my salt reading was at 12 o'clock in the green. For the first time ever! The strips and water tests at my dealer always showed my salt level was great but the remote on the tub never did. Tonight it actually showed me on the high end of green.

The tub is finally performing how I was sold it should. Granted its only been a day but I'm comforted by the fact that the salt reading on the remote is showing in the green.

Overall I'm relieved to know that I wasn't going crazy. I
followed the instructions to a T since day 1 and struggled. Now that I have a salt cartridge that seems to work I'm hoping my maintenance will be much easier. I'll continue to test the water daily but I'm comforted by the fact that the remote is showing me results that I anticipated to see since day 1.

Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on November 01, 2020, 03:52:12 pm
New Update:

Not sure if anyone is reading this but am posting in case in it is useful for further readers.

The new salt cartridge has been in for exactly 10 days today. I've had it set at 8 and my system has been giving me a 12 o'clock salt reading which I wasn't attaining with the first salt cartridge, so I assumed everything had been fixed.

Yesterday, Halloween, my salt system was once again inactive. Called the dealer and they had me flip my breakers to reset the tub. Seemed to work as the salt system came back online at the 12 o'clock position.

Today I went out to test the water and once again the system was showing inactive. Tried the breaker trick again and this time it didn't work. At this point there's obviously something wrong with my salt system. It is burning out the sticks at a wicked pace. Extremely disappointing if this is normal, but hopefully it isn't and a new system can be installed. Will follow up after speaking again with my dealer tomorrow.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on November 17, 2020, 09:34:21 pm
New Update:

Not sure if anyone is reading this but am posting in case in it is useful for further readers.

The new salt cartridge has been in for exactly 10 days today. I've had it set at 8 and my system has been giving me a 12 o'clock salt reading which I wasn't attaining with the first salt cartridge, so I assumed everything had been fixed.

Yesterday, Halloween, my salt system was once again inactive. Called the dealer and they had me flip my breakers to reset the tub. Seemed to work as the salt system came back online at the 12 o'clock position.

Today I went out to test the water and once again the system was showing inactive. Tried the breaker trick again and this time it didn't work. At this point there's obviously something wrong with my salt system. It is burning out the sticks at a wicked pace. Extremely disappointing if this is normal, but hopefully it isn't and a new system can be installed. Will follow up after speaking again with my dealer tomorrow.

Dealer technician came out and said having my system set at 7 was now too high. They again warrantied out the cartridge that failed in 10 days. Went on vacation for 10 days, and had the tub set at 80 degrees and the output at 3.

When I returned home I visited my dealer to pick up some shock, and the lady who helped me said they must have received a bad batch of titanium cartridges because they've had a number of issues as of late. I said, "so I'm not the only one because I thought I was going crazy or this salt system thing was a complete rip off". She said they've had a number of issues.

I bought a 3 pack of cartridges and one of the cartridge that went bad in 10 days came from that 3 pack. Will follow with the dealer to see if they will replace the 3 cartridges I bought as I dont want to get 3 months down the road, put a new cartridge in and have it last 10 days again.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: instanttim on January 25, 2021, 04:57:01 pm
Any further updates on this? I basically sound like I'm having the exact same problem! Everything tested fine and continues to test fine, but over a period of time the built-in test (which they have told me is just a continuity test?) slowly moves left. Eventually it goes into the red and the salt water system deactivates. At which point I'm left adding chlorine manually ... every day at first and then once it stabilizes a bit then every few days.

The first time it happened, about a month after we got the tub, I ultimately swapped in a new salt system cartridge. The service dept of the store kept saying that wouldn't be necessary and said several things that seemed to be in conflict with the manuals and common sense. Like saying it's "normal" for the chlorine to test very low because the salt water system is cleaning the chlorine out as it goes and it will maintain the tub even if it reads at 0.5 or 1.0ppm.

Everyone else says chlorine is chlorine and it doesn't matter if the salt system is generating it or you're adding it -- it should be able to maintain 3–5ppm once you get the level stabilized by shocking after the initial fill and occasionally thereafter.

Anyway, I swapped the cart and it went back to normal for a couple weeks. Then shut off just like the first time. The tests for salt and the 5-way show everything as being just fine, nothing wrong. I just swapped cartridges again today and it fixed it as well, but at over 200 bucks a pop this can't keep going on every month!
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on January 25, 2021, 11:52:14 pm
Any further updates on this? I basically sound like I'm having the exact same problem! Everything tested fine and continues to test fine, but over a period of time the built-in test (which they have told me is just a continuity test?) slowly moves left. Eventually it goes into the red and the salt water system deactivates. At which point I'm left adding chlorine manually ... every day at first and then once it stabilizes a bit then every few days.

The first time it happened, about a month after we got the tub, I ultimately swapped in a new salt system cartridge. The service dept of the store kept saying that wouldn't be necessary and said several things that seemed to be in conflict with the manuals and common sense. Like saying it's "normal" for the chlorine to test very low because the salt water system is cleaning the chlorine out as it goes and it will maintain the tub even if it reads at 0.5 or 1.0ppm.

Everyone else says chlorine is chlorine and it doesn't matter if the salt system is generating it or you're adding it -- it should be able to maintain 3–5ppm once you get the level stabilized by shocking after the initial fill and occasionally thereafter.

Anyway, I swapped the cart and it went back to normal for a couple weeks. Then shut off just like the first time. The tests for salt and the 5-way show everything as being just fine, nothing wrong. I just swapped cartridges again today and it fixed it as well, but at over 200 bucks a pop this can't keep going on every month!

Yes still having issues. On my 4th cartridge now in 5 months. Luckily they have all been warrantied out.

A tech came out a couple months ago, high school kid, said I should never run my salt setting past 5 or 6. So I tried that and actually set it at 3 for two different 10 day trips during that time period and got 9 weeks out of that one. It never seems to produce chlorine so I was always adding chemical whether it be chlorine granules or non-chlorine shock. I completely emptied the spa a couple weeks ago and started fresh with new water and a new cartridge.

Every person I talk to at the dealer says something different. Today I was told that having my output at 5 was too low cuz of non-chlorine reading and that I should have it at 9 for daily use. I told the gal that their tech told me to never run it past 5 or 6. I asked her how often her cartridges burn up and she claimed 3-4 months. I test my water daily and the delear tests it weekly.

Basically if I add chlorine after each use I always have a chlorine residual the next day or days later of I havent used the spa when I test it. If I don't add chlorine granules or chlorine enhanced shock after use then my chlorine reading bottoms out at 0 the next day or days after before next use.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Hottubguy on January 26, 2021, 12:46:15 pm
If you are looking to get a steady chlorine reading you may want to consider disconnecting the ozone system on the tub. With ozone and salt running your water should stay fine but you will never really run a noticeable chlorine level. That’s what I do. But if you are more comfortable being able to see the chlorine level then ditch ozone
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: instanttim on January 26, 2021, 12:52:50 pm
Yeah, this sounds EXACTLY like my experience. Different people give different advice, much of which conflicts with the manual and manufacturer.

With the test results what they are, and we both have the ability to maintain the water manually, it really points to a failure of the FreshWater Salt System. Either the cartridge, or something with the internal components.

Check out these reviews on HotSpring.com regarding Freshwater®:
Quote
I have owned the Highlife Envoy for a little over 3 months now and despite all of my water levels checking out perfectly on the strips (normal pH, alkalinity, Hardness, and salt level) the chlorine generator cells keep failing after only 1 month of use. They are supposed to last 4 months and I have now been thru 3 cells in only 3 months which is starting to get incredibly costly! Local dealer came out and couldn’t find anything wrong.

Quote
I bought and installed a hot spring salt water spa in December of 2019. My family and I were very excited to have a saltwater system it was exactly what we wanted. Since the install on December we've had nothing but issues with our salt water cartridge which are about $80 a piece. Each cartridge has failed within a month and a half to 2 months, each cartridge is supposed to last 4 months. That being said, I am very disappointed in the quality of hot spring spas.

Sounds exactly like my situation... although I'd like to know where that last person is getting cartridges for $80 a piece! I pay about $107 each when I buy them in a three pack.

If you are looking to get a steady chlorine reading you may want to consider disconnecting the ozone system on the tub…
I don't have an ozone system on mine fwiw.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on January 26, 2021, 02:14:18 pm
If you are looking to get a steady chlorine reading you may want to consider disconnecting the ozone system on the tub. With ozone and salt running your water should stay fine but you will never really run a noticeable chlorine level. That’s what I do. But if you are more comfortable being able to see the chlorine level then ditch ozone

I totally understand what you are saying. Every water test I get from the dealer it says to add 1 tablespoon of chlorine. I do but would rather not when my water is clean and clear. 2.5 weeks into my complete drain and refill so my plan with the fresh water is to continue to monitor it daily and layoff the chlorine unless I see the water is clouding up. Ph being high seems to be my biggest daily challenge right now more than anything.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: instanttim on January 28, 2021, 04:16:00 pm
Dealer came yesterday and tested everything, looked at a failed cartridge and said he'd never seen one so pitted and destroyed. The water all checked out fine, he removed some phosphates just to be sure. But everything was within limits and set up correctly. He gave me two replacement cartridges for the two that have failed so far and his working theory is that we haven't seen the end of cartridge failure.
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Repulsive_scallion on June 08, 2021, 11:17:08 am


Same issues here with no / low free chlorine reading on test strips. The person I spoke to at the dealer said 'Salt chlorine is different than chemical chlorine, so don't be worried if your test strip shows no FCL'. However, this is in direct conflict with the manual which says I should be looking for a FCL of '3' on my test strips.

I just got the tub a week ago, so trying to figure out my routine. Right now I plan to use liquid chlorine (bleach) to shock once per week (bring FCL up to 16) but not sure if I should be adding liquid chlorine during / after use, or look at the mineral stick etc.

Further details:
System:

Usage is daily multiple times (two adults and kids) right now, will probably settle down once it isn't so new ;)
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Hottubguy on June 08, 2021, 10:03:32 pm


Same issues here with no / low free chlorine reading on test strips. The person I spoke to at the dealer said 'Salt chlorine is different than chemical chlorine, so don't be worried if your test strip shows no FCL'. However, this is in direct conflict with the manual which says I should be looking for a FCL of '3' on my test strips.

I just got the tub a week ago, so trying to figure out my routine. Right now I plan to use liquid chlorine (bleach) to shock once per week (bring FCL up to 16) but not sure if I should be adding liquid chlorine during / after use, or look at the mineral stick etc.

Further details:
System:
  • Flash 360 Gal w/ Salt Water.
    Salt is a little high between ~1750 - 2000 ppm per test strip but salt system on tub is dead center green.
    No ozone, mineral stick etc.
    Calcium hardness is right about 75ppm
    New tub so CYA should be minimal and I moved to liquid chlorine in first week
    PH and Alk being managed effectively.

Usage is daily multiple times (two adults and kids) right now, will probably settle down once it isn't so new ;)

What do you have your output level set too?  I have had better luck keeping hardness level closer to 25 PPM. Will be tough for salt system to keep up without that much usage. I would use a mineral stick with it
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Sammi on June 08, 2021, 11:30:48 pm
After my struggling quite a bit after my first complete water change my system has worked as advertised and I really enjoy the system now. I'm of the belief that whatever yuckies were in the spa on first fill were cleared up after I super-chlorinated the water and drained after 4 months. Had I known that I would have drained and refilled after the first couple weeks. 
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Repulsive_scallion on June 09, 2021, 12:05:10 am


Same issues here with no / low free chlorine reading on test strips. The person I spoke to at the dealer said 'Salt chlorine is different than chemical chlorine, so don't be worried if your test strip shows no FCL'. However, this is in direct conflict with the manual which says I should be looking for a FCL of '3' on my test strips.

I just got the tub a week ago, so trying to figure out my routine. Right now I plan to use liquid chlorine (bleach) to shock once per week (bring FCL up to 16) but not sure if I should be adding liquid chlorine during / after use, or look at the mineral stick etc.

Further details:
System:
  • Flash 360 Gal w/ Salt Water.
    Salt is a little high between ~1750 - 2000 ppm per test strip but salt system on tub is dead center green.
    No ozone, mineral stick etc.
    Calcium hardness is right about 75ppm
    New tub so CYA should be minimal and I moved to liquid chlorine in first week
    PH and Alk being managed effectively.

Usage is daily multiple times (two adults and kids) right now, will probably settle down once it isn't so new ;)

What do you have your output level set too?  I have had better luck keeping hardness level closer to 25 PPM. Will be tough for salt system to keep up without that much usage. I would use a mineral stick with it

Thanks for the reply.. I have it at 10, and have used boost ETC.

I agree that calcium hardness is high at 75 based on manual, the San Diego 2020 water report shows that total hardness averages at 200 ppm so the single resin pillow that came with the tub wasn’t enough. I may head to dealer and get another “Vanishing Act” pillow (unless this forum has a more cost effective suggestion!!)

Also I am going to test for phosphates tomorrow to - the watershed here has a lot of runoff and other posts have indicated that high phosphate levels also keep chlorine too busy.

So... two questions!

1 any suggestions on ways to drop calcium hardness in the salt system besides getting another pillow?


2 is there any validity to the dealer’s statement of “chlorine from a salt system is different than chemical chlorine and salt system free chlorine won’t register on the test strip”??

Thanks all
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: Richie_NY on June 27, 2021, 06:37:18 pm
Hotsprings flash owner here.  We had some issues initially with the tub producing chlorine.  9ne I changed the initial salt cartridge and start adding phosphate remover every once in a while, my tub produces it's own chlorine.  I haven't added in a few weeks and I'm still reading 3 ppm.  I keep the salt setting on 8. 
Title: Re: Why is there no chlorine reading in my salt tub?
Post by: mgulya on September 10, 2021, 02:41:02 pm
So I have a Caldera spa that just hit 1 year in July, and I too have the Freshwater Salt system cartridge.
Here is what I have learned to make my life easier:
1. I ordered Phosphate test strips https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGKF32C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGKF32C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
2. Phosphate remover: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PZZFQRM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PZZFQRM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
3. when ever i get 1 0 reading of chlorine in my tub i test for phosphates and depending on the reading seems like once i hit 300 i lose chlorine, 1st I add 1 cup of liquid shock followed by the phosphate remover. 24 hrs later i retest and see where i am at. this keeps my water good for about 10 months.
cartridge issues i had 1 work for the 4 months and reach when the display said time to change it out.
every other cartridge somewhere in the 2-3 months will say low output levels. once i put a new one in everything works. My dealer says it is a chemical balance issue but i just got all my levels perfect and it still says low output.
has anyone figured out how to get 3-4 months with these cells. mine are all black with a grey little button and gray tabs on the side.