Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Electro on May 17, 2004, 11:31:29 pm
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Hi Guys,
I'm a newbie to this board. But, I have been reading the posts of the past 2 years for several days.
At my wife's request, we are buying a hot tub. I had never considered such a thing. But on reviewing the potential benefits, it seems that this may be a very good thing, especially for arthritis, sore muscles and circulation problems.
After mulling over the possibilities and visiting various dealers and wet testing some tubs, we settled on the Sundance Maxxus. My wife wanted a big tub, with a large space to stand in, and I thought this tub would be interesting to exercise and play in. Also, I have become convinced that the Sundance brand is at least fairly good, which is to say - better than most. The tub has been ordered to get the colors my wife wanted, versus the one color pattern that both nearby dealers had in stock. It should arrive in 2 to 3 weeks, according to the dealer. I'll give more details if anyone is interested.
I have researched the matter of hot tub chemicals, which seems substantially different and somewhat more complicated than when we owned a 16 ft x 40 ft pool in Torrance, California. I plan to go with the Nature2 mineral purifier (which actually provides silver and copper ions to the hot tub water, according to
Regina at the Sundance user phone number 909-606-7733). I'll also plan to use the Sunzone CD ozone unit and 0.5 ppm chlorine from diChlor. The advantages of using this system with silver and copper ions for disinfection is well documented in the scientific literature.
I was surprised to find that the Sundance SunPurity mineral spa purifier is identically the same as the Nature2 product, except that the manufacturer (Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.) makes the Sundance product to fit in the automatic brominator space of Sundance tubs.
I am disappointed that the retail price of the Sundance product has been substantially enhanced. My Sundance dealer charges $33 for it, whereas the normal Nature2 version is apparently routinely sold for $18 to $23. This is the sort of thing that makes me angry.
Other interesting stuff: I'd like to tell you about my experiences with hot tub sales folks who were all honest and straightforward, but - alas - several were not. I could tell you about how I'm strengthening the structure above my garage ceiling, above which is a deck where my wife wants the hot tub. My architect has provided plans to assure that an additional 8,000 pounds can be supported. The hot tub weighs exactly 1,000 pounds dry weight, 5800 pounds filled with water, and 7200 pounds with the 8 (175 lb) folks who can sit in the tub. Also, my approach of installing the 60 ampere GFCI circuit breaker includes a new 100 ampere feeder circuit, for later application to my Krell stereo sound system.
Does anyone know of Sundance dealers who sell the SunPurity product for a better price or whether it is available from other than Sundance dealers?
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I tried the SunPurity Mineral Purifier in my Cameo. I really did not see where it did anything. I not sure if there is enough water flow through the compart space for it. I have thought about trying the N2 that fits in the filter and see how it works.
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electro,
congrats on your new buy...i looked at the maxxus but never imagined needing on that large...and to exercise in a hot tub?? whew, talk about breaking a sweat!
seriously, i am using the monarch silver cartridge that my caldera dealer sells for $40 a pop. so i have definitely been interested in other choices. my sundance dealer never mentioned a silver compatment when shopping there. i have not had my first water change yet, but the next one i do, i am going to run without the silver and see if it makes a difference.
oh, and i also got excited about your pending krell purchase. i have always been in awe of the master reference subwoofer...may need that architect again if your going to place that anywhere but the ground floor!!
:o
tubin
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Brian,
Thanks for the feedback. :) How or with what other products did you use the N2? Did you use MPS, bromine or diChlor, etc?
The Sundance factory rep told me that the regular Nature2 product would not work in a Sundance tub, because there is no way to achieve correct water flow in the Sundance filter system past the Nature2 minerals contained in the regular device. They apparently got the best water flow that they could to the N2 material in their SunPurity design. :(
I wonder what results others have gotten with Nature2 or with an ionizer or with Rain Forest Blue, which apparently contains copper only.
Electro
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tubin,
Thanks for your insightful reply. ;D Of course, I'll dial down the temp for exercise in the hot tub. The instructions say to never exercise with the temp over 90 degrees. Actually, I was thinking of letting the temp drop to about 75 degrees, more like a summer pool for exercise. I remember my younger days when pool temperatures of 67 to 72 degrees felt quite good when exercising or swimming.
My wife will want the tub at the normal "hot" temperature. With the ambient outside at 70 now, how long does it take to cool to 75 from 100 degrees and how long to heat back up? Anyone know?
Krell is the best. 8) I power up my B&W 800 speakers and the sound clarity is truly excellent. I can't wait until Krell releases their upcoming SACD player. As their SACD Standard player is better than most anything available, the new player should really set the state of the art.
Have you or others ever measured the level of (silver and copper) ions in the water? If so, what levels did you observe?
Electro
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Hi Electro
I now use the sun purity mineral purifier made for sundance by nature2. In the past, I have used a spa frog. They both work just as well. You can use the standard N2 or frog cartridge in your sundance spa. Just place it on top of the filter, not inside it. The flow going past it is the same as the sun purity in the brominator.
I am a believer in the mineral purifier system, but only when used with chlorine as you plan to do. Maintaining the .5 ppm will be impossible. Just add enough dichlor after use to get the level to 2+ ppm and the level will drop to nothing by the time you get back in. In the meantime, your minerals will be taking care of any low level sanitation needs the spa has in between use. It also helps during long periods of non use (such as vacation). Shock weekly with dichlor or non chlorine shock.
You might try www.shepnell.com for sun purity prices. They tend to have the lowest prices for sundance parts that I have seen, though I have not priced the sun purity catridges there yet.
Good luck and congratulations.
tony
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One other thing. Trying to get the temp down to 75 in the summer may not work. I have a hard time keeping mine under 100. I set it at 98 for the summer, but it is sometimes hard to keep it there. I program my circ pump to run only at night and do most of my filter times then also.
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Tony,
Thanks for the info. ;D I wondered how long it would take for a chlorine level of 2 or 3 ppm to drop below 0.5? Also, when you say the level will drop to nothing before you get back in, can you be more specific? Typical homeowner test strips do not measure below 1 ppm and the chemical test kits measure to 0.5 ppm.
I plan to plot readings from 3.0 to 0.5 ppm and extrapolate the results down to at least 0.05 or even 0.01 ppm. The reason is that scientific tests done by researchers at several major universities have made it clear that the effectiveness of silver and copper ions for disinfection are fantastic, vastly superior to other current and traditional means of disinfection, as long as at least 0.01 ppm chlorine is available along with the ions.
I'm curious to know how you determined that the Nature2 or similar Spa Frog would work by placing them just above the Sundance filters? Or is this just common sense?
Electro
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Electro
You are absolutely correct regarding chlorine being more effective when used with minerals (particularly silver). It will take maybe 18-24 hours for it to drop to very low levels. I use a Taylor Test kit and I can only measure down to .5ppm, but it generally shows no color in 24 hours. If you are fairly consistant with the way you tub, you will soak in just minerals and after use, the chlorine will do all the heavy work. I like to shock at least once per month with dichlor to get a superchlorination. Get it up to 10 ppm to do this.
If you place the mineral cartridge inside the pleated filter, you are only going to get flow when your two speed pump is on. If you place it on top, you get flow from the 24 hour circ pump, which is preferable. The cartridge will not fit inside the micro clean filter which is the one that services the circ pump. My dealer set me up this way.
tony
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Tony,
I have wonderful news. :) ;D You were right about www.shepnell.com and the Shepnell Pool and Spa company (a Sundance dealer). I called and talked to the owner (Barry), who is now, as a result of my phone call, placing the SunPurity units on his web site. His price is about the same as for the Nature2 units, plus 5.99 S&H.
Barry indicated that his Sundance customers have used the regular Nature2 units quite successfully when placed inside the filter. But, they tend to forget about it until the water begins to get nasty (after 5 months or so), since it is out of sight. With the SunPurity units that he now encourages all customers to use, the device is visible and customers do not forget about it. He is well aware of the superiority of the mineral ions, with a very low chlorine level, to perform disinfection.
The Shepnell company is highly recommended!!
Electro
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It should arrive in 2 to 3 weeks, according to the dealer.
Let us know about the delivery time, that seems pretty quick as to what some dealers/manufacturers tell customers. (Not to doubt him, just curious) What a great looking tub, For those who can't decide whether to get a lounger or not, this might be a good choice.
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wmccall,
I was concerned about the delivery date and another key aspect of the purchase - the funds. Although I could have paid in cash, I chose to use the Wells Fargo special terms allowing for a "No Interest Option (Same as Cash)" for up to 2 years. So, I'll keep my $11k invested for the 2 years and then pay (just before the deadline). Meanwhile, I have a money fund account with GMAC that is now paying 2.5% and should go up, as the Fed Reserve Chairman now raises interest rates for the next several months. I expect to earn from 5% to maybe 8 or 9% over the next 2 years. So, I may get the cost of the sales tax back.
With regard to the Wells Fargo 2-year no interest financing, apparently all Jacuzzi and Sundance/Sweetwater dealers can offer this. Many do not advertise it or suggest it. They make their money on the folks who cannot or do not pay it off within the 2 years - all the financing comes to haunt you at 18% per year, for a total of 36% extra. Also, they apparently tempt you with ridiculous offers of additional money, if you only sign and deposit checks that are mailed to you. None of this is of any concern to me, but those who are not in good financial condition should probably avoid this potential trap.
I mentioned this financing because of certain peculiarities of the contract. I was concerned about the actual delivery date of my hot tub and asked the dealer to put it in writing, which he has now done. It states the delivery date is approximately 4 weeks from May 13, 2004. This is not consistent with his earlier comment during nogotiations, but perhaps includes an extra week for final delivery to my house after he receives it.
Note that the Maxxus tub was priced with the usual goodies at $8500. I chose to also include a number of additions and extra cost items. I upgraded the stairs to get the special ones that match the Maxxus front end, I got a special cover with 3 folds instead of the regular 2-fold Sundance cover that comes free with the tub, and a better cover lifter, Sundance embroidered towels (they are expensive at $50 each), booster water seats for short folks, all of the exercise and rowing gear for the Maxxus, matching drink tray, 4 complete Sundance filter sets, and the actual Sundance CD ozone unit. Also, it turns out that taxes add almost $1k.
I found it absurd that every dealer that I contacted within 100 miles included an aftermarket ozone unit, instead of the manufacturer's one. They apparently do this to their customers and maybe the manufacturers who may not realize that this likely invalidates the warranty. Certainly the regular warranty does not apply to any aftermarket parts. Additionally, if you compare the specifications of the aftermarket ozone units with the manufacturer's units, the aftermarket ones are grossly inferior in terms of ozone output.
I apologize for the rambling. By the way, my wife said to get a tub with lots of room and as many features as possible. So - the Maxxus was the only possible choice from Sundance.
Electro
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Congratulations, Electro!
May you and your wife always have hot, bubbly water!!!
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Electro,
Who was your Sundance dealer? Location?
I would interested in the same financing option for my Optima. It would be great if I could call him and get some more details that I could present to my Sundance dealer.
Thanks
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Lori,
Thank you. :)
I am disappointed in receiving only one positive, one neutral, and one negative comment on the use of mineral purifiers (silver and copper ions, with a very low level of chlorine), which based on the science involved appears to be the best purification system available today.
Have the research findings as posted by Northman on this board, beginning about August 15, 2003, originating with twok99 on subject: Hardness, been mostly ignored? It seems so. What should a reasonable person make of the situation when folks ignore the best science that has been available for 20 years on how to disinfect their pool and hot tub water?
There actually is a "best" method and it is not nearly as expensive as some of the snake oil schemes being promoted.
Electro
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needaspa,
The special 2-year no-interest financing was apparently arranged for all Jacuzzi, Sundance and Sweetwater dealers thru Wells Fargo. Contact Sundance or Wells Fargo, if your dealer was not paying attention.
Wells Fargo's credit application (Form 1191a) specifically refers to this under a lengthy special terms section. It is used in conjunction with a special terms sales invoice.
Electro
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needaspa,
The special 2-year no-interest financing was apparently arranged for all Jacuzzi, Sundance and Sweetwater dealers thru Wells Fargo.
Just a non-spa related comments about Wells Fargo. Do you get spam wanting to give you a better mortgage? Those websites aren't from a real lender, they just gather info and sell the leads to real lenders. Wells Fargo buys those leads and in turn promotes spam.
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Electro,
I am no expert on minerals. I used the Freshwater ag+ cartridge (made by N2 for HotSpring) and I guess it did a good job. My dealer recently quit selling spas, just pools, so I am having trouble getting the Freshwater ag+ cartridge (which fits in the filter of my Vanguard). I have been told I can use the regular N2, just to be careful because it is smaller and may be hard to get out if not rigged right. (Can you tell I'm not an expert, now?)
I have been using more chlorine when I get out to maintain crystal clear water. I figure it can't hurt to use them if they help keep your chlorine usage down and your water clear. I don't know anything about the Sundance product, but go for it. What do you have to lose?
Ok, those are my thoughts. The calcium issue, well, I took some water in to be tested and was told to add calcium booster. Since I didn't have any way to test calcium (since then, I bought a Taylor Test kit and can test for calcium) I wasn't sure it did any good. I did notice that I had to change my water sooner because of TDS. I figure I'm doing good to get ph and alk in line! I'll stick to the simple method! ;)
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LOL...Needaspa...don't count on getting the price you want and THE "FREE" financing.... see that is one of those things that dealers pay for..I guess you could call one of those hidden costs of things that they pay for and that you have said you do not care about thier costs of doing business....but certainly want the benefit from it....do you really believe there is such a thing as free financing...well wait maybe there is.....I think they order from Santa’s shop in the north poll bank and lending division.....
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Electro,
I am no expert on minerals. I used the Freshwater ag+ cartridge (made by N2 for HotSpring) and I guess it did a good job. My dealer recently quit selling spas, just pools, so I am having trouble getting the Freshwater ag+ cartridge (which fits in the filter of my Vanguard). I have been told I can use the regular N2, just to be careful because it is smaller and may be hard to get out if not rigged right. (Can you tell I'm not an expert, now?)
I have been using more chlorine when I get out to maintain crystal clear water. I figure it can't hurt to use them if they help keep your chlorine usage down and your water clear. I don't know anything about the Sundance product, but go for it. What do you have to lose?
I bought a Taylor Test kit and can test for calcium) I wasn't sure it did any good. I did notice that I had to change my water sooner because of TDS. I figure I'm doing good to get ph and alk in line! I'll stick to the simple method! ;)
Does the Taylor kit have test for TDS?
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wmccall,
I used to get over 250 spam messages a day. After installing 2 unique proprietary filters, I now get about one that comes through per month.
I believe you are right that Wells Fargo aggressively uses spam and purchases names and sends out unsolicited checks, with fine print expenses that are unclear to the average debtor. I just shred this junk mail, without opening it.
Electro
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Sometimes I get a chuckle on what people write especially this from Mendocino101, "I think they order from Santa’s shop in the north poll bank and lending division....."
Chris H
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Lori,
Thank you for the remarks. :) :)
With regard to the FreshStart Ag+ Continuous Silver ioon Purifier, it appears to be similar to the Nature2 product, but without the copper ions. Consequently, if you can switch to use the Nature2, that includes both silver and copper, you will likely get better disinfection.
Quoting from Northman in the twok99 thread of August 15, 2003, "It was previously promoted that copper was a more effective algaecide and silver the more effective bactericide. More recent studies have shown each to be highly effective in the control and killing of both bacteria and algae. Together they give superior results. Copper has the ability to pierce the protective outer membrane of a cell and disrupt enzyme balance. Silver is effective because of its capabilities of interfering with DNA production an accelerating the death phase. This method (the copper-silver system) has the advantage over chlorine of remaining very stable ..." So, copper opens up the cell membranes of bacteria and algae, while silver goes in for the kill by disrupting their DNA. Go back to this twok99 post to see more from Northman on this subject.
With regard to calcium hardness, the same post from Northman directly addressed this also. Quoting Northman again, "I have found no benefit to using calcium hardness in modern spas. If you adjust your alkalinity to 100-130 ppm and keep your pH as close to 7.5 as possible, the spa water is not corrosive without calcium, and will do no damage to your equipment."
In modern spas, there is a significant disadvantage in adding calcium to make the water harder. If the pH goes high (above 8.0), the calcium in the water will plate out on all parts such as filters, heaters, plumbing and the jets. And, it unnecessarily increases the Total Dissolved Solids. So, more calcium can be much worse.
The only reason to add calcium is to minimize damage due to low pH (i.e., an acidic condition with pH below 7.0), for concrete, grout and plastered surfaces. Since our modern hot tubs usually are not made of concrete, plaster, or grout, there is no reason to add calcium at all. If you have your spa on a concrete pad or there is some plaster or grouted surface nearby, you might want to consider adding calcium, but it will not prevent acids (such as spa water below 7.0 pH) from leaching the calcium out. It just moderates the effect. For most hot tubs, it is best to minimize calcium, perhaps soften the water, or leave hardness alone. If you have a concrete pool, you definitely should increase calcium hardness to protect it.
Hope this is of interest.
Electro
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Mendocino101,
Thanks for your insight. There is no free lunch. One should not expect to get a great price and good financing, which is usually traded off by the dealers or manufacturers. The auto industry have the world's best experts looking at this every single day. But sometimes, things are not as they seem. You're going to be very interested in this.
According to my dealer, it turns out that Wells Fargo actually provides him with "kickbacks" as an incentive to promote these no-interest 2 year deals. The reason is that, on average, they come out way ahead when most folks do not pay off the loan within 2 years - then 36 percent accumulated interest (or whatever the amount of interest is on the unpaid principal and interest) suddenly is added to the total of the loan. AND, they send out those checks that you just sign and voila, you have just taken another high interest loan on your birthday or for Christmas or summer vacation, etc.
The bottom line is that, on average, they actually come out way ahead (perhaps by 15 to 25 percent - would you like to see some actuarial studies) by doing these deals.
As a consequence of this, I asked for 2 percent off the final negotiated price. The dealer thought about it, but said no as his "kickback" comes later after the profits start rolling in 2 years later. It is likely that most dealers will not want to discuss this in detail, but my dealer was very honest and candid about his "kickback".
Electro
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Does the Taylor kit have test for TDS?
Nope! I bought some of the strips that you have, but have found them to be useful for getting a general idea. (too big of a jump between amounts) I take it into my local dealer about once a month and they keep me in line on TDS. I haven't gone over 3 months between water changes anyway!
That is the only thing, I have found, that the Taylor doesn't test for (except for minerals)!
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There is no cost to the dealer as far as financing thru a third party like Wells Fargo. The dealer gets his money from the bank and the bank charges the buyer. Therefore, there is no reason not to get a good price on a spa and still qualify for the free financing! The only obstacle for someone is their credit score which may preclude them from free financing.
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There is no cost to the dealer as far as financing thru a third party like Wells Fargo. The dealer gets his money from the bank and the bank charges the buyer. Therefore, there is no reason not to get a good price on a spa and still qualify for the free financing! The only obstacle for someone is their credit score which may preclude them from free financing.
WOW! Martha I just found black gold. There's no cost in them there hills if we want financing. IT'S FREE according to this Needaspa guy(girl).
Ya don't say, Doodoo. Yup! all's we gotta do is go and get a third party to pay for it and it won't be passed onto us when we buy something.
LOL! LOL! LOL! Needaspa. I have'nt laughed this hard in a long time. We are you from! lalaland?
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Kay, I gotta stop bitting into this so I'm sorry and promise to let all of the other posts go buy.
But sometimes, I just can,t help myself.
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Needaspa...(and whole lot more than that)
YOU ARE TOTALLY WRONG...THE DEALER DOES PAY A COST FOR IT...SOME DEALERS AND THIS DOES NOT APPLY ONLY TO SPAS PAY A % TO THE BANK/LENDING ISTATUION TO OFFFER THIS SERVICE.... NEXT TIME YOU SEE THE AUTO DEALERS OFFER 0% PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS ONLY THOUGH THIER OWN CREDIT DIVISONS...AN OUTSIDE BANK LIKE WELLS OR BOA WILL DO IT BUT AT A COST TO THE DEALER NO MATTER THE INDUSRTY.IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT AFTER CERTIAN PERIODS OF TIME THAT A DEALER MAY PROFIT FROM SUCH A PROMOTION BUT THEY DO PARTICAPTE IN THE COST UNTIL THAN.... IF YOU DOUBT THIS GO TO WELLS TELL THEM YOU HAVE A LOCAL BUSNIESS AND WANT TO OFFER FINACAING THOUGH THEM...YOUR EYES MAY FINALLY BE OPENED
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Excuse me, doodoo
The dealer incurs no cost if I finance thru Wells Fargo. Oh, I am sorry the only cost is the 5 minutes it takes him to complete the paperwork. Hello!
Mendo, doodoo - you are thinking about credit cards. yes, they charge x% for the privelege of the dealer using their service. Not for loans. Like someone pointed out in another post, the wells makes their money from people who do not pay on time.
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Needaspa.....
I have no idea what you do for a living....but...from someone who works with lenders.....again you are wrong.....I am not thinking about credit cards.....I am talking about the store you walk in and it says...no intrest....for 60....90.....6 months....12 months.....as was in the post you mentioned....the dealers are charged for it....again check with wells or any bank you like and you can find how it works.....I just wondered......do you believe in free delvery for things...no matter what it is......if you do you must think that the driver is donating his time and truck to do it for nothing.......
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hey needaspa!!!!!!!!!!!1 Mendo is right, truast me. just ask him what industry he's worked in. AND YES there is a cost to the dealer to offer financing through a third party. Take this from someone who works in the pool and spa biz. NOTHING in life is FREE. "FREE Delivery", "Free Financing"............LOL wow, I guess the old saying a sucker is born every minute is correct in your case.....lol I guess when all the radio stations, TV Stations and yellow pages come around I'll ask them about their "free advertising programs" too!!!! At this rate, I'd suggest you get a "haven spa" or a thermospa.......b/c you and those companies are perfect for one another.
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Hi All, ::)
Does anyone have something else on the topic of mineral purifiers?
I'd encourage everyone who uses something else to consider using these silver and copper ions, i.e., Nature2 and other similar products, for disinfection. There is substantial scientific evidence that levels of bacteria and algae are reduced or eliminated, compared with traditional methods.
It may not be obvious to most folks, but your observations of clear water are not good measures that bacteria and algae are reduced or eliminated. It takes fairly expensive equipment, scientific, or medical tests to compare and check for the levels of bacteria, viruses and algae.
Electro
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Electro
Go over to www.rhtubs.com and get to the message board (excellent). Then do a search for posts by Vermonter. He is a micro biologist and a chlorine advocate. He also uses N2. I think you might find some interesting reading.
His routine is listed in the FAQ section of that board along with another regular poster, Northman, who has a slightly different version.
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tony, :)
Thanks, I'm going to do exactly as you suggest.
Electro :)
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Should the metal balls in the SunPurity get smaller over time? I left mine in the tub for 6 months and did not notice them shrink any. That is one of the reasons I did not think it was getting enough flow throw the bromine container. I am currently trying just using Dichloro and MPS.
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Ok, I'm not entirely sure, but I think the little bb looking things in the cartridges (I haven't used SunPurity but have used Freshwater III ag+ cartridge) are only coated with the minerals. As the water rushes passed, it dissolves (?) the minerals into the water. Once the minerals are gone, they leave a plain looking bb.
Just my observation!!! ::) Forgive me for the technical terminology!! (J/T) LOL!!!
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brian_tr,
Please check out the site of the manufacturer (Zodiac) at http://www.nature2.com/spas.asp
According to one answer in their FAQ, there is nothing that affects the ion distribution flow rate that uses up the cartridge in 4 months. This means that water flow around the device does not affect how fast it is used up. I suspect that is not entirely true, but is likely an adequate model, as long as the device is in water that is not completely stagnant.
Lori, thanks for your input. I think you're right.
To see the utility of the Nature2 or SunPurity or other similar products, such as FreshWater Ag+ and Rain Forest Blue, a homeowner without an extensive testing lab can baseline the use of chemicals (without the ions), then install the ion product and carefully reduce the amount of chemicals to see the effects. I noted that 2 spa experts (Northman and Vermonter) have indicated that 2-3 ppm of free chlorine for 2 hours are necessary to kill all microorganisms in a spa. The Zodiac manufacturer states on their site that only 0.5 ppm of free chlorine is necessary when using their product in conjunction with the lower level of chlorine.
Electro
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The reason for raising the free chlorine level to 2-3 ppm is because it is impossible to maintain a .5 ppm level with dichlor in a spa. The 2-3ppm level gives an effective kill rate and then the levels will drop to zero and can stay at zero for some time using the N2 or frog cartridge. I have left my spa for over two weeks with just a normal shock and came back to perfectly clear water. It also makes it a simple system to use.
With a pool you can maintain the .5 ppm with the use of a chlorinator. In a spa, you should only use dichlor or lithium because of their near neutral pH and quick dissolving character, so there is no way to continually add chlorine. One thing for sure, it certainly works and has helped many people who have converted from other methods of sanitation that had problems.
tony
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tony,
I have posted and communicated with Northman on another board and he says the same thing. Basically that it is necessary to use chlorine for the heavy duty work of disinfection; then you may rely on an ozonator and/or N2 to keep the water disinfected while no one goes into the tub, even for many days.
So, in practice it is not realistic to maintain the 0.5 ppm chlorine residual continuously as Zodiac indicates is necessary in a hot tub.
Does that sound right?
Electro
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That sounds about right. Chlorine does the heavy work and then goes away. I also have an ozonator on my spa. You will find your Sundance spa very easy to maintain. This is a good program, if you choose to sanitize this way. I would not suggest trying the non chlorine alternative that Nature2 promotes...it does not give anywhere near the sanitization needed.
I saw your posts on the other board. You are in good hands under Northman and Chas. Vermonter may even chime in when he sees the posts.
tony
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tony, Lori, and brian, :)
From what I've learned, I plan to go with the sanitanizer approach recommended by Northman. This includes using dichlor as the main disinfectant and shock, with ozone and Nature2 ions providing continuing disinfection between uses of the tub.
I was stunned to learn that there are no scientific studies validating the use of ozone as a disinfectant for home hot tubs. This flies in the face of the manufacturers' sales brochures which indicate that the ozonator eliminates bacteria and microorganisms. Check your sale brochure and see what it says.
Also, I learned that Nature2 (or their manufacturer equivalents like SunPurity) apparently not as effective as ionizer systems that supply the same silver and copper ions to the water.
Electro :)
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I was looking at the compartment where the SunPurity fits in the other day. There are no holes in the sides and when the pumps are not on the top of it floats above the water level so I would think it would have no flow from only the circulation pump. My spa dealer had a regular N2 cartridge for $35 when I was there the other day. I decided I am going to try just Dichloro and MPS this time it see how it goes. I have been expermenting with differant combinations and so far I like EcoOne with Dichloro the best but it is to expensive. I tried to go 2 months on one bottle but found for me I need to add it once a month like instructions say.