Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: CV3720 on January 25, 2021, 09:00:46 am

Title: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: CV3720 on January 25, 2021, 09:00:46 am
We only get up there every couple of months (at best). What frequency of "wellness checks" should I strive for as far as the tub goes? WV mountains, so can get below 0.

O3, UV, and floating bromine dispenser.

Obviously, I don't want the water to turn into soup!

THANKS
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Tman122 on January 25, 2021, 10:13:20 am
We only get up there every couple of months (at best). What frequency of "wellness checks" should I strive for as far as the tub goes? WV mountains, so can get below 0.

O3, UV, and floating bromine dispenser.

Obviously, I don't want the water to turn into soup!

THANKS

I think it should be checked every week. Does it have a circulation pump?
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: A.O. on January 25, 2021, 12:46:02 pm
So do you have someone going over and checking it for you then? I've never had one that wasn't at my house.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: CV3720 on January 25, 2021, 02:26:30 pm
It's a brand new top (PDC) line "Malibu" tub. Purchased and installed by one of their local dealers - a rental management company in the area. They maintain about 200 tubs, mostly weekly rentals - that they service between guests - every week. They charge those folks $900/yr, but said ours would be $450 as it was getting VERY light infrequent use from us and thus could go two weeks. Of course, their first trip back ended up being logged by my cameras yesterday morning - one day shy of FIVE WEEKS. Glad I threw in some shock granules prior to my leaving - though that's still been just over 3 weeks.

Oh - when he came (camera on the tub too) he added a little water, rinsed out the filter, and put what appeared to be 2-3 bromine tabs in the floater. Wait, he did also conduct a scientific test... he put his head down towards the water two different times and SMELLED it.... no test strips or any such thing.

Not pleased, but it's 1,000 miles away - and the backup guy I got in touch with (who said he'd make it out there last week) never showed either. Mountain Time, it must be a lot like Island Time !!
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: CV3720 on January 25, 2021, 02:41:19 pm
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pc6HLHf/0/19258e28/XL/i-pc6HLHf-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: CV3720 on January 27, 2021, 11:55:13 am
Just heard back from the folks who I purchased the tub through (and service it) yesterday. Seems they've dumped the PDC brand (new orders now at a 53 week wait) in favor of Aqua Living (8-12 weeks). From what I've read on here, they've lowered the bar as far as the quality of tub they're selling. Not a big surprise to me.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Sammi on January 27, 2021, 10:30:53 pm
Just heard back from the folks who I purchased the tub through (and service it) yesterday. Seems they've dumped the PDC brand (new orders now at a 53 week wait) in favor of Aqua Living (8-12 weeks). From what I've read on here, they've lowered the bar as far as the quality of tub they're selling. Not a big surprise to me.

The reviews of Spa Marvel have historically been discussed here if you do a search. That being said I'm a believer.

We have a family winter house in Arizona that isn't used for about 6 months in the summer. Water was changed out in April, a bottle of spa marvel was put in, and our caretaker would add bromine to the floater as needed. When I arrived in November the water perfect. Had to do a tad of alkalinity and ph adjustment but the water clear as heck and smell free.

Out of principal I drained the tub, cleaned the filters, and refilled the tub with new bottle of spa marvel. Since November the tub has been used twice daily anywhere from 1-4 people. We always bake sure there is 1 tablet in the bromine floater and adjust ph and alkalinity as needed. Most days nothing is needed.

On the flip side my home spa is a new salt water tub. I battle it non-stop. And its supposed to be worry free. I just did my firsr water change so in fairness I'm hoping it gets much easier.

Long story short I have no skin in the game with Spa Marvel other than witnessing the performance. Research it and you decide. From personal experience it is as worry free as it gets. Whether the tub is used daily or sits for a while with sporadic use as in your case it worked well for us.

I'm going to give my salt tub a year if use and if I'm still struggling I'm making the switch.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: A.O. on January 28, 2021, 08:27:57 am
Just heard back from the folks who I purchased the tub through (and service it) yesterday. Seems they've dumped the PDC brand (new orders now at a 53 week wait) in favor of Aqua Living (8-12 weeks). From what I've read on here, they've lowered the bar as far as the quality of tub they're selling. Not a big surprise to me.

The reviews of Spa Marvel have historically been discussed here if you do a search. That being said I'm a believer.

We have a family winter house in Arizona that isn't used for about 6 months in the summer. Water was changed out in April, a bottle of spa marvel was put in, and our caretaker would add bromine to the floater as needed. When I arrived in November the water perfect. Had to do a tad of alkalinity and ph adjustment but the water clear as heck and smell free.

Out of principal I drained the tub, cleaned the filters, and refilled the tub with new bottle of spa marvel. Since November the tub has been used twice daily anywhere from 1-4 people. We always bake sure there is 1 tablet in the bromine floater and adjust ph and alkalinity as needed. Most days nothing is needed.

On the flip side my home spa is a new salt water tub. I battle it non-stop. And its supposed to be worry free. I just did my firsr water change so in fairness I'm hoping it gets much easier.

Long story short I have no skin in the game with Spa Marvel other than witnessing the performance. Research it and you decide. From personal experience it is as worry free as it gets. Whether the tub is used daily or sits for a while with sporadic use as in your case it worked well for us.

I'm going to give my salt tub a year if use and if I'm still struggling I'm making the switch.

So, what exactly does this Spa Marvel do (besides take your money)? I've heard of it but curious what it does. Says you still need sanitizer and everything else so whats the point? I'm not being a wise guy here, I'm always looking for something better
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Tman122 on January 28, 2021, 07:24:33 pm
So, what exactly does this Spa Marvel do (besides take your money)? I've heard of it but curious what it does. Says you still need sanitizer and everything else so whats the point? I'm not being a wise guy here, I'm always looking for something better

I agree, water can be easy without it. They are good at taking money though.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Sammi on January 28, 2021, 07:36:41 pm
It could very well be snake oil. I'm still a complete rookie when it comes to water care. Just sharing my experience treating water on two different types of spas one with a salt system and one without but with Spa Marvel.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: A.O. on February 03, 2021, 09:11:29 am
It could very well be snake oil. I'm still a complete rookie when it comes to water care. Just sharing my experience treating water on two different types of spas one with a salt system and one without but with Spa Marvel.

So the Spa Marvel doesn't sound like it impressed you much, is that the case?
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Sammi on February 03, 2021, 01:51:40 pm
It could very well be snake oil. I'm still a complete rookie when it comes to water care. Just sharing my experience treating water on two different types of spas one with a salt system and one without but with Spa Marvel.

So the Spa Marvel doesn't sound like it impressed you much, is that the case?

Serious question - did you read my post on 01/27? You quoted it but did you actually read it?
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: A.O. on February 05, 2021, 11:15:52 am
I did, but then your post on 01/28 you said it may just be snake oil... so which is it, or do you just believe in snake oil?
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Sammi on February 05, 2021, 12:33:43 pm
I did, but then your post on 01/28 you said it may just be snake oil... so which is it, or do you just believe in snake oil?

It's ok. Reading comprehension can be difficult for some people......  ;D
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: A.O. on February 05, 2021, 07:23:01 pm
I did, but then your post on 01/28 you said it may just be snake oil... so which is it, or do you just believe in snake oil?

It's ok. Reading comprehension can be difficult for some people......  ;D

But I'm sure you will get through it... eventually!
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: cranbiz on February 08, 2021, 09:15:26 am
Just heard back from the folks who I purchased the tub through (and service it) yesterday. Seems they've dumped the PDC brand (new orders now at a 53 week wait) in favor of Aqua Living (8-12 weeks). From what I've read on here, they've lowered the bar as far as the quality of tub they're selling. Not a big surprise to me.

Figures that they would dump a decent manufacturer for a crappy one. I guess one needs to do what one needs to do to stay in business. If the service dept sucks now, imagine how much more they will suck when they are out doing all the warranty calls for Aqua Living tubs.

You can't find another dealer to service your tub? You certainly are not getting the service you paid for.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: CV3720 on February 09, 2021, 07:43:43 am

Figures that they would dump a decent manufacturer for a crappy one. I guess one needs to do what one needs to do to stay in business. If the service dept sucks now, imagine how much more they will suck when they are out doing all the warranty calls for Aqua Living tubs.

You can't find another dealer to service your tub? You certainly are not getting the service you paid for.

Rock, meet hard place...

Prior to going with the current group for their annual "bi-weekly" service, I had contacted the broker of the agency we purchased this place through last year (they also handle rental management/property services). I was given a very weak excuse of why they could not offer service on our tub: "It's too difficult to get to properties up there in the winter". Yep, I'd bet a pile of $ that if I had this home in their rental program that somehow they'd manage. Frankly, a good portion of the properties around here have similar/occasional access issues.

I had reached out to another fellow a few weeks ago (when our "contracted" group was a multi-week no show). I got his name from a couple of other people (local Facebook groups). He seemed nice enough, and told me his rates ($30 for regular chem checks/filter rinses/etc... and $60 for water changes). I thought, ok - let's give this a go. He indicated he'd come have a look that following week.

He never showed...

Again, the only two hot tub stores in the region are about an hour away, and don't do regular water checks in this area (only repair service). That's why I didn't purchase a more popular brand (Hot Springs, Jacuzzi) which they both carried, and instead went "local" with a good mid-level tub (from what I could find research wise) dealer for the "service after the sale" aspect as well as their experience repairing the brand (which they said was an infrequent occurrence), and their purported ability to regularly take care of the water.

I might just end up seeing if one of our neighbors could come by every couple of weeks to pop bromine tabs in the floater during the 1-2-3 month periods when we're not here.
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: Tman122 on February 09, 2021, 08:02:31 am
Rock, meet hard place...

Prior to going with the current group for their annual "bi-weekly" service, I had contacted the broker of the agency we purchased this place through last year (they also handle rental management/property services). I was given a very weak excuse of why they could not offer service on our tub: "It's too difficult to get to properties up there in the winter". Yep, I'd bet a pile of $ that if I had this home in their rental program that somehow they'd manage. Frankly, a good portion of the properties around here have similar/occasional access issues.

I had reached out to another fellow a few weeks ago (when our "contracted" group was a multi-week no show). I got his name from a couple of other people (local Facebook groups). He seemed nice enough, and told me his rates ($30 for regular chem checks/filter rinses/etc... and $60 for water changes). I thought, ok - let's give this a go. He indicated he'd come have a look that following week.

He never showed...

Again, the only two hot tub stores in the region are about an hour away, and don't do regular water checks in this area (only repair service). That's why I didn't purchase a more popular brand (Hot Springs, Jacuzzi) which they both carried, and instead went "local" with a good mid-level tub (from what I could find research wise) dealer for the "service after the sale" aspect as well as their experience repairing the brand (which they said was an infrequent occurrence), and their purported ability to regularly take care of the water.

I might just end up seeing if one of our neighbors could come by every couple of weeks to pop bromine tabs in the floater during the 1-2-3 month periods when we're not here.

Where is the place? Any beer in the fridge? Mind if I cover up that camera up while I use the tub?
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: CV3720 on February 09, 2021, 08:27:24 am

Where is the place? Any beer in the fridge? Mind if I cover up that camera up while I use the tub?

LOL

(West Virginia)
Title: Re: Hot Tub (chem/check frequency) at our vacation home?
Post by: A.O. on February 09, 2021, 02:53:20 pm


Where is the place? Any beer in the fridge? Mind if I cover up that camera up while I use the tub?

HAHA!!!