Recent content by Brian VT

I compared my test strips against my Taylor kit results just to use up the strips (and out of curiosity). The strips I was using (HTH brand, I think) were surprisingly accurate. They are certainly handy and much easier during the long process of reducing high alkalinity using the "drop it by 1/2...

Assuming that your tests are valid, then you must have something in your water that is using up the bromine. Excess bromide (bank) shouldn't be much of a problem. I suspect biofilm in your plumbing. I'd do an AhhSome treatment and refill.

I think a good/thick/tight-sealing cover is as important, or maybe more important, than the lower insulation. The cover is an easy way for a seller to skimp because a buyer is likely to be more focused on the fun aspects of what they're buying.

Yes. Add chlorine to create bromine. I don't think the 2x bromide you added is a problem.

I suspect that there was water left in the system from the factory wet test and it has contaminated your water. I would recommend running an AhhSome treatment and refilling. You could try a "super" shock treatment but if there is biofilm in your system that effort would be in vain.

Sounds like you have a high sanitizer demand. Probably needs a shock or water replaced. I suspect you may have biofilm established in your plumbing. You might consider an AhhSome treatment(s). That's what I would do.

As MPurcell stated, you should add pure sodium bromide to your water to establish a bromide "bank". He is one example of what you might use: https://www.walmart.com/ip/HTH-Spa-Brom-Start/17043650 Then when you add an oxidizer, such as liquid chlorine bleach, some of the bromide is converted to...

Ditch all that stuff. Read the "stickys" at the top of the forum list.

I'd bet you have biofilm established in your plumbing (and maybe the filters too). Do an Ahh-Some treatment. Maybe more than one.

If there's any chance that it could encounter freezing temperatures before you decide to use it again then I would shoot some RV anti-freeze in there. I was lucky to only have to replace a heater when that happened to me.

I'm using the TF-100 kit. Twice. Then I tried my HTH kit. Neither indicate any hardness.

Taylor kit and HTH kit both @ 2 yrs. old. Pool Calc said I needed @ 11 oz. of calcium chloride or 20 oz. of of calcium chloride dihydrate. Not sure which I have so I started with 10 oz. and got no red. Added 10 oz. more and still no red. 350 gal. tub.

I just refilled my tub. Soft water. My Taylor kit test says the sample should turn red if calcium is present. It didn't so I added 10 oz. calcium chloride and ran jets. Tested again and still no red. Added 10 oz. more and ran jets. Still no red. Tried my HTH test kit thinking maybe Taylor test...

I don't think temp. or balance matters for the Ahhsome treatment.

Yes on the Ahhsome. You could take your chances by skipping it but if you start wondering why you can't keep your water balanced/sanitary then you'll know why. As far as leveling... - You could pour new level concrete over the existing. - You could box in an area with pressure-treated lumber...