Hot Tub help

[d19r59m]

I have a Dream Maker Crossover Spa. It’s 7 years old and I’ve been using the Frog Ease system the whole time. I cleaned and changed my hot tub beginning of July. Using the frog system as usual and each time I change the cartridge the water has a very strong chlorine smell. Cartridges have been going fast, yes it has a mineral cartridge. However now I have green spots growing above the water line and tested the water and the hardness level is very high. I don’t understand why I’m having algae spots above the water line and very hard water? All I have is test strips and the hardness level was purple.

 

[RDspaguy]

has a very strong chlorine smell.

Typically the result of sanitation byproducts such as chloramines, what we call "combined chlorine" (CC) and what you are looking to get rid of when you shock. It's counter-intuitive, but smelling chlorine generally means you need chlorine.

cleaned and changed my hot tub beginning of July.

I assume you meant you changed your water, which makes you due to do so again.

yes it has a mineral cartridge.

I am a fan of mineral purifiers, but they are not a stand-alone sanitizer and are not effective against, and are depleted by, heavy contaminant loads.

I have green spots growing above the water line

Above but not below? Are you sure it's algae?

All I have is test strips

Problem #1.

I'd suggest you use ahhsome as directed, repeatedly, until no new nasties come out, then drain, refill, and get fresh cartridges. And a test kit.
Do you have an ozonator?