After owning my hot tub for the last 3 years, I'm only now reading about this BBB treatment option. I used to use Beachcomber brand chlorine; care free (whatever that is); and their "protect" (hardness increase). But I have used baking soda to adjust the TA - not worrying too much about the pH, as adjusting the TA seems to always keep the pH in check.
I also only use the color-change chem test strips for testing my water. And am very unsure if I really need anything else besides those. I also have a TDS meter I use to make sure I'm changing my water frequently enough. But from what I know, using bleach as oppose to the granulated chlorine, the TDS shouldn't rise as much?
I'll start my concerns with the Borax. I read it's used as a algaestatic agent. So, I guess I should chuck so much in the tub irregardless of the presence of algae. But I don't know how much and how often? Once per water change or once every so many weeks?
The baking soda I'm comfortable with. When I test my TA, I know how much to add depending on how low the TA is.
Now the bleach. I bought some unscented 12% bleach, and am a bit nervous to start using it. I changed my water about 2 months ago, and the tub has been lightly used since. But I've been using the granulated chlorine since then. I assume it's safe to just switch, but can I still use the test strips mentioned above when I switch to bleach? Checking the pool math, it seems like if I want to increase the FC by 2, then I add 24mls of 12% bleach. If that's the case, this stuff will last me forever.
As for the hardness, I'll buy some ice melting salt and use that? Seems weird to chuck ice melting salt in my hot tub, but I'll try anything to save a buck, lol.
And for the CYA (or stabilizer) - do I really need to worry about this? I almost never use the tub during the day and it's covered otherwise. Is the CYA only for sunlight protection?
And the Beachcomber 'Care Free' I use. They recommend a "cap full" every week or 2. Is there something I can use besides that, or is this unnecessary?
I also bought some TSP for cleaning the filters. How much TSP do I dissolve in a bucket of water to soak my filter in? I also got some Ahh-Some coming in the mail. Can't wait to try that stuff out on my next water change.
Thanks to whoever the kind soul is that takes the time to read this and help me feel more comfortable during this transition.
I also only use the color-change chem test strips for testing my water. And am very unsure if I really need anything else besides those. I also have a TDS meter I use to make sure I'm changing my water frequently enough. But from what I know, using bleach as oppose to the granulated chlorine, the TDS shouldn't rise as much?
I'll start my concerns with the Borax. I read it's used as a algaestatic agent. So, I guess I should chuck so much in the tub irregardless of the presence of algae. But I don't know how much and how often? Once per water change or once every so many weeks?
The baking soda I'm comfortable with. When I test my TA, I know how much to add depending on how low the TA is.
Now the bleach. I bought some unscented 12% bleach, and am a bit nervous to start using it. I changed my water about 2 months ago, and the tub has been lightly used since. But I've been using the granulated chlorine since then. I assume it's safe to just switch, but can I still use the test strips mentioned above when I switch to bleach? Checking the pool math, it seems like if I want to increase the FC by 2, then I add 24mls of 12% bleach. If that's the case, this stuff will last me forever.
As for the hardness, I'll buy some ice melting salt and use that? Seems weird to chuck ice melting salt in my hot tub, but I'll try anything to save a buck, lol.
And for the CYA (or stabilizer) - do I really need to worry about this? I almost never use the tub during the day and it's covered otherwise. Is the CYA only for sunlight protection?
And the Beachcomber 'Care Free' I use. They recommend a "cap full" every week or 2. Is there something I can use besides that, or is this unnecessary?
I also bought some TSP for cleaning the filters. How much TSP do I dissolve in a bucket of water to soak my filter in? I also got some Ahh-Some coming in the mail. Can't wait to try that stuff out on my next water change.
Thanks to whoever the kind soul is that takes the time to read this and help me feel more comfortable during this transition.