The bromine tablets contain dimethylhydantoin (DMH). DMH build up in a brominated hot tub has a similar, negative effect like CYA does in a chlorinated swimming pool - the excess DMH eventually reduces the effectiveness of the bromine. There is no test for DMH, so water exchange is essential for maintaining a clear tub. The tablets are also quite acidic and will consume TA just as trichlor tablets do in a chlorinated pool. So you need to add alkalinity back to the water to keep the pH from crashing.
The tablets are likely causing some of the issues you are seeing with cloudiness. The water has simply become over-stabilized. I suggest you only use the tablets when you are not going to use the tub for a few days or if you have to travel. Otherwise, stick with sodium bromide and bleach activation.
Good Morning, All. I wanted to report back with the status of my hot tub. I stopped using the bromine tablets altogether. Now, I finally got around to draining/refilling the tub yesterday. I dutifully used the Ahhsome protocol. I have to say there was no green foam, there was not a speck of anything in this tub. There was not a trace of goo behind the jet pack. All I have been doing is adding 12.5% bleach (pool type shock) as needed to keep the bromine figures in the 1,2's and 3's. The PH has been relatively stable ranging from 6.8 to 7.7. During this time, the water was crystal clear, every day. This tub is used every day and I add 1 ounce of the shock after tubbing.
Here is my question to you all - If the tub is THAT clean, what in god's green earth is it doing to me? I have to say I was completely shocked to find it so clean. I have never seen it so clean. Now I think it's best to back off a bit with the bleach. I do not want to sanitize myself into trouble here.
It is said we all eat a pound of dirt in our lives and it's good for you. I don't want to reverse that at this stage of the game. Thoughts on this, anyone? Much appreciated! Lyd