Oxidizer Shock vs Ozone Generator

[pinkfloydeffect]

I have been adding sodium hydrogen carbonate to raise my TA (I have large bags of it for my pool to raise its TA). Until recently learning about TA levels I was aiming for the test strip recommendation of 120ppm and I am currently around 60-80ppm but I will keep it at 50ppm on my refill.

Regarding PH and aeration, should I test for PH after a soak with the jets? I assume it does not matter what the reading is between uses long as it is around 7.5 when in use?

I enjoy active conversation on the topic this way, helps me retain the information a lot better. Long as people such as yourself are willing to take the time to explain things as they arise in my situation. I like multi-taking and doing other things when waiting for responses.

This is my checklist I have put together so far in order...

Refill Instructions:
1. Check Total Hardness
2. Adjust Calcium Hardness to 200ppm (350ppm MAX until water change)
3. Adjust Alkalinity to 50ppm (KEEP @ 50ppm)
4. Adjust PH (7.4 with/after jet use)
5. Raise Stabilizer to 30-40ppm (KEEP UNDER 50ppm)
6. Adjust Chlorine

 

[JamesW]

Most manufactured hot tubs have an acrylic finish and are not susceptible to cobalt spotting like a fiberglass finish.

High calcium hardness in hot water can lead to scaling, especially of the heater element.

I would target a calcium of 100 to 150 or the minimum recommended by the manufacturer (for warranty).

A pH of about 7.8 is usually more stable than a lower pH.

 

[pinkfloydeffect]

Thank you,

pH of 7.8 at the peak of jet usage right?

I just got back from my local pool store, I bought a 1L bottle of "Spa Purge" made by Natural Chemistry for $20. It does not list its ingredients at all, but I assume must be similar to Ahh-some. There are no ratio directions just says to add the entire bottle...I only have a 200 gallon tub can't I get 2 uses out of this?? It says to allow it to circulate for 24 hours but can I go longer? What if I let it circulate for 2-3 days?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Your plan looks fine to me.

The SpaPurge MSDS is here - https://media.nat.cm/filer_public/52/52/52529aca-1236-4d5c-a90c-4ad91a71f233/spa_purge_-_english_sds_2016.pdf

It contains two active ingredients - ethoxylated alcohol and TZT. The ethoxylated alcohol will act as a surfactant to help lift any biofilms that might be in the plumbing and adhered to the internal surfaces and the TZT is a broad spectrum biocide. It's fairly low concentration so I'm not sure how effective it will be. I suggest you simply follow the instructions you were given and then dump the water after use. Typically 24 hours is more than enough time to lift the films and you will likely need to drain the tub and wipe down the walls as biofilms will come out as brown-yellow muck with the consistency of molasses. You'll want to wipe away the gunk as quickly as you can because it can stick and dry onto surfaces and cause a real mess.

 

[pinkfloydeffect]

The reason I asked about more than 24 hours is I have more than a day before I can refill due to the wait for my test kit. So if I added it today and drained the tub tomorrow, I would be leaving the tub empty for about 2 days.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

The instructions for SpaPurge say to let it sit overnight. That’s about 8 hours. I wouldn’t let it go longer than that. I suggest you simply wait a day until all of your stuff arrives and then attack the situation all at once rather than just one-offing things. There’s no need to be in a rush here. Letting the tub sit unused for a day will do no harm.