OMGGGGG 5 years now and FINALLY someone who I can understand when explaining how to own, maintain a hot tub. Seriously. 🤦🏼♀️ THANK YOUUUUU. I wish I found this channel years ago but better late than never
That intro resonated with me SO WELL! First-time home buyer with a hot tub. I have no idea what I'm doing. Google says 5 things, youtube contradicts Google 😱 your video helped SO much. Thank you!
Glad I came across you. I'm a new hot tub owner and been having cloudy water issues at well as chlorine issues. I add what is required and still the test strip is white, no changes 🤔
Thanks for this. We're new hot tub owners; only seven more days until the electrician comes to install the new circuit and wire it up. Just a quick note on pH vs. alkalinity/acidity. pH is the negative log of the hydrogen ion activity (approximated closely enough by the hydrogen ion concentration). Acidity is it's own property and is defined as the amount of strong base needed to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 8.3. Alkalinity is a measure of the amount of strong acid required to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 4.2; the counterpart to acidity.
For anyone new, here is a few more money saving tips. Don't buy alkalinity booster, ph up or ph down. Buy regular baking soda for alkalinity and if the ph is still low just aerate and for lowering the ph add muriatic acid. Muriatic acid will also lower alkalinity.
Thanks, Liz! You might really like this newer video I've done also on the 23 Most Important Things to Know Before Buying Your 1st Hot Tub - ruclips.net/video/zw-SCTZpvIQ/видео.html Let me know if you have any questions! Jeff
I really like your video. I did notice one oddity - you picked up Leisure Time Renew and said, "This is 100% Bromine". It's actually a non-chlorine shock (Potassium Peroxymonosulfate). That said - I really, really, really wish that your video existed before I got my hot tub, because you explained water chemistry in a way that was better than anyone else who I have come across. I will also make sure to use your affiliate link to buy Oh Yuk!
Correct! I have another video that goes deeper into that. I assume from your comment I must have messed that up in this one? I'll have to go back and watch. But baking soda is a great, inexpensive way to increase alkalinity (and as you noted, pH too, but it's less effective on that). Good catch!
I’m watching your videos because it’s informative and I’m learning about how to plan to buy a hot tub and have it affordable. Thanks. I’m in Ventura California
Hi Craig. I've definitely found variations between brands (which is why I tend to stick with 1). But I'm not sure how to gauge the accuracy of one over another other than going by reviews. The one I use is by Poolmaster and has almost 5,000 reviews and is almost 5-star. Here's the Amazon link if you want to check it out - amzn.to/315Hmw8 If you try one you think isn't accurate, I'd love to hear about it! Thanks Jeff
Yes! An inflatable shouldn't be appreciably different from other kinds. Thanks for being here! I don't have a lot on my RUclips channel about inflatables since I don't have one to show (although I'm going to buy some in the spring to use for future videos). But I do have a lot on my website about inflatables in case any of those would help you - hottubownerhq.com/
Aaaaannnnndddddd.....my first ever reading of my brand new J235 jacuzzi hot tub is alkalinity off the scale high, bromine in off the scale high, PH off the scale high. I used Jacuzzi PH deceeaser cautiously and after 4 hours of constant small top up every 30 minutes all readings are still off the scale high. It's Sunday and I'll call Jacuzzi tomorrow morning. But at the moment no one is getting into my hot tub as it's deemed unsafe.
This question is not necessarily about chemicals but have you ever seen a hot tub filter with small, thin, white colored fibers embedded in it. My local pool store had never seen it before. I have since picked up a new filter and did a drain, clean and refill of my hottub but I'm a little concerned about what that could have been. Thank you for your channel.
I like the simplicity of this video. As a new hot tub owner, I am very frustrated by my green water after trying to follow the instructions from the dealer. Getting info in RUclips or the internet is worse than Ford vs Chevy! If I had to do it over again I would never buy a spa from a dealer. Save thousands by learning first and buying from a private party. Pay to have it moved. Money in the bank. I'm a SUCKER.
A year after that comment, I found my way back here because I'm chasing the balance... again... still... if my wife didn't like it so much, this thing would be GONE. It has caused 1000x more stress than it has alleviated.
Thanks Jeff, loving your videos! I'm about to make the switch from Chlorine to Bromine (lower levels in addition to Aquafinesse) I've been reading that Sodium Bromide is needed to create a 'bromine bank' - is this accurate.
Thank! We bought a spa, first we need to give shock dose of chlorine, that's fine for new spa but if after 2-3hours is all ok why we can use spa after 24 h. according to guide???
Yes! I typically get mine at Home Depot but sometimes Amazon, but if Walmart has what you need and isn't more expensive than Amazon, why not? I do not ever get mine at a Leslie's or other specialty dealer.
Any thoughts on Frog@ease floating chlorine blue and grey ball? I was told I do not need to shock my hot tub with chlorine since I am using these and was told it was bad to mix a regular Chlorine shock with the frog @ease system? Is that correct? I was going to go to Bromine but decided I might as well use the frog system and then eventually go to bromine when I do a water change.
We are getting a hot tub from a family member that went untreated for 2-3 years but was still on the entire time. Should we get anything special for restarting?
Hi Jeff... Love the site and all of the great information. Have you done any videos on digital handheld water chemistry analyzers? I am curious if it is worth the money, and if they are even as accurate as conventional test strips, etc. Thank you Sir! John Gordon
Quick tip - to raise alkalinity cheaply, use Baking Soda. Like the cheap stuff at the store. No need to buy a special bottle of Alkalinity Up or whatever, it's just cheap baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) inside.
Most every hot tub product sold in the retail store can be bought in generic chemical form elsewhere for a lower price. They try to conceal this with vague names like pH down but it’s just common dry acid repackaged and 4x the price
Hi!! Love your videos! Im new at this. Im from Alaska, it's winter now. ( about 30 degrees F) Any cold weather, hot tub advice? ( was super fun filling up hot tub w garden house lol)
Just subscribed to your awesome channel. I have a question I’m hoping you can help with. What are your thoughts on ozone and bromine? I’ve read that it creates bromines which is carcinogenic.
Love the videos you are my go to guy for hot tub videos now!!!! Subscribed and Liked! Curious your link to Oh Yuk shows a green bottle for Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner for Jet Tubs, Bathtubs, Whirlpools. Is that the color you use, I see they have a BLUE BOTTLE as well for hot tubs? Just want to make sure I get the correct one.
What's the difference between shock and sanitizer? And should I use a sequestering agent like metal free? And do all of these tips work with swim spas?
Sanitizer is something you add every few days to clean and purify the water. It is most commonly bromine (what I prefer) or chlorine, but there are some all-natural enzyme-based ones too. It can be powder, liquid or tablets in a floater (what I prefer these days). Shock is something you add every 7-10 days (depending on how often you use the hot tub) to reactivate the sanitizer. It is most often chlorine-based, but can be non-chlorine. I prefer chlorine shock with bromine tablets. If you know your water is high in iron or other metals (often the water will turn green for a few minutes after you add bromine or chlorine), then yes, I probably would add s product like Leisure Time's Metal Gone. Here's the Amazon link if you need it - amzn.to/2Jk77DN I also have a video coming out 11/30 that goes into the most common shock questions too that you may like.
Hi Jeff, I have just realized that if I turn my hot tub off at night, It's stil showing 31 degrees the next morning, Am i ok to just turn it on and wait for it to come upto set temperature or is it dangerous ?? (It was turned off by mistake)
Hi Steven. If you do want to switch from one to the other, either do it the next time you drain it, or let it go several days from the last time you added anything, and then switch. Draining is ideal though.
Hello, Newbie here and we are lost, we bought a preowned hot tun for 5 and are getting closer we are doing a privacy wall so its taking some time but after that what are the main steps to fill,clean,sanitize ? since it it pre owed someone said to buy a new filter , so once i buy the new filter what are my to go products ? I get headaches with bleach please link me any steps I need to do before its safe for us before we soak in the water ( we have a water filtration system that also filters the outdoor water) Thank you so much
Hi Rosa. I would definitely change the filter, and not knowing how it was maintained, I would probably also do a biofilm cleanout before using. That's an extra step, and would set you back a day from using it, and mean 1 extra filling up, but I would do it just in case there's any lingering bacteria. Here's my video which walks you through that - ruclips.net/video/8VxcrdIHtQo/видео.html
Thanks for the advise. Bought a 3 year old Maxx spa. Just a two person holding 140 gallons. Heard of a product called Spa Marvel. Was wondering your thoughts on it. Suppose to be a product to maintain your water quality for up to 3 months. Also helps with water scum from forming around and on tub. Any thought welcome. Will be following your videos. Thanks
Thanks! I hadn't heard of that so I checked it out. The reviews are good and it does indeed seem like you could use a lot less sanitizer and potentially go up to 6 months in between water changes. I guess I'll have to order a bottle and test it out, but it looks great. If you try it, let me know. Here's the Amazon link in case anyone wants to check it out - amzn.to/31fj58a
Add chemicals? If I understand correctly, the answer is simply that you drain your tub after each bath, whereas hot tub water sits in your tub for 3 months between changes and can get pretty nasty if you don't treat the water.
Hi I’m currently using chlorine for sanitizers if I switch to bromine can I just start using it or should I replace the water 1st your help would be appreciated cheers
Hi Nigel. Great question. It's recommended that you drain and start fresh. However, since chlorine breaks down quickly in both heat and sun, I also think you could just let it goes 4-5 days, and periodically take the cover off when it's sunny, and by the end of the time period, the chlorine should be just about gone.
Hi Jeff, I'm about to purchase a cedar hot tub. Are there many noteworthy differences between wood and traditional Acrylic tubs that might be video worthy enough for you to comment on. More specifically, chemicals and maintenance. Thanks, Rick in Los Angeles
Should my chlorine level always be in the normal range when i test it? I add chlorine and shock a couple times a week because I'm using it about 5 days a week right now, i just got it recently :). But the test strips always indicate that the chlorine is gone the next day. Should I add more every time it shows low? Or do I assume the chlorine did its job and evaporated?
Hi Tony. I mentioned in my other comment about possibly trying bromine which can take the heat a lot better than chlorine. You can still use chlorine shock with bromine sanitizer too. What you might try is to over-chlorinate it one day where the levels are higher than normal and see if that allows you to have 2-3 days of not having to do any major adjustments. Just make sure you don't soak in levels above the norm.
When refilling the hottub, do I need to add more than the recommended weekly maintenance amount of chemicals just because I'm starting it back up again or do I stick to the normal weekly amounts (eg the weekly maintenance amounts we were recommended: 1 scoop of shock, 4oz of silk balance, 4tbsp chlorine granules, and 4 chlorine tabs --- do I need to increase this amount when refilling it back up?)
I always rely on the test strip. But I don't see why you'd need more. I check it first with the test strip and then adjust. Chances are you might need less, since there won't be any perfumes, body oils, skin flakes, etc. But it all depends on the quality of the water from your hose.
**** Get the Oh Yuk! Hot Tub Cleaner I mention on Amazon! CLICK HERE - amzn.to/3ckfRmt
Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
This guy needs to be a teacher. He is straight to the point, makes it easy to understand.
OMGGGGG 5 years now and FINALLY someone who I can understand when explaining how to own, maintain a hot tub. Seriously. 🤦🏼♀️ THANK YOUUUUU. I wish I found this channel years ago but better late than never
spent a evening watching hot tub videos, this is the best one.
That intro resonated with me SO WELL! First-time home buyer with a hot tub. I have no idea what I'm doing. Google says 5 things, youtube contradicts Google 😱 your video helped SO much. Thank you!
Thanks, Rafal! I always appreciate constructive criticism, but it's so great when I hear about how much I was able to help.
In the same situation. My home came with one too
I am 86 yrs. old and I could understand him, I really gleamed a lot of information.
Glad I came across you. I'm a new hot tub owner and been having cloudy water issues at well as chlorine issues. I add what is required and still the test strip is white, no changes 🤔
Thanks for this. We're new hot tub owners; only seven more days until the electrician comes to install the new circuit and wire it up. Just a quick note on pH vs. alkalinity/acidity. pH is the negative log of the hydrogen ion activity (approximated closely enough by the hydrogen ion concentration). Acidity is it's own property and is defined as the amount of strong base needed to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 8.3. Alkalinity is a measure of the amount of strong acid required to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 4.2; the counterpart to acidity.
Thank you, I got more confused now 😅
Awesome! Thank you! New spa owner here and this clears up a lot of confusion. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos!!
Glad it was helpful!
Yes thank God for him
For anyone new, here is a few more money saving tips. Don't buy alkalinity booster, ph up or ph down. Buy regular baking soda for alkalinity and if the ph is still low just aerate and for lowering the ph add muriatic acid. Muriatic acid will also lower alkalinity.
Do you mean just run jets to aerate?
@goldengirls0125 if your jets also blow air bubbles, then yes.
@@mrsparefox3704 no I don’t have bubbles .
+1 for baking soda... it works better and is cheaper
@@Tripp_777how much baking soda?
JUST WHAT I needed. Why did I not watch this years ago
I got the Oh Yuk for my hot tub and jetted tub in my bathroom and it works great. Thanks Jeff for the info.
Great! It works great for me (in, fact on the to-do list for this week!)
Thanks Jeff Cambell
The water pump has to be running all the time even if we not using it?? Thanks.
You seem very kind and know what you're talking about. I am a new spa owner and I am loving the info you provide. Subscribed and thank you!
Thanks, Rebecca!
THANK you so much! you are a wonderful teacher and this is coming from a teacher.
Thx Jeff! Very informative and spoken in a simple and easy to understand way.
great video! thanks so much for making it to help educate and inform me and others!
Great tips Jeff! I'm looking into purchasing a hot tub, so I'm researching the amount of care needed. Thank you for all the info.
Thanks, Liz! You might really like this newer video I've done also on the 23 Most Important Things to Know Before Buying Your 1st Hot Tub - ruclips.net/video/zw-SCTZpvIQ/видео.html
Let me know if you have any questions!
Jeff
Thanks for the great analysis and explanation!
Super Easy Install & Usage
Thank you for sharing all this knowledge!!! I really appreciate this! Getting ready to start the chemical mixture for the first time!
I really like your video. I did notice one oddity - you picked up Leisure Time Renew and said, "This is 100% Bromine". It's actually a non-chlorine shock (Potassium Peroxymonosulfate). That said - I really, really, really wish that your video existed before I got my hot tub, because you explained water chemistry in a way that was better than anyone else who I have come across. I will also make sure to use your affiliate link to buy Oh Yuk!
Great information; Thanks Jeff, please what is your take on the Spa Marval.
What are the first two products
Swim spa almost installed and ready to fill. Your tips are on point in set up and going forward.
can i use baking soda instead of ph up?
Thanks for making this simple and clear
Your putting out great content that is helpful to us noobs. Appreciate you taking the time to make these videos.
Glad you like them!
What if I have hard well water?
Great information, thank you!
Baking Soda increases the alkalinity of water and a little of ph, it does not reduce it ;)
Correct! I have another video that goes deeper into that. I assume from your comment I must have messed that up in this one? I'll have to go back and watch. But baking soda is a great, inexpensive way to increase alkalinity (and as you noted, pH too, but it's less effective on that). Good catch!
Still hasn't been corrected
@@HotTubOwnerHQ isn't alkalinity the same thing as ph
Oh duh watch the whole video dumb dumb
@@deadair801 Nope
Great presentation! Thanks for creating!
How to adjust water hardness
How do i lower the hardness in my hot tum. We have very hard well water .
What about scale management or products for metals in the water?
THANK YOU for this! It's much appreciated!!
Thank-you Jeff for you’re insight and knowledgeable information.
Can you use liquid shock?
If I use a submersible pump to drain my tub do I still need to use the drain spigot to remove whatever water is left in the plumbing?
I have the hot springs fresh water salt system what are your recommendations for chemicals on this hot tub
Great video. Very helpful and informative.
Very informative. Thank you
Just bought our first hot tub, Great videos! Subscribed
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video. I have Bromine & Bromine Tablets. Do I need the tablets?
Thanks for sharing 😊
how long do you run your jets when cleanning before emptying your tub
Jeff, What about a video on storage of chemicals? The Spa Down container says to not store with chlorine, or bromine.
Thank you for the video!!! Lots of great tips.
Thank you so much!
I’m watching your videos because it’s informative and I’m learning about how to plan to buy a hot tub and have it affordable.
Thanks.
I’m in Ventura California
Thanks for being here!
Does the "Chemicals" Advice in this Video also apply to Inflatable Spas?
For what it’s worth the link you posted is for the green bottle which is for jetted tubs. Not the blue bottle which is for hot tubs
Did he mention defoaming agent? (Yep. 2:30)
I tried bromine it was great to start with but I continually break out with a rash. It's choline for me.
This was really helpful!
Thank you very much.... Very helpful
Do you have ozone generators on your hot tub
My girlfriends aunt gave us a Coleman blow up hot tub. Now I don't ever want to go without a hot tub again. Thank you for the vid, I needed the help.
Man i love this it learned for the first time owner
Yeah!!
I want to ask if you hot tub just arrive and not using it until summer can you anti freeze during winter or not
Seen a lot about variability or lack of accuracy among test strips. Any recommendations on test strip kits or pills tests?
Hi Craig. I've definitely found variations between brands (which is why I tend to stick with 1). But I'm not sure how to gauge the accuracy of one over another other than going by reviews.
The one I use is by Poolmaster and has almost 5,000 reviews and is almost 5-star. Here's the Amazon link if you want to check it out - amzn.to/315Hmw8
If you try one you think isn't accurate, I'd love to hear about it!
Thanks
Jeff
Thank you so much
Can all these chemicals be used for an inflatable hot tub? I just purchased one, and have NO idea. I'm thankful I found your channel.
Yes! An inflatable shouldn't be appreciably different from other kinds. Thanks for being here! I don't have a lot on my RUclips channel about inflatables since I don't have one to show (although I'm going to buy some in the spring to use for future videos). But I do have a lot on my website about inflatables in case any of those would help you - hottubownerhq.com/
Thanks for this useful video!
Thanks! I'm still learning here, but I appreciate your watching and commenting!
How do these chemicals affect grass when draining the tub?
what would be the cause of having a high PH and a good alkalinity? I have difficulty getting my PH to a good level. I use spa up
Aaaaannnnndddddd.....my first ever reading of my brand new J235 jacuzzi hot tub is alkalinity off the scale high, bromine in off the scale high, PH off the scale high.
I used Jacuzzi PH deceeaser cautiously and after 4 hours of constant small top up every 30 minutes all readings are still off the scale high.
It's Sunday and I'll call Jacuzzi tomorrow morning.
But at the moment no one is getting into my hot tub as it's deemed unsafe.
This question is not necessarily about chemicals but have you ever seen a hot tub filter with small, thin, white colored fibers embedded in it. My local pool store had never seen it before. I have since picked up a new filter and did a drain, clean and refill of my hottub but I'm a little concerned about what that could have been. Thank you for your channel.
Can I just use more sanitizer to shock?
I like the simplicity of this video. As a new hot tub owner, I am very frustrated by my green water after trying to follow the instructions from the dealer. Getting info in RUclips or the internet is worse than Ford vs Chevy! If I had to do it over again I would never buy a spa from a dealer. Save thousands by learning first and buying from a private party. Pay to have it moved. Money in the bank. I'm a SUCKER.
Well we all are, but I'm glad I was able to help!
A year after that comment, I found my way back here because I'm chasing the balance... again... still... if my wife didn't like it so much, this thing would be GONE. It has caused 1000x more stress than it has alleviated.
Thanks Jeff, loving your videos!
I'm about to make the switch from Chlorine to Bromine (lower levels in addition to Aquafinesse)
I've been reading that Sodium Bromide is needed to create a 'bromine bank' - is this accurate.
Thank! We bought a spa, first we need to give shock dose of chlorine, that's fine for new spa but if after 2-3hours is all ok why we can use spa after 24 h. according to guide???
Can we buy pool chemicals at Walmart and save money
Versus buying them at a specialty store if it's identical chemicals and concentrations?
Yes! I typically get mine at Home Depot but sometimes Amazon, but if Walmart has what you need and isn't more expensive than Amazon, why not? I do not ever get mine at a Leslie's or other specialty dealer.
Any thoughts on Frog@ease floating chlorine blue and grey ball? I was told I do not need to shock my hot tub with chlorine since I am using these and was told it was bad to mix a regular Chlorine shock with the frog @ease system? Is that correct? I was going to go to Bromine but decided I might as well use the frog system and then eventually go to bromine when I do a water change.
We are getting a hot tub from a family member that went untreated for 2-3 years but was still on the entire time. Should we get anything special for restarting?
Hi Jeff... Love the site and all of the great information. Have you done any videos on digital handheld water chemistry analyzers? I am curious if it is worth the money, and if they are even as accurate as conventional test strips, etc. Thank you Sir! John Gordon
Nice videos! would like to see a testing and reading of the water
Coming soon! Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi we just got the hottub and I put my chemicals in and now my water is a bit milky in colour, what do you think it is?
Quick tip - to raise alkalinity cheaply, use Baking Soda. Like the cheap stuff at the store. No need to buy a special bottle of Alkalinity Up or whatever, it's just cheap baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) inside.
Most every hot tub product sold in the retail store can be bought in generic chemical form elsewhere for a lower price. They try to conceal this with vague names like pH down but it’s just common dry acid repackaged and 4x the price
Hi!! Love your videos! Im new at this. Im from Alaska, it's winter now. ( about 30 degrees F) Any cold weather, hot tub advice? ( was super fun filling up hot tub w garden house lol)
Just subscribed to your awesome channel.
I have a question I’m hoping you can help with. What are your thoughts on ozone and bromine? I’ve read that it creates bromines which is carcinogenic.
Great vid sir, i am a new spa owner, i have a question. Can i switch from chlorine sanitizer to bromine without changing the water? Thanks in advance
I seem to use alot of test strips, is this normal or through time will i use less? First time hottub owner.
Love the videos you are my go to guy for hot tub videos now!!!! Subscribed and Liked! Curious your link to Oh Yuk shows a green bottle for Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner for Jet Tubs, Bathtubs, Whirlpools. Is that the color you use, I see they have a BLUE BOTTLE as well for hot tubs? Just want to make sure I get the correct one.
Thanks
Thanks, Teddy!
You didn’t mention adjusting the total hardness of the spa. I have added calcium booster several times and I can’t get it higher than 100.
That spa is lookin a little cloudy jeff 😏
Do I put a whole gallon of the oh yuk when I am changing the water? I have 360gal hot tub.
Sorry, if I implied that! No. For that size tub, about 6 oz is right.
So I have to be a chemist to learn how to take care of these?
Honestly, it gets pretty easy and simple once you get in a groove. But it can be a little intimidating at first.
What's the difference between shock and sanitizer? And should I use a sequestering agent like metal free? And do all of these tips work with swim spas?
Sanitizer is something you add every few days to clean and purify the water. It is most commonly bromine (what I prefer) or chlorine, but there are some all-natural enzyme-based ones too. It can be powder, liquid or tablets in a floater (what I prefer these days).
Shock is something you add every 7-10 days (depending on how often you use the hot tub) to reactivate the sanitizer. It is most often chlorine-based, but can be non-chlorine. I prefer chlorine shock with bromine tablets.
If you know your water is high in iron or other metals (often the water will turn green for a few minutes after you add bromine or chlorine), then yes, I probably would add s product like Leisure Time's Metal Gone. Here's the Amazon link if you need it - amzn.to/2Jk77DN
I also have a video coming out 11/30 that goes into the most common shock questions too that you may like.
Hi Jeff, I have just realized that if I turn my hot tub off at night, It's stil showing 31 degrees the next morning, Am i ok to just turn it on and wait for it to come upto set temperature or is it dangerous ?? (It was turned off by mistake)
I'm new to this. When I switch from chlorine tabs to Bromine tabs. Do I have to drain the water a start with fresh water?
Yes you need to drain and start over I believe.... Bromine and Chlorine don't mix
Hi Steven. If you do want to switch from one to the other, either do it the next time you drain it, or let it go several days from the last time you added anything, and then switch.
Draining is ideal though.
Hello, Newbie here and we are lost, we bought a preowned hot tun for 5 and are getting closer we are doing a privacy wall so its taking some time but after that what are the main steps to fill,clean,sanitize ? since it it pre owed someone said to buy a new filter , so once i buy the new filter what are my to go products ? I get headaches with bleach please link me any steps I need to do before its safe for us before we soak in the water ( we have a water filtration system that also filters the outdoor water) Thank you so much
Hi Rosa. I would definitely change the filter, and not knowing how it was maintained, I would probably also do a biofilm cleanout before using. That's an extra step, and would set you back a day from using it, and mean 1 extra filling up, but I would do it just in case there's any lingering bacteria. Here's my video which walks you through that - ruclips.net/video/8VxcrdIHtQo/видео.html
Thanks for the advise. Bought a 3 year old Maxx spa. Just a two person holding 140 gallons. Heard of a product called Spa Marvel. Was wondering your thoughts on it. Suppose to be a product to maintain your water quality for up to 3 months. Also helps with water scum from forming around and on tub. Any thought welcome. Will be following your videos. Thanks
Thanks! I hadn't heard of that so I checked it out. The reviews are good and it does indeed seem like you could use a lot less sanitizer and potentially go up to 6 months in between water changes.
I guess I'll have to order a bottle and test it out, but it looks great. If you try it, let me know.
Here's the Amazon link in case anyone wants to check it out - amzn.to/31fj58a
I never do this in a Bath so why do we do it in a tub?
Just asking
Add chemicals? If I understand correctly, the answer is simply that you drain your tub after each bath, whereas hot tub water sits in your tub for 3 months between changes and can get pretty nasty if you don't treat the water.
Hi I’m currently using chlorine for sanitizers if I switch to bromine can I just start using it or should I replace the water 1st your help would be appreciated cheers
Hi Nigel. Great question. It's recommended that you drain and start fresh. However, since chlorine breaks down quickly in both heat and sun, I also think you could just let it goes 4-5 days, and periodically take the cover off when it's sunny, and by the end of the time period, the chlorine should be just about gone.
Hi Jeff, I'm about to purchase a cedar hot tub. Are there many noteworthy differences between wood and traditional Acrylic tubs that might be video worthy enough for you to comment on. More specifically, chemicals and maintenance. Thanks, Rick in Los Angeles
Jeff, do they make chlorine floaters that you can use tabs instead of manually adding chlorine. Can't find one for hot tubs! Thx
Yes! I use this one (although I use bromine tabs and not chlorine) - amzn.to/2BCmgNt
Should my chlorine level always be in the normal range when i test it? I add chlorine and shock a couple times a week because I'm using it about 5 days a week right now, i just got it recently :). But the test strips always indicate that the chlorine is gone the next day. Should I add more every time it shows low? Or do I assume the chlorine did its job and evaporated?
Hi Tony. I mentioned in my other comment about possibly trying bromine which can take the heat a lot better than chlorine. You can still use chlorine shock with bromine sanitizer too.
What you might try is to over-chlorinate it one day where the levels are higher than normal and see if that allows you to have 2-3 days of not having to do any major adjustments. Just make sure you don't soak in levels above the norm.
When refilling the hottub, do I need to add more than the recommended weekly maintenance amount of chemicals just because I'm starting it back up again or do I stick to the normal weekly amounts (eg the weekly maintenance amounts we were recommended: 1 scoop of shock, 4oz of silk balance, 4tbsp chlorine granules, and 4 chlorine tabs --- do I need to increase this amount when refilling it back up?)
I always rely on the test strip. But I don't see why you'd need more. I check it first with the test strip and then adjust.
Chances are you might need less, since there won't be any perfumes, body oils, skin flakes, etc. But it all depends on the quality of the water from your hose.
How often should you shock and sanitize your hot tub water? First time owner here trying yo learn.