Anyone from the D/FW Area?

[Texas]

Hi!  I'm new and was hoping to find someone from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on here to help me.  I got a hot tub this weekend for free.  YEA!!!  However, I have no clue what to do to get it ready.  (haha)  I'm waiting on my cousin to put in my wiring.  Yea...again!!  

What I want to know is....Is there a GOOD spa store in the area that I can go to and learn everything I need to about how to take care of the water/etc?  

Thanks!!

[Vinny]

Hey you don't need no stikin' store ... you got us!  

1st, you need to get a test kit. Some of us use the Taylor K-2005 and it has everything you might need to test the water. You need to test the water out of the tap to know where you are starting from.

The water needs to be tested for PH, Calcium, Alkalinity and eventually for Chlorine/Bromine.

2nd, go here: http://www.rhtubs.com/store/chemical.htm and read the comparison of sanitizers. The 2 most widely used are chlorine and bromine. Don't go to Baqua unless all else fails.

3rd, go here: http://www.rhtubs.com/bbs/FAQ.htm and look for the names Northman & Vermonter and read that info. Most of it applies to chlorine but at least you get an understanding.

4th, once you get the Taylor kit - read it's book!

All supplies can be bought here: http://www.rhtubs.com/store/directory.htm if you can't find a local store. Doc has good prices.

After all that reading, if you have questions - just ask!

[Richs100]

Vinny:

I just gotta say that your post was the most helpful and concise round-up I have seen for a newbie in a while.

The moderators might want to think about making it a "sticky" at the top of the forum for newbies generally.

Good Job!
Rich

[Texas]

Thanks for the info Vinny.  I'll take a look at it.  I did go to Wal Mart this weekend and they had a bunch of supplies.   Are these good to use?  

Sorry...I haven't had a chance to look at the info sites you sent me yet.  I'll get to it ASAP.  

Thanks again and I hope you have a great day!!!

[Vinny]

Hey Rich - Thanks. I do try to help out when it's in my realm of knowledge. (of course my wife is always calling me a know-it-all! )

Texas,

Don't buy any supplies other than a test kit until you know what's coming out of the tap. A lot of supplies depends on what you have to do to the water, which may be nothing.

Don't buy chlorine at Walmart. They label their (HTH) "spa chlorine" and it is Cal Hypo. Only use Dichlor chlorine in a tub. Cal hypo will add calcium to the water and if you don't watch it your water will get really hard and possibly form deposits - bad! I guess the bromine is OK but I don't use bromine so I can't comment.

If you decide to go the bromine route, there are people here that are more knowledgable than I about it.

[Zep]

Welcome fellow DFW hot tubber!

[Texas]

Thanks ZEP!!  I'm loving those pictures!!  I used to work in the building with the X on it.  

Thanks again Vinny for the tip on the Wal-Mart supplies.  I'll look for the test kit and start working on that while I wait for my wiring.  Let's hope that gets done this week.    I'm sooo ready for this to get going.

Thanks again and have a great day!!

[Texas]

One more quick questions please.....

Is this hot tub gonna raise my electric bill a BUNCH?   :-/

[Vinny]

Hard to say.

Since you are in a temperate climate - probably not. Obviously (I think) your winters are mild and as long as it has some insulation and the cover is good, you shouldn't see a huge increase. Anyone who says it doesn't add anything to the bill is lying!

Do you know anything about the tub itself?

[Vanguard]

You do have a couple of good choices for stores, though.

Coleman Bright Ideas For Your Home - Fort Worth and Grapevine
Spa Expo - Plano

Stay away from Rec Warehouse.

[Texas]

Thanks for the tips Vanguard.  

OK...As far as what I know about the tub???   Well, it seats 6 (w/lounger) and I just looked at the motor and it says ONYX on it.   ?  

[Zep]

hey texas....what part of the metroplex are you?

[Texas]

I'm 35 miles south of dallas.  (Ennis/Waxahachie area)