throat irritation

[tooltymewoman]

We have had a Marquis hot tub for about 13 months. Didn't have any problems with water chemistry until just before Christmas. Tub got a very strong odor and caused a severe irritation in our throats that made us cough the whole time we were in. Drained the water about 3 weeks ago and everything was good for about a week. Now there is no smell but when we are in the tub we notice a vapor that causes slight throat irritation with a cough here and there. We have the tub indoors, but have a window on each side of the room open and a skylight window above open. When people are in the room when the cover is open, they also say that it irritates their throats.
We have an ozonator and are using bromine (Spa Frog in line system)
All of my test strip readings are right where they are supposed to be, so don't understand what could be causing the problem.
If the problem is not better this evening, will probably drain again tomorrow.

[MarKee]

What model do you have?  What setting do you have your Frog cartridge on?  Are you shocking the spa once a week?  

[hottubdan]

See this article:

http://www.rhtubs.com/indoor-ozone-danger.htm  

Check with Dr. Spa about it.  This is from his site.

[tooltymewoman]

Markee,
We have an Everyday Hot Tub. Model Ultimate 630.
Have the Frog Cartridge set to 1 and we shock at least once a week.

[MarKee]

It's possible it could be the ozonator.  I would try and disconnect it from the PC board and see if the odor goes away.  Just follow the cord that comes from the ozonator back in to the gray electric box.  You will need to use a phillips screw driver to get the cover off and to get the cord out.

[tooltymewoman]

 Markee,
My husband is doing this at the moment. Will see what it does tomorrow.
How long do you think it might take to notice a difference? :-/

[Brewman]

You're not using Baquaspa by chance, are you?

[tooltymewoman]

No, we are not using Baquaspa. We are using Spa Frog inline Bromine and Mineral System.
My husband disconnected the ozonator last night and it seems somewhat better this morning.
Going to wait a few days to see if there is any difference.

[Cyn]

If it is the ozonator...why a problem now?  I have had a couple of times in 7 months where I too get that funny, catch in the throat feeling in my hot tub.  My tub is outdoors and one time recently it was even windy.

[TubsAndCues]

Your pH (and TA) may be running low.  I get customers all the time that complain of having a hard time breathing and when I check their water it's almost always the case.  I can't say for you, but for them, they're breathing in acid.  It's going to hurt.

[Chas]

Your pH (and TA) may be running low.

Also - Bromine creates more 'fizz' above the water than other systems. It is due to the air which is entrained in the water when using Bromine. So - if your pH or TA is low, the water will get into your lungs.

 8-)

[BauerN]

Your pH (and TA) may be running low.  I get customers all the time that complain of having a hard time breathing and when I check their water it's almost always the case.  I can't say for you, but for them, they're breathing in acid.  It's going to hurt.

Have had this happen to customers as well.  Some have complained of an odor similar to Chlorine.  Not sure if this is a reaction with the low pH and PVC.  Would appreciate any thoughts on this.

In any event, if it is pH driven, then maintaing normal levels will solve the problem.