Welcome to our forum.
I've had my '07 Caldera Niagara (500 Gallons) for just over 4 months now. I know it's time to change my water, and I will be doing that next weekend. But with some experience under my belt, I have a couple of questions that I thought some folks may be able to help with.I have gone through a LOT of DiChlor (LeisureTime Spa56) in these 4+ months (probably about 2 1/2 lbs.) Often times, I'll use multiple tablespoons and still not register any significant free chlorine on my test strip. At times my PH and Alk have been low, in fact I've gone through quite a bit of Spa up (over 1 lb). But even when I think i'm balanced via the test strips, my tub seems to need/use more Dichlor than most on this forum would recommend. I do shock with MPS (LeisureTime Renew) every 2 weeks or so. But there has been trend that about every 6 weeks the tub has gotten pretty cloudy, and i've solved this by rebalancing, superchlorinating, and then using 1 oz LeisureTime Bright & Clear, and then chlorinating again.Sorry for the long post, but wanted to be specific about my process. Here are my questions:1. Is this alot of chlorine to go through, if so why am i going through so much (my guess is not well balanced)?2. Since I don't think i'm well balanced, I want a good test kit. What test kit do you recommend and where is the best place to purchase online (I don't think my dealer carries anything but strips).3. Are LeisureTime chemicals recommended, does anyone out there use these? If not, who would you recommend and where could I buy them online? (my dealer only sells the Leisure Time)4. Is there anything else that I am doing wrong or anything else someone would recommend to me?Thanks to everyone for your involvement in this forum and for any help you can provide...
I personally don't use Renew because it is buffered, meaning it has additives to make it pH neutral. I prefer straight MPS and buy a very inexpensive no name brand because I add less product when I shock, but there is no reason for you not to use Renew at this point.
Tony, thanks so much for the detailed response. Does straight MPS typically lower or raise pH?