Welcome to our forum.
Do study the types of chlorine - be sure the stuff you use has the word "Dichlor" in the chemical make-up. 8-)
I buy all of mine from walmart. There is no difference when it comes to bromine or shock or ph down. Buy where it is cheaper and don't worry about it.I also order my filters online for about $14 each instead of $40 each from the local Leisure Spa.
I buy all of mine from walmart. There is no difference when it comes to bromine or shock or ph down. Walmart bromine tablets are not the same, compare the chemical amounts. The stuff they sell for spa sanitizer should not be used in spas. The company that makes the chemicals for Walmart also makes chemicals for spa dealers. They put out a paper for us to show that it actaully costs more per pound/active ingredient than the stuff you purchase from spa stores.Most the online stuff is pretty safe, just check how much active ingredient ther is and what it is. Online can be cheaper because of the lack of overhead. There are advantages to a dealer if you have water chemistry issues though.
There are advantages to a dealer if you have water chemistry issues though.
What In Canada said is a smart move. I don't use my dealer because her prices on chems are very high - $26 for 2 lbs of combo shock (MPS and dichlor) while at Docs I can get 5 lbs of dichlor for $30. I order all my stuff on-line.Not all chemicals are the same ... Walmart "spa chlorine" is cal hypo, not a good choice for chlorine for a spa.Generic chlorine may be a good buy but may not. The active chlorine in dichlor is anywhere from 52% to 62% - less active means more filler. Not much diference between 56% and 62% but a big difference in 62% and 52% - price should be at least 10% cheaper for the lesser active chlorine to be an equal value.Alkalinity up is baking soda which is a lot cheaper at the supermarket. For me it also works as PH up.
Do you get your water tested monthly anywhere? If your water goes sideways, who do you go to for advise? Next time you're in Walmart, tell the guy at the counter that your alk is 60, your pH is 6.8, your calcium hardness is 110 and your TDS is 1200 and ask for recommendations... Then tell him your water is cloudy and that you have a rash 'cause no one explained how to look after it and how to prevent bacteria.You get what you pay for... but don't worry about it. That rash will heal one day.