1st fill up on new Hot Springs Flair

[norcaljeffery312]

Just had my 1st spa delivered today    I'm brand new to this and could use some friendly advice. I followed a hand out the dealer gave me and filled the tub, put the silver ion cartridge in the filter, added metal gon, and 2 tbsp of MPS. It's now heating. Should I add spa sanitizer 56 (chlorine)  ? It doesn't mention it on the dealers handout but my owners manual mentions it. Also, use test strips and bring ph up or down once water warms? My friend told me not to over think it but I just wanna be sure I'm doing this correctly. Thank you.

[av8r]

I'd fill it, let it get warm and take a water sample to a trusted dealer to test.

Also, buy a Taylor 2006 kit and dump the strips unless you'll have the dealer test your water frequently.

[wmccall]

Congrats Jeff, those are always memorable days.    I've never heard of adding MPS before using the tub, not sure why would, but I definitely wouldn't add any sanitizer till after you use the tub since you already have the MPS in.   Don't overthink it is good advise, especially when trying to get the PH right.  Most products that change PH say to wait a period of time before adding more.  I always wait 48 hours after adjusting my PH to see the results. That way you don't end up chasing it up and down.

[amy2421]

Congrats on your new tub! Our dealer told us to wait a week after the first fill, bring in a water sample and adjust PH from there. We put in chlorine, Stain & Scale and Ultra Spa Conditioner at start up.

[hottubdan]

Just to confuse the issue, yes, add some chlorine.  You want to clean the water from anything left over from the factory.

[Tman122]

Just to confuse the issue, yes, add some chlorine.  You want to clean the water from anything left over from the factory.

I agree

[norcaljeffery312]

So I added chlorine. I cannot keep the FCL ppm up?  Since I'm using a silver ion cartridge and ozonator is that typical? Ive had the tub 5 days and have been adding about 1 TBP of MPS after each use. Using it a couple times a day, sometimes with 4 or 5 adults. Its small only about 385 gallons. Getting lots of foaming and milky water when jets are on. Too much MPS? Too little? MPS? Add more Chlorine? Im honestly ready to drain and refill but thinking I might be doing too much. Any input thanks

[Dr. Spa™ Ret.]

You add chlorine. A little? A lot? A teaspoon? A dump truck load?...and the Cl level drops quickly? Drops over a day? Over an hour? Over a year?

A lot of the foaming is probably from residual detergents in the swim suits plus personal hygiene products (make-up, hair care stuff, conditioner).

[norcaljeffery312]

I put in a small amount? 2 tablespoons sodium dichloro initially. Then 1 tablespoon MPS 2/3 times a day after using it. I did throw in a tablespoon of dichloro here and there trying to get FCL up. From what I understand you "shock" with 2 TBL dichloro weekly and maintain with MPS because of the use of silver ion and ozone? Just got out, foaming still but FCL was still in 3-5ppm range after using. Im worried Im adding too much. Will antifoaming chemical help, ive read its just a temporary fix. Thanks in advance

[norcaljeffery312]

The water appears to have small bubbles, so much so its cloudy and you cannot see the lights when the jets are on. I dont remember this happening initially. When I turn the jets off the foam and bubble dissipate withing a couple minutes.

[hottubdan]

It sounds to me like new hot tub owner extra heavy bather load. Right now you probably have high chlorine demand.  The MPS, ozone, Nature2 cannot keep up with your use.  Super chlorinate.  Wait 24 hours and test.  If no free chlorine, do it again.

[joelmaners]

I'd put in a little chlorine, maybe a tablespoon just to get you started. I usually put in a tablespoon per bather after each use. Ditto on getting a Taylor test kit. It's a bit pricey but you'll learn everything you need to know ad more about your particular water situation. After you get used to it, you'll be able to get by with just some test trips. Enjoy!

[silverbullet]

I'd fill it, let it get warm and take a water sample to a trusted dealer to test.

Also, buy a Taylor 2006 kit and dump the strips unless you'll have the dealer test your water frequently.

+1

A trusted dealer will work with you, help educate you in water management.