>Since I have read a few threads here where spa >dealers don't always make good chem >recommendations:
I beg to differ. A good dealer will have a water analysis lab and help you learn about water chemistry and be able to fix almost any problem you have with your spa. A good dealer should have a variety of chemical choices and have the right chemical for your specific needs.
> What is the best formula to keep clear, clean water
> in my tub?
Religious testing and religious maintenance. If you are a newbie, relax, you will screw up your water, and you
may drain it a few times before you get it right. Then it becomes second nature to you. Make sure your dealer has the equipment, chemicals, and water expertise to help you through your learning process.
>Chlorine? Bromine? Carefree?
Cl2 is by far the easier to deal with, occasional shocking and dichlor, but you do have the side effects or drying out your skin, bleaching of bathing suits, bleaching of hair.
Bromine is good, doesn't have the nasty effects of Cl2, Brilliance for Spas is a good product, you don't even need that annoying floater.
>What other products are or may be needed?
Alkalinity Increaser, Calcium Hardness increaser, pH up, pH down, and more than likely some metal remover.
Hope this helps,
Neil O'Donovan
Phoenix Park Outdoor Living
Wilmington, NC