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If I'm using Dichlor, here's my routine:At startup, I balance the pH and TA. In my case, I almost always have to bring it down significantly, so I end up putting in about 6 ounces of 'Spa Down.' Three ounces at a time, test again after no less than three hours.Once the pH and TA are balanced, and the spa is warm, I add two ounces of chlorine. This is an initial shock. I don't always do this: if I just did a water change and the old water was still OK, then I just put in a couple of teaspoons.I use Dichlor, btw, because it's cheap, easy and works great.