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Never heard of calcium protecting metals. Soft water is looking to dissolve calcium not metal. A low ph will disolve metals.
Spa Sentry from Bioguard. Best spa product ever made. A phospherous buffer that controls Ph better than TALater: Never heard of calcium protecting metals. Soft water is looking to dissolve calcium not metal. A low ph will disolve metals.
Hey Reese, you wrote what I was thinking ... I like that!
Spa Sentry, a liquid pH stabilizer for lazy-folk, is a great product. However, the dealer not telling the hot tub user to turn off their heater upon application is doing them a BIG diservice. Some of the calcium is deposited in the filter, but MOST of the calcium will stick to the warm heater. This is bad for the heater. Heater needs to be OFF for 24 hrs. after application.
I was advised by the tech I had in a while back to use a similar product - Leisure Time "pH Balance" - when first I got the pH and TA adjusted properly. My pH and TA have been pretty easy to maintain, both in the old tub and in the new one, so I never did add it, and I have a whole bottle sitting right here.This is the first I've heard that it also increases the water's hardness or protects the spa's components, or that I needed to leave the heater off for so long after adding it. The label does not mention this either.My calcium is WAY low, so I would appreciate confirmation that I have understood the above correctly. So . . .1) adding a pH buffer product such as this will also increase the calcium level?2) I should turn the temp down and let the tub run for a day before letting the heater come on again?3) I should do this every time I drain and re-fill?
My understanding is just the opposite. The pH balance products take calcium OUT of solution, decreasing hardness. Since you are not having problems maintaining proper pH, it would be waste of money, as well as a potential risk to sensitive components.It sounds as though you just need to add some calcium. Your dealer should be able to trade your pH Balance for a whole bunch of calcium.
If you're not using Spa Sentry type products, no need to worry about the heater with regular additions of calcium.
Vinny,It seems like you got a bit of a run around for a simple question. If you know how to pick and choose, the information is there. Dr. Spa told you why our spa water should be hard. Several people gave you good numbers 150 - 300 ppm is the right range. I apologize that I didn't see your question sooner.Regards,Bill