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I have the same high pH/TA problem, and add a similar amount of acid over the course of the first few days. Â You don't need to wait for a perfect pH to start using the tub, just make sure to include a stain/scale product at start up, and use more dichlor until you get the pH down, since it isn't very effective above pH 7.5. Â Some people use muriatic acid to offset the carbonates quicker/cheaper, so I suppose adding more dry acid at a time wouldn't hurt, BUT... If you do it, know you are increasing the risk of undiluted acid reaching the components and damaging something. Â Perhaps a pre-dilution would be in order. Â Also regardless of schedule, remember to turn all the pumps off (including a circ pump if you have it) for awhile to allow the acid to disperse, and not be drawn in in "slug". Â Regarding your concerns on dichlor dose, when you apply that 3-5 ppm after use, it dissipates by the time you use it the next day, so you are soaking in little or no chlorine. Â By doing it that way, you should maintain a clean tub, but have few concerns about suits or purple hair. Â It sounds as though you may be able to cut back your dose to 2 tsp and still get the 3ppm, 20 minutes after application, that you are shooting for.The Frog system and Nature 2 use silver ions (along with something else in the frog -- copper or zinc?) to help the dichlor kill more effectively and slow bacteria growth between dichlor doses. Â I view it as a supplement to the dichlor routine that provides me with a little cushion for inadequate or missed doses. Â Although you may get away with a little less dichlor (some people do use .5-1.5 ppm successfully for light usage), IMO that is not the main benefit. Â As WSD says: "Spare the dichlor, and spoil the hot-tub". 8-)
I have to ask why you feel Joel would need to make sure to use a stain and scale control product at startup. Â Would you suggest doing this at each new fill as well? Â Are you suggesting he use it because of his well water or do you suggest it as a general matter of course?
If you have 0.5ppm residual of free chlorine it's safe. Industry standard is 1-5ppm. As long as it's something...go for it!