Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: frankeyboy on June 29, 2005, 01:32:03 pm

Title: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 29, 2005, 01:32:03 pm
Hello all,

Our deck construction was completed on Friday, and our new 2005 Sundance Majesta is now sitting on its spot right outside our family room window.  The tub is full and the water has risen from 74 degrees to 88 in about 2 hours.  I plan on getting in once it hits 90.  The stereo works great, all the jets and lights seem to be working.  The start up kit contains about 20 different bottles of chemicals.  I was told to put 4 ounces of chlorine and 4 ounces of PH down before getting in.  There is a spot for bromine tablets inside the filter housing but no bromine was included in the start up kit.  Do I need bromine tablets in adition to the chlorine and CD ozonator?  Thanks in advance.

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Brewman on June 29, 2005, 01:49:07 pm
Your dealer probably set you up with dichlor, so you wouldn't need bromine.  The dispenser is built in on the Sundance's.  
Didn't your dealer walk you thru water maintenance when they set up your spa?  If not, call them up ask what your regimen is.
Brewman
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 29, 2005, 02:21:44 pm
They gave me a sheet with water care instuctions and went over it with me before they left.  They didnt mention anything about dichlor, or bromine.  There is a container of activator that I am supposed to use after each use.  I guess I need to give them a call to clarify if I need to use dicholor or bromine.  Thanks.

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: wmccall on June 29, 2005, 02:27:33 pm
4 oz of Chlorine?  Sounds like a lot, I don't put that much in my 425 gallon spa to shock.  Isn't the Majesta a 4 person spa?  Do you know the PH of your water now, hard to say about the 4 oz of PH down, did they test your existing water to come to that conclusion? Looks like a great tub, I look forward to reading what you have to say about it.
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 29, 2005, 02:39:21 pm
The Majesta is rated at 5-6 adults, but I think that 6 would be a tight fit.  It hold 375 gallons.  The directions say to add 2-4 oz of chlorine once the temp reached 80 degrees and 4-6 ounces of PH down.  They did not test the water, so I assume they know that the water in the area is hard and the PH high.  I know this was the case when I was adjusting the PH on our fish tanks.   The directions then say to add 2oz of PH down each day until it comes into range.  After each use I add 2-4 oz of activator for 1-2 people.  Or 2-4 oz of chlorine for 3 or more people.  After the PH is in range I add 1/2 cap of natural clear per week.   24 hours later add 2-4 oz of Defender per week.  I am not sure what these additives are supposed to do, or what chemicals they contain, I am just reading from the sheet I was given.  Thanks for your time.  I will post a review in a few weeks.  

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: r100rs on June 29, 2005, 02:50:50 pm
Had my Optima delivered to day also - temp is about 82

My instruction sheet stated - 2 oz of chlorine and 6 oz of Ph down

Even though my deck is totally finished - we are using the tub tonight

r100rs
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: wmccall on June 29, 2005, 02:59:13 pm
Ok, I was thinking of a smaller tub.  I guess this sheet was written by your local dealer? If so, from experience, he/she must know that your normal starting PH is high, where as  in my area, it usually starts out low.  There is a good point in there to add the PH down and check the next day.  A common rookie mistake is to add a PH product, and recheck to soon. If you do that you end up chasing the ph all over the place as it takes about 24 hours to settle after adding UP or DOWN.
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Payton3485 on June 29, 2005, 06:22:46 pm
Congrats Frankeyboy!! We also have a Majesta and LOVE it!! We got ours on May 25th and it is awesome. We also are having a second tier deck that is being built and almost finished now!! We have been enjoying the spa the whole time while the deck was being built and it is awesome to see the transformation of an idea turn into reality. Do you have any pics of your spa/deck combo? I would love to see what ideas you had for yours. I want to post pictures but still not sure how. I know I asked this question before but can someone tell me how to post pictures and what site I have to go to for uploading photos I took? Currently, my spa/deck photos are on "my computer" and not posted to any site. Thanks!
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Lori on June 29, 2005, 07:31:42 pm
May you always have clean, hot, bubbly water!!!

Enjoy spatopia!!
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 30, 2005, 12:29:01 am
Payton,

Our Majesta is sitting on a 90% complete pressure treated pine deck.  The deck is approximately 610 square feet and wraps around what used to be a screened porch.  I am currently converting the screened porch into a sun room.  I think I figured out how to post a picture.  This one really only shows the tub.  I will try to take one in the morning that will show more of the deck and sun room.  Eventually I would like to add custom railing and and a semi private privacy screen to either end of the deck.  (http://frankeyboy.zoto.com/img/45/02d59bdafb12ea2ae8e15159081a1d81-.jpg)

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 30, 2005, 01:16:57 am
Woohoo!  Finally figured out how to post a photo!  Lots more to come in the AM.

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Perk1 on June 30, 2005, 08:18:31 am
Frankey, the 'chlorine' he gave you is most likely dichlor.  I have been using strictly dichlor with ozone and N2 for the past two years without any problems.  What are the ingredients in the 'activator'.  It might be dichlor as well.   The 'natural clear' sounds like a water clarifier but I have found if you maintain your water properly there really is not a need for it.  And the 'defender' may be some sort of scale and stain preventative which is not a bad idea.  I have found that less is best when adding chemicals to my water.  Dont over do it and you will fall into a very simple routine within a month or two.  

Also dont worry if you lose control of your water within the first month.  Your spa is going to be getting ALOT of use more than likely these next couple of weeks so some here recommend a water change after the first month which is not a bad thing.

Good luck and enjoy.
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: wmccall on June 30, 2005, 08:31:08 am
I'm guessing the activator is an MPS product, but I'm still concerned that 2-4 oz daily after use by 1-2 people seems way too high to me.   Anyone else think that or am I just having another brain dead moment?
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 30, 2005, 09:30:58 am
The products I was given in our kit are made by GLB and are call the Rednezvous complete spa care system.  The activate "shock treats without Chlorine".  The active ingredient is Potassium Peroxymonosulfate (32.8%).
The "chlorinating concentrate" that I am using has Sodium Dichlor-s-Triazinetrione Dihydrate (99%) as the active ingredient.

After testing the water for the first time today the PH and alkalinity are off the scale on the high side (which was to be expected with our hard water).  The total FCI (free chlorine ppm) is 0.  Should I be concerned about this since I added 4 oz of chlorine less than 24 hours ago?

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: TrikkeAddict on June 30, 2005, 10:27:10 am
Quote
I'm guessing the activator is an MPS product, but I'm still concerned that 2-4 oz daily after use by 1-2 people seems way too high to me.   Anyone else think that or am I just having another brain dead moment?



I totally agree with you!!!  I used MPS with my first spa and it was a matter of a couple tablespoons, not ounces, that was added after use.

Frankeyboy, When I switched to a dichlor system, the amount of dichlor that I added every day was 1/2 - 1 teaspoon in my 400 gallon spa.    If you start adding 4 ounces of dichlor, you're going to be waiting a long time before you'll be able to use the tub again - that is, until the chlorine level is down to under 5 ppm or so.  

Also, using MPS causes the total dissolved solids in your water to rise very rapidly, causing you to have to change the water more frequently.  Just something to keep in mind.

By the way, the spa looks beautiful!!!

Susan
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: drewstar on June 30, 2005, 10:30:55 am
Quote
"...By the way, the spa looks beautiful!!!

Susan


You know, some nice NASCAR stickers on the cabinet side would really dress that up.
;)

Yes. I am bored today.
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 30, 2005, 10:33:11 am
Here is a newbie question.....what is MPS?

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: TrikkeAddict on June 30, 2005, 10:37:25 am
It's the Potassium Peroxymonosulfate (32.8%).

Nascar stickers sounds good as long as they're the right numbers!!!!  24 and 48 would totally ruin the tub!!!  :)

Susan
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: drewstar on June 30, 2005, 10:41:28 am
Quote
It's the Potassium Peroxymonosulfate (32.8%).

Nascar stickers sounds good as long as they're the right numbers!!!!  24 and 48 would totally ruin the tub!!!  :)

Susan



Yea, but be careful. My neighbor put a #3 on the side of her tub. When she woke up the next morning the tub had slid into the side of the house.
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: wmccall on June 30, 2005, 10:51:06 am
Quote
The products I was given in our kit are made by GLB and are call the Rednezvous complete spa care system.  The activate "shock treats without Chlorine".  The active ingredient is Potassium Peroxymonosulfate (32.8%).
The "chlorinating concentrate" that I am using has Sodium Dichlor-s-Triazinetrione Dihydrate (99%) as the active ingredient.

After testing the water for the first time today the PH and alkalinity are off the scale on the high side (which was to be expected with our hard water).  The total FCI (free chlorine ppm) is 0.  Should I be concerned about this since I added 4 oz of chlorine less than 24 hours ago?

Frankeyboy



That is the same start up kit I was given. The Activate works well, its buffered not to cause problems with PH. But I used 2-4 ounces every other week, and just use a tablespoon or two of Dichlor after use.
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 30, 2005, 10:51:31 am
Thanks for the info.  I probably won't be adding any stickers but I would like to add some areas for setting drinks etc., or a place to eat next to the tub.  Here is a picture of what I am looking for.  Does anyone know where I can get a table like this that will either attach to the spa, or sit next to it?  BTW, this is what our completed outdoor project should look like when complete (may add privacy screens on either side depending on how nosy the neighbors are).

(http://frankeyboy.zoto.com/img/45/f4151123af17d232926b07b2427d8462-.jpg)

frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: wmccall on June 30, 2005, 10:53:35 am
Quote


Yea, but be careful. My neighbor put a #3 on the side of her tub. When she woke up the next morning the tub had slid into the side of the house.



You are bored today, Who will be the first spa manufacturer to include the Hanford device? Or is that what DAIT is all about?
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: drewstar on June 30, 2005, 11:13:17 am
Quote
Thanks for the info.  I probably won't be adding any stickers but I would like to add some areas for setting drinks etc., or a place to eat next to the tub.  Here is a picture of what I am looking for.  Does anyone know where I can get a table like this that will either attach to the spa, or sit next to it?  BTW, this is what our completed outdoor project should look like when complete (may add privacy screens on either side depending on how nosy the neighbors are).

(http://frankeyboy.zoto.com/img/45/f4151123af17d232926b07b2427d8462-.jpg)

frankeyboy

Frankey, I'd wouldn't worry about the  spa side bar. I think you got a bigger problem with the yard.  From your pic it looks very dangerous to walk off the grass. I'd put up a fence or something.

Can yoru dealer point you to a distributor for the spa side bar?
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Perk1 on June 30, 2005, 11:51:43 am
This is what I have attached to my spa and it works great.  They also have stools to match.

http://poolandspa.com/catalog/product000684000001.cfm

It can be raised when needed and lowered out of the way when not in use.  
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: frankeyboy on June 30, 2005, 12:03:56 pm
Perk1,

That looks exactly like what I want.  Thanks!

Frankeyboy
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Ritz on June 30, 2005, 12:29:20 pm
Can you close the cover with the bar on the side of the tub?  or do you have to fold it out of the way each time?
Title: Re: 88 Degrees and rising
Post by: Perk1 on June 30, 2005, 12:36:14 pm
I can close the cover with out a problem.  The bar is 4 feet long so there is enough room on each end to make sure your cover closes properly.  If you spa is shorter you may just need to position the bar closer to the end that does not have the bar for the cover lifter.  I was pretty much able to center the bar on the side of my spa and it still left enough room for the cover lifter.