Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Saycheese on February 17, 2007, 04:06:44 pm

Title: help
Post by: Saycheese on February 17, 2007, 04:06:44 pm

P.H .  6.8
free chloine 5
T.A.   0...yup zero
What would you do?
(280 gal.)

 :-/

Title: Re: help
Post by: Chad on February 17, 2007, 04:10:21 pm

Quote

P.H .  6.8
free chloine 5
T.A.   0...yup zero
What would you do?
(280 gal.)

 :-/

Pour in a box of Baking Soda. ;D I'm kiddin', eventhough it is going to take alot to get it back in range.
Typically 1 oz of BS will bring 300 gallons up 10-20 ppm.
So maybe start with 2-3 ozs and see where it goes a few hours later.

What method of testing do you use and how old is the fill water? Do you use city or well water? Are you using an unbuffered mps?

Title: Re: help
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on February 17, 2007, 04:22:44 pm

Confirm those measurements with another test kit.

Title: Re: help
Post by: Saycheese on February 17, 2007, 04:34:19 pm

Yes , test strips and well water... but we haven't used the spa in two weeks due to sub zzzzzzzro temps. Water is only 3 1/2 mo. old and was fine until I did't use it. I just ran out to the spa and put in a cap of  chlorine.   Is it worth a dump and fill or add more stuff?

Title: Re: help
Post by: wmccall on February 17, 2007, 04:36:33 pm

Quote

Confirm those measurements with another test kit.

And after adding the baking soda, wait 24 hours before measuring and adjusing again.

Title: Re: help
Post by: Chad on February 17, 2007, 04:36:44 pm

Weather permitting, I'd just dump and refill. 3-4 months is typically when a refill is needed anyway due to high TDS and CYA.

Title: Re: help
Post by: anne on February 17, 2007, 08:26:28 pm

I wouldn't dump it. Add baking soda, as said, and see what you have in 24 hrs. Baking soda is cheap- what do you have to lose?

Title: Re: help
Post by: Chas on February 17, 2007, 08:38:50 pm

Whoa...

With a free chlorine reading of 5ppm you cannot test pH or TA and get an accurate reading.

Add people.

Retest when the chlorine has gone down below 3ppm.

 8-)

Title: Re: help
Post by: anne on February 17, 2007, 08:50:30 pm

duh. Thanks Chas.

Title: Re: help
Post by: Chad on February 17, 2007, 08:54:36 pm

Quote

I wouldn't dump it.

Anne,

How long do you recommend one waits before a refill?

Thanks in advance,

Chad

Title: Re: help
Post by: anne on February 17, 2007, 08:59:49 pm

Quote

Anne,

How long do you recommend one waits before a refill?

Thanks in advance,

Chad

I personally get 3-4 months like you. I dont have a general recommendation, since everyone's water use is different. I just said that I would not dump it since if the only problem were low TA, to me it would be worth trying to fix, if the water otherwise felt good. If it were tending to cloud, or fizz, or not feel nice, then I'd agree- why fight it?

Title: Re: help
Post by: Reese on February 18, 2007, 02:48:47 am

I'm with Chas.  I wouldn't add anything, including baking soda, until the chlorine comes down and the readings are verified.