Spa Shell Staining.

[drober30]

My new Pearl HS Vanguard seems to have a yellow ring around the water line.

I noticed this within the first couple of days and it seemed to scrub away.

I see it again and it does not come off... I am just using a sponge and no cleaner or anything.

I think this is from water hardness? I needed to increase the Calcium Hardness. I had the water tested at me dealer and they recommended the increaser.

The manual states that low Calcium Hardness can cause staining.

So has anybody else dealt with this staining/discoloration?

How should I remove it?

[spaman--]

Yes they have, and in many cases it is permanant.There is typically no warranty,as it is a water chemestry issue.Hey BTW enjoy your new Cal Spas gazebo it's a beauty!

[drober30]

I have only owned the spa for a week. I could see if you left bad water in it for 2 months and it stained but for 5 days or so?

[Chas]

You using Baqua?

[drober30]

No... Fresh Water III system.

Which I need clear directions on. Each person at my dealer has given me different instructions when I ask questions.

Today when I was having the water tested the guy there was confident he knew what he was talking about.

He said with the Ozoan and Silver Ion that I only needed Dichlor on start up. He said I should only use non chlorine shock (MPS) before I use the tub.

He said I don’t even need to test for Chlorine. He said if I am going to use Dichlor than that defeats the purpose of the Silver ion

[Lori]

Consumer with a HotSpring Vanguard for almost 2 years!

I had a water line ring when I first got my tub, it always wiped away easily with a clean, soft, wet cloth.  I think it was because I was getting the water maintenance down.  I have had no problems (since about the first 3-4 months).  

Anyway, I haven't used the Freshwater III system since about my 6 month mark.  I got one with my delivery.  My dealer told me to put MPS in every time I used the spa, and dichlor once a week to shock.  This is explained very well by a guy named Northman on another board.  (If you would like the link, I would be happy to PM you.)  He is listed in the FAQ's.  I took his regimen, and another one listed in the same spot and combined the two.  I don't use the Freshwater III system (the N2 cartridge) anymore, because my dealer quit carrying HotSpring tubs and no longer sells the cartridges.  Now my closest dealer is 90 miles away!

Anyway, I hope some of this information helps!

This has been my experiences!!!

[johnvb]

We filled our new tub Sunday, just to get in it (no chemicals), and noticed the same ring as you describe. It came off easily with a sponge.

Monday morning I drained the tub and got all the needed chemicals from my dealer. When I refilled the second time, the ring immediately reappeared.  

I added stain and scale control and calcium hardness to the tub, along with the alkalinity increaser and bromine.

This morning, no rings

[drober30]

We filled our new tub Sunday, just to get in it (no chemicals), and noticed the same ring as you describe. It came off easily with a sponge.

Monday morning I drained the tub and got all the needed chemicals from my dealer. When I refilled the second time, the ring immediately reappeared.  

I added stain and scale control and calcium hardness to the tub, along with the alkalinity increaser and bromine.

This morning, no rings

I added the calcium hardness and will re-test today. I have the stain and scale control I will read the bottle.

I might drain and refill the tub. My water has always looked sparkling clean!

Lori I am going to PM you for that link.

[windsurfdog]

....The manual states that low Calcium Hardness can cause staining.

So has anybody else dealt with this staining/discoloration?

How should I remove it?

The best cleaner I've found for cleaning the waterline is found by scrolling down here:  Tub Rub.  Works like a charm and easy too.  

[HotTubMan]

WSD, there are many products listed there, can u be more specific?

[spaman--]

The best cleaner I've found for cleaning the waterline is found by scrolling down here:  Tub Rub.  Works like a charm and easy too.  

Be careful what you use, and check with the spa manufacturer as this may also void your warranty.

[Spatech_tuo]

Be careful what you use, and check with the spa manufacturer as this may also void your warranty.

Besides checking with your dealer/manufacturer, it might not be a bad idea to drain some water and try it in an area below the water line so if this screws up the finish a bit it won't show so much. Maybe you could even try it behind a pillow where it would be hidden if it dulls the finish.