Freshwater Salt Cartridge Lifespan Experiences

[LRing1961]

Just talked to my dealer. He checked my phosphate level and it's zero. He says I should be getting 4 months from each cartridge, but I'm getting 6 weeks.

He said that the granular shock (orange top bottle) that I regularly use contains a stabilizer and my levels of stabilizer were off the charts. There's a name for it, some kind of acid, I think it begins with an "a". Anyway, he sold me some liquid chlorine and told me to drain the tub and start over with fresh water, and to get rid of that shock I've been using. We'll see how that goes.

[Sam]

Cyanuric Acid.  It stabilizes chlorine but builds up and causes problems.

[LRing1961]

Yes! Thank you! Anyway, he switched me to a much cheaper liquid product. We'll see what happens.

Should I look up what problems Cyanuric acid causes? Do I even want to know?

[Sammi]

Its a chlorine stabilizer user in granular chlorine. It accumulates. I've been using Spa Guard Chlorine Enhanced Shock (orange cap) and haven't had any issues. I add 2-3 tablespoons about every 4th use and haven't had trouble with CYA climbing. If you are vaing trouble then the liquid is definitely worth the try.

[cranbiz]

You don't want CYA above 30PPM. Less is better in most cases.

As said above, it stabilizes chlorine and helps keep levels of chlorine in the sun (UV). In a hot tub that usually isn't exposed to sunlight, it doesn't break down.

[gwmac]

I have had very good luck. I don't add any chemicals at all other than the ones my dealer gave me for things like adjusting calcium or Ph levels. My last 2 salt cartridges each gave me over 6 months. They will start gibing you warning to replace them at 4 months but I just chose to ignore those messages and the cartridges were still fine. When they finally go bad it will give you a message that you need to replace them