The types of 'stick' sanitizers are typically MPS (monopersulfate or peroxymonosulfate) based or chlorine/bromine based. The 'pellets' inside the cartridges are either silver, copper, zinc or a combination.There are a few proprietery systems (bags, plates, tablets) that I won't discuss, but please add...IONIZER systems use low voltage electricity charges in the water and shouldn't be confused with these methods.
Those available today are of various colors, but the "backup" shock chemical is the difference between them all. These are not 'stand-alone' systems, even with ozone, as a true oxidizer is required periodically. (PS - NO biguanides!!) There are some floater systems available, as well as spa-specific receptacles for these cartridges.
Most sticks last a 3-4 month (some folx stretch five) duration, and need to be located in/at/near the filter or suction intake of your tub to allow the moving currents of water to pass over/through the cartridge. Some old-schoolers out there just zip-tie em up against their skimmer.
As with any sanitizing system, start with balanced water (alkalinity, pH, metals) and don't assume your municipal water is perfect - test it to see! (our local city water pH and hardness are really high!) Now add a first maintenence dose of your chems. Let's talk types:
MPS - 'yellow' system - Please read the fine print on this one...Chlorine is used at start-up to 'etch' or start product to dissolve. MPS shock then is used as a large dose weekly (lid open, air on) and as an 'occasional' or mid-week dose to keep the smell in check. Some customers add 1/4 oz chlor as well to treat smells, but be careful as too much shortens the life of the mineral's activity.
CHLORINE/BROMINE - green, purple, blue systems- Trick with these to be effective: keep your residual levels to a MINIMUM (especially w/ bromine)The claim is "reduces chems added" so adhering to a strict 2 ppm reading will reduce the smell, and be cost-effective. Still adhere to a weekly 'shock' with your lid open and air on to OXIDIZE off the contaminents, disinfect your tub, and clarify the water. Ozone helps, and cracking the lid occaisionally helps as well to let it 'breath'.
Your balancers all should work with these systems - foamouts, clarifiers, enzymes, etc. The "make-or-break" we usually tell people about the effectiveness is: are you a fri-sat user? or are you in there 3-5 nights/week with the family? These systems may not be an aide if you are a weekend user, but will certainly play a role if the tub is used alot. In conjunction with ozone the water quality improves, and regular filter rinsings won't hurt. Take a shower BEFORE using, and your water will be crytal clear forever...
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7 comments:
What is the harm in using a salt water sterilization system that would require no chemicals?
Hot tubs and
Spas
Salt water systems usually wreak havoc on all metals (heaters!) exposed within your spa. They need to be checked for pH, TDS, and salt levels regularly, just like common sanitizers. I have not personally dealt with one, as no one in our area will install/service them in spas. Some pool pros use these systems to get away from traditional sanitizer smells, and from what I've read it is easier to balance in a larger vessel (20,000gals+) Initial costs of system are higher (600-1000+.) and typically is not cost-effective in anything smaller than 1000 gals. There are chlorine generators added to salt water systems to produce chlorine by electrically charging the water to leave a chlorine residual, but again, I've only ever seen this on large pool installs. To get away from chems, maintain your ozonator and choose a mineral system of your liking.
I hate to look like I am spamming you... But I think you will enjoy this.
Great News Spot For All That Is Hot Tubs and Spas and Pools Too
A great place to read about the news as it involves Hot Tubs, Spas and Pools.
Great spot for hot tub info. A great place to visit.
Has anyone tried the "Natural" spa products that are offered over the web - like http://go.natural4spas.com/ and http://enzymes.cre8ivegroup.com/spaproducts.htm
Do they really work?
I hate soaking in all the chemicals and hope there is a good viable alternative that works.
Thank you for your comments!
You have a good amount of useful information on your site. I for one will definitely bookmark it as I had been trying to find out more about salt water system for awhile. Good job and keep up the good work. I might contact you guys to see about carrying some of your products on my hot tub site.
I must admit that your tips very useful. And yeah you need to maintain your ozonator and choose a mineral system of your linking. I really enjoyed your articles, keep moving
Marikxon Manurung
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