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...
Friday, January 18, 2008
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