**** Amazon Products shown in the video - click any link to see it on Amazon: Leisure Time Bromine Sanitizer - amzn.to/2XiqQXH SpaGuard Enhanced Shock - amzn.to/36hQ8cI Leisure Time Spa Up - amzn.to/2Tpddor Leisure Time Spa Down - amzn.to/2Xm7xNp SpaGuard pH Increaser - amzn.to/2LNONkE SpaGuard pH Decreaser - amzn.to/3e5f3D1 Leisure Time Defender (prevents and eliminates scale from hard water) - amzn.to/2ZrrVPI Leisure Time Calcium Booster (if you have soft water) - amzn.to/3g4cPWp Oh Yuk! Biofilm Cleaner - amzn.to/2Tt6Al7
Thanks so much for info Jeff!!! I'm proud of myself.....I got all the chemicals on point! 👌 Using bromine for sanitizer. Had to add that leisure time "spa up" and the leisure time "calcium booster" and we are good to go! Thanks for your help!
Great channel Jeff! Your videos have really helped me solve many issues.......my question is about my test strip. It has a reading of “Total Chlorine” and “Free Chlorine”. I use Bromine tabs for sanitation and either bromine or chlorine shock. Should I be following the total chlorine level reading or the free chlorine level. My total level seems fine but the free chlorine is reading low. Thanks in advance!
Does my indoor hot tub have to run all the time? We leave it on and covered, but I'm not sure if we have to. Thank you for all this valuable information. We're new at hot tubbing.
Great Video! However, please use caution with promoting Bromine as a one size fits all solution. Bromine can cause serious health problems for people with thyroid issues and there are a lot of people out there with those issues. I happen to be one of those people. When we were shopping for hot tubs, we heard the same sales pitch for bromine from multiple dealers until talking to a dealer who cautioned strongly against bromine for people with thyroid issues. It didn't take long to find a lot of material backing this up. When we questioned other dealers, they said, "Oh yeah, that can be an issue". So why in the world are they promoting it without warning people? A lot of people have thyroid issues and chlorine is a much safer solution. Again, thanks for the video. It was really good information.
Hi José. I may not be sure what you mean by testing system. I just dip my test strip in and adjust as needed. I often do that before and after I use the hot tub, but if I'm using it less (like now in summer), I'll do it once or twice a week.
great videos. I have a question. I am a first-time owner. I was given Chlorine granules, Spa shocker/oxidizer, and ph & alkalinity up. I was told this was all I needed. Can I use bromine?
Thanks for commenting! I answered your question in a new video I just shot, so look for that video to come out the week of 10/24/22! Thanks for being here! - Jeff
Hi Maria I don't have any yet as I was waiting for the next time I have a leak just so I could show the fix as opposed to just talking about it. I have done a lot of fixes over the years though. What problem are you having?
Jeff, great info. I used oh yuk to clean pipes, emptied the tub, cleaned the black algae ring, soaked filters, refilled tub. I’m using bromine tablets in a floater. After 2 weeks, a black algae rink has appeared. Can you help what I should try? Thank you.
Thanks for all the info. I have been a hot tub owner for exactly one day. Got most of my chemicals good to go based on your recommendations. I’m using the Leisure Time Reserve. I put in the recommended 8oz to start and a 2oz of oxidizing shock (I can’t use a chlorinating shock according to my owners manual). Got the bromine to register 1-2 ppm, which was a little low, but the family was anxious to get in. After a couple hours of soaking with the family, my bromine now reads at 0ppm. Ive been adding bromine and oxidizing shock all evening, and still 0ppm. I’ve probably added another 4-6oz of bromine and 2-ish oz. of oxidizing shock. It feels excessive. On my test strips, all other levels look good. Any ideas on why I can’t get a bromine reading on my test strips? Thanks so much!
Interesting! I somewhat recently switched to bromine tablets in a floater as when I was using the Leisure Time Reserve, while it worked great, I did have to add it more often than it seemed like I would. I use chlorine shock, so that probably helped me avoid what you're experiencing. If you haven't watched my video yet about why I switched, check it out here - th-cam.com/video/dzXhHjneYuQ/w-d-xo.html But you can check out the floater and bromine tablets I use on Amazon - amzn.to/2BCmgNt and amzn.to/2VVcfSb
We replaced our old Hot Tub last Spring with a brand new and we all have eczema that we can’t seem to get rid of. Does using Bromine or something else help with eczema? It is a struggle 😢
Hi Jeff. I am a new hot tub owner and your channel is great. I am a fan. I have a question about shock and sanitizer. I am using the bromine sanitizer (Reserve) with Chlorine Shock. After watching this video my understanding is that shock with get the chlorine level to 1 to 3 PPM and the sanitizer being added 2-3x a week will help let that chlorine work well and help to keep the chlorine at 1 to 3 PPM. Am I on the right track? If I never added sanitizer, would that just cause me to being adding shock more often to keep the 1 to 3 PPM? I am clearly a little confused by the shock and sanitizer? Also, is there an order I should be adding my chemicals if I find out that I need to raise pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels? Hypothetical question, but I am just curious. Thanks again for your help Jeff.
Hi Richard. Yes, your assumptions are basically right on. Shock and sanitizer are formulated differently, so I don't suggest not adding sanitizer and only adding shock, but if you added the shock frequently enough, it probably would produce acceptable sanitizer levels. In brand new water, I like to start with alkalinity, then pH, then add sanitizer and not add shock for about a week.
I haven't used it before but it looks intriguing! I do see where I would need to start fresh after draining since it's not compatible with bromine (which I use). For an average sized tub, you'd use about 24 oz/week, so the 1 gallon size I see on Amazon for 40 bucks would last you about 5-6 weeks. That makes it pricier than using chlorine or bromine. But if you have sensitive skin it could be worth it. For me, I find using bromine instead of chlorine (for sanitizer) works pretty well. I don't get out of the tub smelling like chlorine (which is what the iONRx claims is the big benefit). I do like that you can get in immediately after adding it to the water though! But maybe I'll try it the next time I drain mine and see. If you use it, let me know how it works for you!
I have a intex 4 person hot tube. I have to fill it with water that has gone through my water softener due to well water . I have a hard time getting my ph down and getting my Corine stay constant. I use Bromine . I also have a hard time getting hardness up. I’m going nuts trying to get this thing right.
Hey new hot tub owner. Bought second hand. Im struggling with free chlorine levels, I did a biofilm clean, but chlorine is still dropping and ph goes high. What could be going on? Thanks. Love your videos.
Hi Lisa and sorry for my delay! My pH rarely fluctuates and most (but not all) of the time when I have to adjust it, its after changing the water. If you are using chlorine sanitizer, I would try bromine the next time you change your water. Chlorine can't hold up in heat very well, and the hotter you set your tub, the faster it goes away. When I tried chlorine sanitizer (I do use chlorine shock), I was having to add it 4-5 times a week. Also, make sure you aren't using a chlorine sanitizer or shock designed for pools as they often have calcium and other chemicals added as a buffer which could mess with the pH.
Hi, so I drained my hot tub a few weeks ago and I used a biofilm remover before I drained it. Then I took your advice and used the Leasure Time Reserve liquid bromine and shock you recommended in this video. I seem to never have enough sanitizer every time I test, and I'm doing these tests and adding liquid bromine almost two or three times a week and shocking it at least once or twice but I never seem to get enough sanitizer. My alkalinity and pH levels are fine, I even take a sample of the water to Leslie's pool supply and they do the testing and they always tell me I need more sanitizer. I have no idea why this sanitizer is not working. Please help.
If I use bromine tablets, would I need to use Renew or Reserve products from Leisure Time and with the bromine tablets, what should I add in the water(other than ph or alk if they are lower) to keep it sanitized well?
For some reason when I look at spa labelled sanitising products they are not chlorine (Bromine). I did find "small pool" mini chlorine tablets that said in directions ok for outdoor spas and spa shocks are always the non chlorine versions. When I do see chlorine shock it says for pools only (don't use in spas, hot tubs). Seems here in stores in Australia anyway they try and discourage you from using chlorine for spas.
Hi Jeff, I have been trying to get hold of, Leisure Time 45300-12 Reserve Sanitizer, Amazon as you recommended have sold out, Is there anything similar please ??
Hi Terry I've actually switched to bromine tablets in a floater lately. It just seems to be a little lower maintenance. I talk about why I switched in this video - th-cam.com/video/dzXhHjneYuQ/w-d-xo.html But if you just want the links here is the floater and bromine tablets I use on Amazon - amzn.to/2BCmgNt and amzn.to/2VVcfSb Hope that helps! Jeff
I bought a Coleman Saluspa. Instead of a floater, this inflatable hot tub has the holder that screws into the side of the hot tub instead of a 'floater" that floats about the hot tub. If it is stationary attached to the side of the tub, do you see any issue using the bromide tablets ? In other words, if it doesn't float, would you assume it will still dispense into the water properly?
Hi, I'm a new subscriber from Leeds, England. I have a question about the use of anti-foam. I always ask my daughters to make sure their friends rinse their swimsuits in advance, but every so often I can see foam billowing up like a 90's foam party. Each time it seems to be down to someone using their suit straight from the washing machine, which still contains soap. I think I have relatively good understanding of water chemistry, so can you help me understand what may be wrong with the water? I have been using anti-foam and thought that was just the way it rolled.
Hi Andrew Great question. I think it's absolutely an issue with soap residue on their suits, but it could also be hair product, perfume, etc too. If you're having them rinse their suits (a quick shower in their suits could be a good idea too) and still have the issue even after adding the anti-foam, then it could be something else such as high pH or hard water (high calcium) in which case you'd water to add a water softener product like Leisure Time's Defender. Hope that helps!
Hi David. I hadn't. But I just looked at it on Amazon and it looks pretty cool. I'll research it further and probably order it to check it out. Thanks for the tip!
Very true! Ultimately most of us just need sanitizer, shock, and chemicals to balance pH and alkalinity. Then a smaller number of people might need products to harden or soften their water if it's super hard or super soft. But really that's it with rare exceptions. Thanks for being here! Jeff
Hi Sheena. Sorry for my delay! I only use Poolmaster test strips. Thousands of reviews and most are 5-star. Here's a link if you need one - amzn.to/2HAZEQ1 Thanks! Jeff
Curious. if chems are on point how often would you think the water should be drained and start over. I use my hot tub literally every day before I go to work. 1 person
Hi Don. Generally about 3 months is a good rule of thumb. But you can also start to tell by the color and smell too when it's gone too long. Also, if you find yourself having to add more sanitizer or shock to keep the levels up, that's a good sign of biofilm build up. In that case you need to do a biofilm cleanout before you drain. If you haven't seen it yet, I have a video that details that - th-cam.com/video/8VxcrdIHtQo/w-d-xo.html
Is it too simplistic to ask why don't they make a test kit that, after the water is tested, tells you exactly what to add and how much to add based on the amount of water in the tub? Am I the first person to ask this question? Can't be. I am sick of adding pH down after filling my tub I can't tell you how much I've put in only to see the test strip keep telling me it's too high. Am I also the first person to ask if everybody else considers their hot tub to be a money pit, too? Can't be. Circuit boards (yes, plural), heaters, valves, covers, you name it. $$$ gone.
![“อ.เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม” มาตามคำเรียกร้อง แหกศาสตร์ฮวงจุ้ย เตือนสติอย่างมงาย | แฉ 7 พ.ย. 67 [1/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5fc4S3xBNfc/mqdefault.jpg)
**** Amazon Products shown in the video - click any link to see it on Amazon:
Leisure Time Bromine Sanitizer - amzn.to/2XiqQXH
SpaGuard Enhanced Shock - amzn.to/36hQ8cI
Leisure Time Spa Up - amzn.to/2Tpddor
Leisure Time Spa Down - amzn.to/2Xm7xNp
SpaGuard pH Increaser - amzn.to/2LNONkE
SpaGuard pH Decreaser - amzn.to/3e5f3D1
Leisure Time Defender (prevents and eliminates scale from hard water) - amzn.to/2ZrrVPI
Leisure Time Calcium Booster (if you have soft water) - amzn.to/3g4cPWp
Oh Yuk! Biofilm Cleaner - amzn.to/2Tt6Al7
I was in the dark completely before I started watching your videos. Thank you so much, I think I’ve got my courage to tackle my completely lost spa.
Man as a new hot tub owner you’re a life saver
Thanks!!
Thanks so much for info Jeff!!!
I'm proud of myself.....I got all the chemicals on point! 👌
Using bromine for sanitizer. Had to add that leisure time "spa up" and the leisure time "calcium booster" and we are good to go!
Thanks for your help!
Yeah! So awesome! Thanks for taking time to comment, Amy! Jeff
Jeff.. you are the man. I have learned so much from your videos, keep up the great work . regards from Dave in Sarnia Canada.
Great channel Jeff! Your videos have really helped me solve many issues.......my question is about my test strip. It has a reading of “Total Chlorine” and “Free Chlorine”. I use Bromine tabs for sanitation and either bromine or chlorine shock. Should I be following the total chlorine level reading or the free chlorine level. My total level seems fine but the free chlorine is reading low. Thanks in advance!
Does my indoor hot tub have to run all the time? We leave it on and covered, but I'm not sure if we have to. Thank you for all this valuable information. We're new at hot tubbing.
Great Video! However, please use caution with promoting Bromine as a one size fits all solution. Bromine can cause serious health problems for people with thyroid issues and there are a lot of people out there with those issues. I happen to be one of those people. When we were shopping for hot tubs, we heard the same sales pitch for bromine from multiple dealers until talking to a dealer who cautioned strongly against bromine for people with thyroid issues. It didn't take long to find a lot of material backing this up. When we questioned other dealers, they said, "Oh yeah, that can be an issue". So why in the world are they promoting it without warning people? A lot of people have thyroid issues and chlorine is a much safer solution. Again, thanks for the video. It was really good information.
Good video. Do you have a video or recommendation of the testing system that you use?
Hi José. I may not be sure what you mean by testing system. I just dip my test strip in and adjust as needed. I often do that before and after I use the hot tub, but if I'm using it less (like now in summer), I'll do it once or twice a week.
great videos. I have a question. I am a first-time owner. I was given Chlorine granules, Spa shocker/oxidizer, and ph & alkalinity up. I was told this was all I needed. Can I use bromine?
Thanks for commenting! I answered your question in a new video I just shot, so look for that video to come out the week of 10/24/22! Thanks for being here! - Jeff
I need to clear out the Iron in my Hot Tub water. Apparently you there are two diff ways to do it? What do you recommend?
Nice video i am learning do you have something like how to fix the plumbing etc....
Hi Maria
I don't have any yet as I was waiting for the next time I have a leak just so I could show the fix as opposed to just talking about it. I have done a lot of fixes over the years though. What problem are you having?
Jeff, great info. I used oh yuk to clean pipes, emptied the tub, cleaned the black algae ring, soaked filters, refilled tub. I’m using bromine tablets in a floater. After 2 weeks, a black algae rink has appeared. Can you help what I should try? Thank you.
Thanks for all the info. I have been a hot tub owner for exactly one day. Got most of my chemicals good to go based on your recommendations. I’m using the Leisure Time Reserve. I put in the recommended 8oz to start and a 2oz of oxidizing shock (I can’t use a chlorinating shock according to my owners manual). Got the bromine to register 1-2 ppm, which was a little low, but the family was anxious to get in. After a couple hours of soaking with the family, my bromine now reads at 0ppm. Ive been adding bromine and oxidizing shock all evening, and still 0ppm. I’ve probably added another 4-6oz of bromine and 2-ish oz. of oxidizing shock. It feels excessive. On my test strips, all other levels look good. Any ideas on why I can’t get a bromine reading on my test strips? Thanks so much!
Interesting! I somewhat recently switched to bromine tablets in a floater as when I was using the Leisure Time Reserve, while it worked great, I did have to add it more often than it seemed like I would.
I use chlorine shock, so that probably helped me avoid what you're experiencing.
If you haven't watched my video yet about why I switched, check it out here - th-cam.com/video/dzXhHjneYuQ/w-d-xo.html
But you can check out the floater and bromine tablets I use on Amazon - amzn.to/2BCmgNt and amzn.to/2VVcfSb
We replaced our old Hot Tub last Spring with a brand new and we all have eczema that we can’t seem to get rid of. Does using Bromine or something else help with eczema? It is a struggle 😢
Hi!!
What is Ozonizer?
I don't think my hot tub has one.
Thank you!
excellent👍👍
Hi Jeff. I am a new hot tub owner and your channel is great. I am a fan. I have a question about shock and sanitizer. I am using the bromine sanitizer (Reserve) with Chlorine Shock. After watching this video my understanding is that shock with get the chlorine level to 1 to 3 PPM and the sanitizer being added 2-3x a week will help let that chlorine work well and help to keep the chlorine at 1 to 3 PPM. Am I on the right track? If I never added sanitizer, would that just cause me to being adding shock more often to keep the 1 to 3 PPM? I am clearly a little confused by the shock and sanitizer? Also, is there an order I should be adding my chemicals if I find out that I need to raise pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels? Hypothetical question, but I am just curious. Thanks again for your help Jeff.
Hi Richard. Yes, your assumptions are basically right on. Shock and sanitizer are formulated differently, so I don't suggest not adding sanitizer and only adding shock, but if you added the shock frequently enough, it probably would produce acceptable sanitizer levels.
In brand new water, I like to start with alkalinity, then pH, then add sanitizer and not add shock for about a week.
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Thank you Jeff.
HI new here, just exploring various water treatment options. Was wondering if you have any insight on IonRX
I haven't used it before but it looks intriguing! I do see where I would need to start fresh after draining since it's not compatible with bromine (which I use).
For an average sized tub, you'd use about 24 oz/week, so the 1 gallon size I see on Amazon for 40 bucks would last you about 5-6 weeks. That makes it pricier than using chlorine or bromine.
But if you have sensitive skin it could be worth it. For me, I find using bromine instead of chlorine (for sanitizer) works pretty well. I don't get out of the tub smelling like chlorine (which is what the iONRx claims is the big benefit).
I do like that you can get in immediately after adding it to the water though!
But maybe I'll try it the next time I drain mine and see. If you use it, let me know how it works for you!
I have a intex 4 person hot tube. I have to fill it with water that has gone through my water softener due to well water . I have a hard time getting my ph down and getting my Corine stay constant. I use Bromine . I also have a hard time getting hardness up. I’m going nuts trying to get this thing right.
Hey new hot tub owner. Bought second hand.
Im struggling with free chlorine levels, I did a biofilm clean, but chlorine is still dropping and ph goes high.
What could be going on? Thanks. Love your videos.
Hi Lisa and sorry for my delay! My pH rarely fluctuates and most (but not all) of the time when I have to adjust it, its after changing the water. If you are using chlorine sanitizer, I would try bromine the next time you change your water.
Chlorine can't hold up in heat very well, and the hotter you set your tub, the faster it goes away. When I tried chlorine sanitizer (I do use chlorine shock), I was having to add it 4-5 times a week.
Also, make sure you aren't using a chlorine sanitizer or shock designed for pools as they often have calcium and other chemicals added as a buffer which could mess with the pH.
Hey, I really want to know if you have ever used silk balance and if you did, did you find it useful? Thanks!
Not yet! But I am looking into trying it or one of the other alternatives to chlorine/bromine.
Hi, so I drained my hot tub a few weeks ago and I used a biofilm remover before I drained it. Then I took your advice and used the Leasure Time Reserve liquid bromine and shock you recommended in this video. I seem to never have enough sanitizer every time I test, and I'm doing these tests and adding liquid bromine almost two or three times a week and shocking it at least once or twice but I never seem to get enough sanitizer. My alkalinity and pH levels are fine, I even take a sample of the water to Leslie's pool supply and they do the testing and they always tell me I need more sanitizer. I have no idea why this sanitizer is not working. Please help.
If I use bromine tablets, would I need to use Renew or Reserve products from Leisure Time and with the bromine tablets, what should I add in the water(other than ph or alk if they are lower) to keep it sanitized well?
For some reason when I look at spa labelled sanitising products they are not chlorine (Bromine). I did find "small pool" mini chlorine tablets that said in directions ok for outdoor spas and spa shocks are always the non chlorine versions. When I do see chlorine shock it says for pools only (don't use in spas, hot tubs). Seems here in stores in Australia anyway they try and discourage you from using chlorine for spas.
Hi Jeff, I have been trying to get hold of, Leisure Time 45300-12 Reserve Sanitizer, Amazon as you recommended have sold out, Is there anything similar please ??
Hi Terry
I've actually switched to bromine tablets in a floater lately. It just seems to be a little lower maintenance. I talk about why I switched in this video - th-cam.com/video/dzXhHjneYuQ/w-d-xo.html
But if you just want the links here is the floater and bromine tablets I use on Amazon - amzn.to/2BCmgNt and amzn.to/2VVcfSb
Hope that helps!
Jeff
I bought a Coleman Saluspa. Instead of a floater, this inflatable hot tub has the holder that screws into the side of the hot tub instead of a 'floater" that floats about the hot tub. If it is stationary attached to the side of the tub, do you see any issue using the bromide tablets ? In other words, if it doesn't float, would you assume it will still dispense into the water properly?
I don't think it would matter as long as it allows water into the holder to dissolve the tablets.
Hi, I'm a new subscriber from Leeds, England. I have a question about the use of anti-foam. I always ask my daughters to make sure their friends rinse their swimsuits in advance, but every so often I can see foam billowing up like a 90's foam party. Each time it seems to be down to someone using their suit straight from the washing machine, which still contains soap. I think I have relatively good understanding of water chemistry, so can you help me understand what may be wrong with the water? I have been using anti-foam and thought that was just the way it rolled.
Hi Andrew
Great question. I think it's absolutely an issue with soap residue on their suits, but it could also be hair product, perfume, etc too.
If you're having them rinse their suits (a quick shower in their suits could be a good idea too) and still have the issue even after adding the anti-foam, then it could be something else such as high pH or hard water (high calcium) in which case you'd water to add a water softener product like Leisure Time's Defender.
Hope that helps!
Have you heard of spa marvel, if so what do you think of it.
Hi David. I hadn't. But I just looked at it on Amazon and it looks pretty cool. I'll research it further and probably order it to check it out. Thanks for the tip!
Good shii bro 🤙
Thanks!
can you do a video where you tell us if we should use a non chlorine shock or a clorine shock
Hi Lucas. I did recently do a video all about hot tub shock. Check it out here - th-cam.com/video/voeUPK3z_pY/w-d-xo.html
Nice video. As a first time hot tub owner, its hard to tell what works and what is simply an "upsell" by the spa companies.
Very true! Ultimately most of us just need sanitizer, shock, and chemicals to balance pH and alkalinity. Then a smaller number of people might need products to harden or soften their water if it's super hard or super soft.
But really that's it with rare exceptions.
Thanks for being here!
Jeff
Which test strips do you use?
Hi Sheena. Sorry for my delay! I only use Poolmaster test strips. Thousands of reviews and most are 5-star. Here's a link if you need one - amzn.to/2HAZEQ1
Thanks!
Jeff
Curious. if chems are on point how often would you think the water should be drained and start over. I use my hot tub literally every day before I go to work. 1 person
Hi Don. Generally about 3 months is a good rule of thumb. But you can also start to tell by the color and smell too when it's gone too long.
Also, if you find yourself having to add more sanitizer or shock to keep the levels up, that's a good sign of biofilm build up. In that case you need to do a biofilm cleanout before you drain. If you haven't seen it yet, I have a video that details that - th-cam.com/video/8VxcrdIHtQo/w-d-xo.html
Would you use the same chemicals for an inflatable hot tub?
Is it too simplistic to ask why don't they make a test kit that, after the water is tested, tells you exactly what to add and how much to add based on the amount of water in the tub? Am I the first person to ask this question? Can't be. I am sick of adding pH down after filling my tub I can't tell you how much I've put in only to see the test strip keep telling me it's too high. Am I also the first person to ask if everybody else considers their hot tub to be a money pit, too? Can't be. Circuit boards (yes, plural), heaters, valves, covers, you name it. $$$ gone.