One of the Jr. Princess Mermaids

Some basic swimming pools care tips: I had a very hard time keeping algae under control with clorine and algaecide until I started using a copper based ageacide solution call Copper 7 by Nu-clo. In 20,000 gallons I use 6 ounces to start, then 3 ounces after that every 2 weeks. It cost about $30 per quart, but is well worth the savings in extra chlorine, other worthless ageacides, and the cleaning effort required trying to combat agea. 

For clearing up the pool water on initial pool opening (after cleaning, etc.) I have found that a product called "Super Concentrated Water Brightener & Clarifier" (a "catonic polymer") is the way to go. Two ounces per 5,000 gallons does the trick. It is a thick dark blue liquid - mine is labeled w/ the local pool suppliers name on it. Before I used this product the pool supply place had me spending lots of $ on metal out and filter enhancing products.

For Summer maintenance I simply use 3 oz. of Copper 7 every other week and clorine, at a lower level, via three inch tablets in the injector. To occasionally lower the PH and increase alkalinity (based upon water test results) I use baking soda purchased in bulk at a member warehouse store - about thirty cents a pound (vs. 60 cents to a dollar a pound at the pool supply house).

Is is necessary to intially add chlorine stabilizer, etc. to the pool, however a lot of the recommendations that pool store provides are focused on selling you chemicals.  

For the hot tub: I only run it in during the cooler months. It's not refreshing for me to get in the hot tub when it's hot outside. I use small bromine tablets in the automatic injector. I occasionaly check the PH and adjust it with baking soda, etc. I have had a hot tub for over 15 years. With a decent nose, you can "read" the bromine level when you lift off the cover to get in. For me the "perfect" hot tub temperature is 103 degrees F. On occasion, I use the above mentioned clarifier (just a cap full) is the water becomes slightly cloudy.

A lot of the extra products the pool place will try to sell you for both the pool and hot tub are in my opinion unnessary.  How do you think they make money once you have a hot tub or pool? The best place to buy bromine tablets and chlorine - Home Depot or Lowes.

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