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Bryan Dam
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Post subject: Why do we Shock?  Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 5:47 pm |
Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:03 pm
Posts: 33
Location: Michigan
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Just a general question, trying to understand what's going on.
So if I'm using dichlor every time we use the tub and am keeping the free chlorine and other levels up why do I need to shock?
When shocking, why do we open the cover?
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Swine
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Post subject: Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:23 pm |
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:50 am
Posts: 921
Location: SW Florida
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Because the chlorine molecule, once it has reacted, becomes a chloromine. And chlorimines make lousy sanitizers, and have that chlorine odor. Shocking the spa raises the chlorine levels up so high they destroy the chloromines (used up chlorine), essentially giving you a fresh start.
_________________
t'was a woman that drove me to drink, and I've never had the courtesy to thank her
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Bryan Dam
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:21 am |
Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:03 pm
Posts: 33
Location: Michigan
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Why do we need to open the cover after shocking? Do you need to wait for the free chlorine to come down before getting in? How long does that usually take?
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Swine
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 9:46 am |
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:50 am
Posts: 921
Location: SW Florida
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The cover is opened because the chlorine levels are very high, and, over time, can cause damage to the inside of the cover.
If you use a Sodium Dichlor to shock, shouldn't be more than a few hours before levels are back to 5ppm or less, when it is suitable for use 
_________________
t'was a woman that drove me to drink, and I've never had the courtesy to thank her
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Bryan Dam
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:45 am |
Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:03 pm
Posts: 33
Location: Michigan
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Thanks a bunch for the info Swine. Starting out I don't mind doing what I'm told but eventually I like to know the reasoning behind the instructions. It makes me less prone to react ignorantly when something goes wrong. And eventually, something is bound to go wrong.
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Swine
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 2:37 pm |
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:50 am
Posts: 921
Location: SW Florida
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My pleasure.
When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine. It dissolves so rapidly. Don't worry about it. Best thing is to add 1 teaspoon/300 gallons AFTER eachuse, and shock once every couple of weeks. Less is better than more 
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t'was a woman that drove me to drink, and I've never had the courtesy to thank her
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Bryan Dam
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:29 pm |
Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 4:03 pm
Posts: 33
Location: Michigan
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>When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine
Well now; that makes some sense. Here I've been doing what I'm told and adding 2 teaspoons after each use. I check it in the morning and I have zero so I end up adding 3 more teaspoons to get back up.
In order to shock can I just double the dose I put in after I use the tub or do I need to add it later after the first round has done it's thing?
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Swine
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:33 pm |
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:50 am
Posts: 921
Location: SW Florida
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maintenance dose: 1 teaspoon per 300 gallons after eachuse. (If it gets used 3 times in a day, add 1 teaspoon after each use)
shock: 1 teaspoon/100 gallons, once per week if used heavily, once every two weeks if not used very often.
If you want to shock right after a use, add extra teaspoon or so
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t'was a woman that drove me to drink, and I've never had the courtesy to thank her
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johnnyspa
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 9:19 am |
Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2007 4:41 pm
Posts: 42
Location: connecticut
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Swine wrote: My pleasure. When using dichlor, it's common to get 0 ppm level chlorine. It dissolves so rapidly. Don't worry about it. Best thing is to add 1 teaspoon/300 gallons AFTER eachuse, and shock once every couple of weeks. Less is better than more Hello Swine
Are you talking "Free chlorine" ?
johnnyspa 
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104 degrees
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Swine
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Post subject: Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:40 pm |
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:50 am
Posts: 921
Location: SW Florida
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yep
_________________
t'was a woman that drove me to drink, and I've never had the courtesy to thank her
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