I just set up our new hot tub, trying to determine what type of sanitary sytem to follow. Chlorine, Bromine, or I read about "Clear Water Blue" A copper type of santitary system. Can anyone tell me if this is a good system? I have already been using some chlorine that came with the set up kit, so i think Nature2 Purifier is out, unless i drain my recently filled tub.

I keep it simple:

Chlorine (use both liquid and stabilized DiChlor)
Dry Acid (I have to control high Alk)
Baking Soda (to bring my Alk back up when over corrected)
A clarifier to bind "floaties"
1 scumball for 6 months (yeah, I try to take it to the limit... they're expensive!!)

Total cost for my Sundance Optima should be less than $70 annually for everything. And some of these are shared with my pool.

Oh, and a really good test kit. Others will argue but I like my Taylor kit. I have been maintaining pools for years with the same formula.

Oldage, i know this is an old message, but i am such a fan of simplicity i had to respond. What is dry acid? Can you go into more detail on your startup? I intend to dump in a few weeks and might make the switch to blessed simplicity then. i sometimes think a lot of the stuff they sell us new users is just marketing.

Dry acid is usually sodium bisulfate. You can get it at any pool store, the smallest size usually being 2lbs which should last a long time for a spa. Just be sure to get the stuff labeled for pools since the spa stuff will be more expensive by volume just because of who it's marketed to.

The biggest point he made, IMO, is the test kit. A good test kit is the only way you'll be able to take matters into your own hands and not depend on the advice of someone who is trying to sell you stuff. If you are going to use chlorine, use an FAS-DPD kit. Taylor makes a great one. There's also a kit called the TF-100 which is supported by a very active pool and spa owners forum. I use both.

I will make that my very next move, a good test kit. sounds like solid advice, i dont like the test strips to begin with