Original postings began under LB Spa Owner in GA
I don’t want folks to think we own a business…so changed to Pam in GA

· Why did you decide to get a spa?

We live in Central GA about and hour from both Augusta and Macon. We have 4 kids
(G-31,B-23,G-23,G-23)and 5 grandkidlets. Jim is from GA and I am from S. CA near
San Diego. We moved here when the trips were 2 and was glad to raise them in this calmer country environment. Over the years they listened when we would talk about how *content* we have become and there really is not alot that we *want* for ourselves...except maybe a SPA someday.
Well, the trips all went in the NAVY after H.S. in 99. The girls are CT's and that rate has had a quicker than most other rates advancement. One of them worked as much as she could at a second job on top of her military job; and saved her money. They were both in DC/MD area when 911 and the sniper situation happened. One became a single Mom and we helped her thru by keeping her baby as needed while she went thru required schooling as needed. Their next billets took them to Rota, Spain; both together again. While home on leave, before they left for Spain; I was taken to Macon one day and TOLD to pick out a SPA...I TRIED to opt for a simple smaller bathtub type and she would not hear of it...So as I have told her/them; may their lives be ABUNDANTLY BLESSED FOREVER! That is how we came to own a Spa. As for the Spa and enjoyment, it came in the Lord's timing as always...when things get extra stressful at work, it is always nice to come home and relax in the Spa. Hubby drives OTR and also enjoys his weekends home.

· Does your spa live up to all expectations?

The Spa DOES…however, service attitude and availability in this area was a handicap; when we needed it. Was told this weekend that now service is available from our local spa dealer.

· How long have you owned your spa?

Since April 03; about 18 mos…We did not use it for about 8 mos. The heater would not stay on and the serviceman was not pleasant to deal with. I left it running just in case of the weather in the winter. But did not use it; when the OH went off I set it at lowest temp for the winter to keep it circulating.

· What accessories/options, beyond the "basic spa" does, your spa have?

We are going to try the magnets and see how that affects water clarity problems and if it reduces chemical usage.

· What do you like best?

The blessing of coming home to a HOT Spa and am looking forward to the winter. It does much to relieve the tension from work. I am sleeping better…:)

· Is there anything about your spa you don't like?

I don’t like all the hassle with the chemicals…but am enjoying the challenge to get it worked out now that we have learned how to do self-service…:)

· What might you change if you had to "do it all over"?

After reading this forum…I would shop around more…but am VERY satisfied and THANKFUL for the gift of this spa.

· Have you encountered any problems, and if so, how were they resolved?

We used BaquaSpa for 16 mos. and I finally gave up trying to get clear water.
It gave us problems with buildup in the plumbing and gunky stuff in the heater
so bad it was not used last winter. At the beginning of spring I tackled the problem again and then found this forum sometime in June. What a difference the forum has made as far as *helpful* information and resolving problems.
Still could not resolve the gunk buildup that affected the heater OH so changed to Spa Frog cylinder and Bromine on July 15. It IS better; but still having water clarity problems due to increase of usage is my guess.

Last year we used those spa oils now and then…this year I tried it once after changing to Bromine and fragrance went away within a couple minutes. So will stick to candles.
We live in a fairly rural community and there just is not the help that is needed. Rather there wasn't. If we had not bought the Spa from a store...they would not service. The service from place we purchased from was not a good experience at all. I get my water tested at a local store now and they are gearing up to put a couple of spas in their store; and seem to be more helpful than I encountered when we first got ours. I have asked them for products and they have not heard of it (like SwirlAway) so am sharing this forum with them too. Not sure if contact has been made; but when I mentioned what it was used for...he seemed VERY interested.
We changed from BaquaSpa to Bromine concentrate (VERY reluctantly to be honest)on July 15th. Circumstances changed at home with kids moving out and in...and now the son is here and with him comes MUCH ADDED company and increased Spa usage.
We had not thought ahead on that. !!! However, we ARE all going to adjust as needed. LOLLL
With so many people and increased usage time; my efforts to keep the spa *clear* are hindered. Condition of plumbing *appears* to be much better when we had to backflush the heater last night. We were thinking it was calcium as Northman said it seemed like; but the calcium level is lower than it is recommended to obtain. As I read, am not so sure I like using it, am going to TRY other ways of resolving the use of these chemicals. We try to use common sense and are not afraid to attempt to try decreasing chemical use as we learn to keep the sanitation of the increased usage *in balance*; along with PH.
The Frog mineral cylinder has definitely made the water softer/silkier when we refill...we just are loosing the clarity (due to high usage?). I had noticed what seemed like a decrease in jet pressure over past week; after the backflush of the heater...the pressure from the jets is so strong when on all the way...it can push you to the center of the spa if your feet are not braced..
The air jets and the bigger adjustable jets can be increased or decreased...and I don't remember this kind of force since it was new! Course, this is now 3 mos. of usage and the changes with being able to keep the heater on has probably done MUCH to help dislodge all that stuff which was clogging the system...
We are ready to try the Nature 2 and dichlor along with a magnet on the line.
It has been a frustrating experience...but it IS getting easier and is definitely a more enjoyable experience with the help from this forum.
Again, a sincere THANK-YOU to DOC for all that you do.