Author Archives: Charmaine Coimbra

Calcium Hardness–It’s Not About Your Bones

In the last post, one of the questions I asked the spa tech with a sludge-like spa water nightmare was “What is your calcium hardness reading?” A proper test kit should contain a calcium hardness test mechanism.  Calcium hardness tests were once just for swimming pools–but we’ve discovered that it is also important for your backyard hot tub. TheContinue reading “Calcium Hardness–It’s Not About Your Bones”

Spa’s Sludgy Green Water and Halitosis Is Bad for Spa Tech’s Job.

If you’re a pool or spa dude, there’s nothing sexier than asking, “What’s your spa’s TDS?” It’ll rope ‘em in every time. I mean, talk about an ice-breaker! (How do you think I met my wife?)

Chlorine Alternatives for Spas & Stinky Hot Tub Covers

Roger  from Los Angeles asks, “I read your piece about chlorine-free pools.  What about my hot tub?  Can I have a chlorine-free hot tub and not get the heebie-jeebies?” Answer: Roger, if you don’t breathe LA’s air (just kidding), and if you don’t use tea tree oil, crystals, prayer or no disinfectant at all, yesContinue reading “Chlorine Alternatives for Spas & Stinky Hot Tub Covers”

Chlorine-Free Alternatives For Your Pool

It’s warm in some parts of the country today.  And soon enough we’ll all be complaining about the unbearable heat, and we’ll be ready to jump into the swimming pool. The biggest complaint about swimming pools: Chlorine.  Is it safe?  As opposed to no disinfectant in the pool, I’ll take chlorine.  But I don’t likeContinue reading “Chlorine-Free Alternatives For Your Pool”

Spa is Not Hot Enough, and Ross & Carlos are Coughing & Itching. Plus No Pool Chlorine.

Here are a few questions I was recently asked about spas and pools: Question.  My spa won’t get any hotter than 105 degrees.  It’s not hot enough.  The company I bought it from refuses to adjust the thermostat to make it reach 108 degrees.  I’m very disappointed. Mary in New Mexico  Answer.  Mary, your spaContinue reading “Spa is Not Hot Enough, and Ross & Carlos are Coughing & Itching. Plus No Pool Chlorine.”