When Ammonia gets in the way
Rural living can be a challenge when it comes to water. Our town sources it’s from two wells, treated, and released to the public with a generous dose of a “boil water advisory”. The issue? Ammonia. It tends to react with Chlorine leaving insufficient free Chlorine. More is require but with more comes greater reaction. The result is both chemicals combine forming a slimy, reddish/orange colored substance which is easily mistaken for rust or plain dirt.
Issues are exasperated with extremely hard water. While most places see about 10, here it is closer to 70. Home filtration begins with a spin down filter followed by two 5 micron filters back to back. Next are two back to back water softeners and UV for good measure. Drinking water goes through RO.
The initial hot tub fill begins with a a little higher PH from the hardness. Treating with Muriatic Acid brings it inline and the initial Chlorine shock begins. Unfortunately, residual Ammonia requires a re-shock and at this point, a fine yellowish substance covers the hot tub surfaces. It is wiped clean before the second shock. This produces a water line scum which is also wiped clean.
A few days are given for the Chlorine level to drop to normal and the results are good. As you can see though, the first filter cartridge used didn’t fair as well. It is completely discolored and it cannot be rinsed clean.
All things considered, its worth the wait and the wasted cartridge as the water is now pristine and ready for enjoyment. A bi-weekly filter rinse and a periodic table spoon of Chlorine ever other day is enough to maintain things.