Well Water Filters ; horses

[rocky2]

Yep, that's the $300 ozonator. To be honest, if it wasn't on the spa, I don't think if I'd spend the bucks for one. "They" say you don't need to use as much bromine, and to disregard the chlorine/bromine test readings since the old '70's blacklight throws the test results off. I don't check the balance all too often, only when it starts to foam or look a bit cloudy. Then I dump in a pack of spa shock and take the filter to the self car wash and give it a good hose off. Bromine is relatively cheap, I put in a small tab once every few days, and use a handful of baking soda if the Ph needs increased (60 cents a box vs 6 bucks for the spa Ph-up). Of course the spa isn't normally heavily used, unless there's people over. This is the second spa I've owned. The first one the ex got custody of with the house, it was bought in the mid 80's, no ozonator, and the water stays clear, and knowing her, there is very minimal maintenance done. Of course the dealers tell you you need to have one, can't live without one... My pool is the same way, I monkeyed around last summer with balances etc, then put in a throw-away floating canister and don't touch it but to vacuum on occasion. The other thread about wells cause me to get creative for spa/pool water. I get it wherever I can. I divert from the downspouts and run a 4" flex with an old sock as a filter to them. Even early spring I pumped the water off the pools winter cover and into the spa, shocked it and it's clear and comfortable. Too much chemical causes the spa water to feel heavy and loose the "effervescence" and get that chemical smell. Unless you have a spa you don't understand the feeling of fresh nearly untreated water in a spa vs treated to heck and back water. Even after diverting from all over into mine, it still maintains the comfort, smell and "feel" of just put in, and hasn't been drained in almost 2 years.

 

[Wingnut]

We've had our spa for over 5 years now and use it infrequently and frequently ... goes in cycles. Sometimes everyday, sometimes not for weeks. I have a floating bromine dispenser on the hottub ... and an inline brominator on the pool. One thing about bromine ... it doesn't get out of whack as easily as chlorine ... and it's sure easier on the metals and clothing. Since we're on a well ... and, with only the two of us and a few horses, don't really work the well that hard ... so I don't worry too much about filling. I replace the water in the hottub about twice a year ... and top up the pool as required ... just added about 300 gal yesterday.
Thanks for the tip on the baking soda ... never thought of that .... bought a BIG tub of ph increasers some years ago and I still have it about 1/2 full. I check the hot tub every couple of weeks and seldom have to do anything.

 

[AndyF]

UV bulbs have a relatively short life - often 6,000 hours or less. When you replace the UV bulb find out how long the new bulb is good for and change it out on the manufacturers recommended schedule. It will continue to light long after it passes the point where its UV output is not strong enough to disinfect the water.

Regarding your whole filtration system, you should have your water tested by an independent lab to determine what, if anything you need to filter for. After you have your test results it can be money well spent to talk with a consultant regarding system design rather than just piecing a system together. Active carbon, RO, UV all have their place. However its important to determine based on test results what makes the most sense. Also, keep in mind the maintenance these systems require. If you don't change your filter media on the recommended schedule you can end up with more contaminated water than you started with. Also check your well to determine that the well is properly maintained and situated so that it cannot be readily contaminated.

Regarding the softener, most softeners are adjustable. You will need to test the hardness of your water to determine what it should be set for.

For our drilled well we have the water tested annually and have installed a softener for the whole house and a RO system for our drinking water. The water to the barn and all outside spigots are not treated.