Can I use a sequestering (stain & scale) chemical to the water?

You should not use a sequestering agent (also known as stain & scale preventer) with a mineral pool or spa. Although they are designed to remove contaminants from the water, it will also remove the ionized minerals that are working hard to control bacteria and algae.

Sequestering agents are typically recommended if your source water has high concentrations of calcium, manganese, iron, sulphur, etc. which can often be found in well water. If this is the case, it is better to filter the water at the source by using a metal trap filter that attaches to your hose. This will prevent contaminants from getting into the pool in the first place.

If you have already added a sequestering agent to your pool or spa, it will neutralize all new minerals for up to 6 weeks. It is best to set the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting to 00 to turn off the Ionizing function so you are not wasting the cell. During the 6 week period, maintain 1ppm – 3ppm chlorine. After 6 weeks, you can ramp up the minerals again and reduce the chlorine down to 0.5ppm – 1ppm.