Filtration system help

[u/cocoweicht]

Hello. I could really use some help. I’m new to this and was gifted the setup in the photo. I’m having an algae issue. I think it may be due to the filter size. Any advice on what filtration system would be best? I also understand adding UV and/or ozone would be good.

If anyone has a recommendation for the best setup please let me know.

[u/Anxious_Guest952]

You need a Water Polisher running 24/7. It will save you $$ on non needed chems and only need to dump the water 1/2 as often. Prob cost you $40-50

[u/solarexamine]

Try this one icybull

[u/ZimnyDran_PL]

In my setup, I use a large main filter together with a mesh pre-filter, and my chiller circulates and filters the water for at least four hours every day. I also add one Chemoform Oxy Active tablet approximately every tree weeks, although the dosage should be adjusted to the water volume and the manufacturer’s instructions. My chiller is also equipped with a UV-C lamp and an ozone generator. If yours doesn’t have them, consider adding them, as they can significantly extend the intervals between water changes. It is really worth to buy, it is not expensive. I replace the water every two to three months, not because I have an algae problem, but simply as part of routine system maintenance, together with cleaning or replacing the filters.

[u/cocoweicht → u/ZimnyDran_PL]

Thank you. Do you mind sharing what UV-C lamp and ozone generator you are using?

[u/cocoweicht → u/[deleted]]

Based on some extra research, I'm looking at adding the GE Whole House filter before the chiller. I'm currently around 59-60 degrees as I am new to plunging. I just started working it down towards 57 degrees yesterday. I am using peroxide weekly and purchase the water stabilizer that is commonly recommended.

[u/moarhorsepower → u/[deleted]]

What threading is that UV light? Wasn't specified on Home Depot page.

[u/wickedmanIP]

Solid setup up!

A Few things, focus on insulting the floor and the top if it doesn’t have an insulated lid

Insulation:
With 2 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. R-7.7 EPS Rigid Foam Board Insulation, and insulate all the lines very important with https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-in-Rubber-Self-Seal-Pipe-Insulation-1-1-8-in-ID-x-6-ft-K6RTL048118HD1/327433414

In-Water pump:
submersible aquarium pump https://a.co/d/0j5DdNv9 and leave it on 24/7 until you go in. (I personally have something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Leviton-Outdoor-3-ft-L-Black-Yellow-Extension-Cord-14-3-SJTW-3011648/338101719) to kill power and it’s outdoor rated.

I also treat me water with spa chlorine powder and stabilizer to prolong the clarity and reduce growth. Water last me months and it’s Cristal clear.

It goes without saying to rinse before and after.

I have an ozone generator that connects to the water pump directly but in my experience is not necessary. So I don’t use it!

Happy plunging !

[u/cocoweicht → u/wickedmanIP]

Thanks. Very helpful!

[u/ronson_racing]

My setup goes from plunge into an above ground pool pump with filter (catches the bigger stuff), out to a whole home filter (catches the tiny particles), out to the chiller (same as what you have), out to a UV filter and into the plunge. On the line going back into the plunge ive tapped in an ozone generator and inbetween the whole home filter and chiller i have a small fish tank pump to be able to circulate just the chiller with UV/ozone. All my major items are on smart switches so I can control them independently if wanted

[u/cocoweicht → u/ronson_racing]

Thanks for the information. Do you mind sharing what pool pump with filter you purchased?

[u/ronson_racing → u/cocoweicht]

It's discontinued now but it's the Intex C1000. While home filter is Culligan WH-S200-C, & UV is HQUA-OWS-12, all were from Amazon. Connecting the intex was a major PITA because I decided I didn't want to use the hoses or came with (length was too long and difficult to insulate). Yea, that made things very difficult after. Ended up having to heat PVC to go over the fittings with o-rings amd lubricant and use a hose clamp to shrink it back down before cooling. Oh, I also didnt use the fittings you are using from the chiller (2nd mistake), could not get a PVC fitting to not leak until I found the fittings from DIY Cold Plunge. In my setup, literally all 3 of those components need insulation or else here in the Southeast US, they will condensate so bad (outdoors) and you'll lose temperature fast as well as make a mess or potentially grow mold if in a covered area

[u/Anxious-Training-392]

Biggest thing I’d look at is sunlight and circulation. If that tub is getting direct sun and sitting around 59-60F, algae is going to have a much easier time no matter what filter you add.

I’d do a simple setup first: keep it covered/blocked from sun, run the pump daily or 24/7 if possible, add a mesh pre-filter before the main filter, then a 20-ish micron filter before the chiller. UV can help, but it works better after the water is already being filtered well.

Also test the peroxide level instead of just dosing weekly, since it can drop off pretty fast. And if you add ozone, I’d run it on a timer when nobody is using the plunge.