Can I use stabilized chlorine tablets with unstabilized chlorine granules for outdoor inground pool?

[Newbiewithpool]

Hi all!

I had to fully drain my pool before for very high cyanuric acid. Found out that previous owner was using 3inch tablets of trichlor a little bit too much. Ever since finding out about it, I did some research. took away those automatic dispensers. And decided to just manually treat (and clean) my pool.

I had opt to use unstabilized chlorine granules (calcium hypochlorite) for maintaining my pool free chlorine levels. I just use 1 or 2 trichlor 3inch tablets on the floating dispensers since it is an outdoor inground poo. So far, I have not seen any algae formation ever since I starting this. Pool most of the time is sparkling clean and blue! Of course I also run the pump on schedule together with my trusty robo pool vacuum.

Or am I making a big mistake here? I'm just wondering if I am making an invisible chemical reaction than can cause skin irritation.

Your wisdom are all appreciated!

 

[cdadams1223]

How are you testing your pool? If you don't have a good test kit then I'd strongly consider the TF-Pro (or TF-Pro Salt) or the K-2006C. See the following link: Test Kits Compared. Also, take some time and update your signature (see mine below) per the following link: Create Your Signature - Further Reading

If you do have a test kit (not strips) then post the following:
FC-
CC-
pH-
TA-
CYA-
CH-
Salt (if applicable)-
CSI-

Personally, I have a SWG that turns my salt into free available chlorine (FC) and only occasionally have to add liquid chlorine (LC). Otherwise, I'd be using LC for all of my chlorine additions as opposed to a granular chlorine. It's easy and acts quickly to get your FC levels up.

 

[Newbiewithpool]

At the moment, I have only been using test strips (AquaChek 7) ever since I moved in and took over this property. Everytime I check it, I make sure it is in the "OK" or "Ideal".

No SWG, very basic pool set up (pump and filter only, no spa, fountain/waterfall is manually controlled if I want to use it) Recently upgraded to a Pentair variable pump.

Since I am already in deep with everything I've been shelling out for my pool, I will try my best to procure TF-Pro or K-2006C.

 

[Bperry]

Hi all!

I had to fully drain my pool before for very high cyanuric acid. Found out that previous owner was using 3inch tablets of trichlor a little bit too much. Ever since finding out about it, I did some research. took away those automatic dispensers. And decided to just manually treat (and clean) my pool.

I had opt to use unstabilized chlorine granules (calcium hypochlorite) for maintaining my pool free chlorine levels. I just use 1 or 2 trichlor 3inch tablets on the floating dispensers since it is an outdoor inground poo. So far, I have not seen any algae formation ever since I starting this. Pool most of the time is sparkling clean and blue! Of course I also run the pump on schedule together with my trusty robo pool vacuum.

Or am I making a big mistake here? I'm just wondering if I am making an invisible chemical reaction than can cause skin irritation.

Your wisdom are all appreciated!

The calhypo (granules) are adding calcium to the water so that’ll build up just like the CYA. If you don’t want to have to drain later, you need to use straight chlorine in the form of either chlorinating liquid or a salt chlorinator.

Those test strips are going to cause trouble eventually as well. Best advice would be to get one the two recommended test kits.

 

[Mdragger88]

Welcome to tfp
Here’s some important reading to get a better understanding of how to adequately care for your pool & protect your large investment
Pool Care Basics
&

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.google.com

 

[Newdude]

I will try my best to procure TF-Pro or K-2006C.

The K2006C has some extra supplies for tests you won't perform often. For the same money, the TFpro gives you a just right amount of tests for Calcium and TA and includes a $48 stirring device instead.

Hands down, the TFpro is the winner.

 

[Newbiewithpool]

All this while I have been using CalHypo and just adding to it, goodness. That explains the white build up on my fountain tile. I noticed there was some, didn't budge at all with pressure washing. Already tempted to scale it down with a pumice stone, but I held myself back. Thank you for the advice!

Will switch to Liquid Chlorine for now. I'll have to save up first for the SWG.

The calhypo (granules) are adding calcium to the water so that’ll build up just like the CYA. If you don’t want to have to drain later, you need to use straight chlorine in the form of either chlorinating liquid or a salt chlorinator.

 

[Newbiewithpool]

The K2006C has some extra supplies for tests you won't perform often. For the same money, the TFpro gives you a just right amount of tests for Calcium and TA and includes a $48 stirring device instead.

Hands down, the TFpro is the winner.

Seems like TF Pro it is. Thank you!

 

[Newbiewithpool]

Welcome to tfp
Here’s some important reading to get a better understanding of how to adequately care for your pool & protect your large investment
Pool Care Basics
&

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.

www.google.com

Thank you! Yes, I was blessed with a good sized pool but not so much with an abundant pocket. Gotta protect both pool and my pocket

 

[Newbiewithpool]

Could any of you kindly please recommend a well respected pool Liquid Chlorine?

 

[Newdude]

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid (10%) at Walmart has been cheapest for most locales at $5.67 a gallon.

Check the date code on the bottle for the freshest supply, preferably no more than 3 months the old. It will say 23180 when it's produced on day 180 of 2023. Or so on. Use simple math of 30 days per month or Google Julian calander from the pool aisle.

 

[Newbiewithpool]

Pool essentials chlorinating liquid (10%) at Walmart has been cheapest for most locales at $5.67 a gallon.

Check the date code on the bottle for the freshest supply, preferably no more than 3 months the old. It will say 23180 when it's produced on day 180 of 2023. Or so on. Use simple math of 30 days per month or Google Julian calendar from the pool aisle.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

 

[cdadams1223]

You'll love the TF-Pro kit!!! That stirring device is absolute GOLD! Makes testing that much easier. I agree with @Newdude on the LC from Walmart. It's cheap and it works just fine. There are stronger LCs out there (12.5%) but Pool Essentials works fine for me. Start saving for a SWG. Once you have that puppy installed it's a game changer on chlorinating your pool. I rarely have to add LC anymore once you get the SWG dialed in right.

 

[Bperry]

Could any of you kindly please recommend a well respected pool Liquid Chlorine?

Anything plain is fine, so go on price. Home Depot seems to be charging more than Walmart at the moment, but the pool store usually has 12.5% at higher cost as well so shop around for the best deal. It used to be ~$2.5/gallon.

 

[Mdragger88]

Where to find Liquid Chlorine

We want to help you with your pool and maintain your water. Help users find a quality source of Chlorine around them or find a source for your pool.

www.google.com

Some of the prices may not be accurate but it will definitely give you an idea of where to look/call.

 

[Newbiewithpool]

"It used to be ~$2.5/gallon."

whoa! Gone are those affordable days

 

[Newbiewithpool]

You'll love the TF-Pro kit!!! That stirring device is absolute GOLD! Makes testing that much easier. I agree with @Newdude on the LC from Walmart. It's cheap and it works just fine. There are stronger LCs out there (12.5%) but Pool Essentials works fine for me. Start saving for a SWG. Once you have that puppy installed it's a game changer on chlorinating your pool. I rarely have to add LC anymore once you get the SWG dialed in right.

Thank you for your input I get this feeling that once a SWG is installed I may need to change the current pool filter I have. Or would having a cartridge filter still work out?

 

[Newdude]

Or would having a cartridge filter still work out?

I have a cartridge filter and will have only but. Many others too. SWG or not.

 

[Bperry]

Thank you for your input I get this feeling that once a SWG is installed I may need to change the current pool filter I have. Or would having a cartridge filter still work out?

Filter type doesn’t matter.

 

[cdadams1223]

Thank you for your input I get this feeling that once a SWG is installed I may need to change the current pool filter I have. Or would having a cartridge filter still work out?

Cartridge filters and SWGs play well together...no issues.