Algaecides, Clarifiers, and Tablets

[southernpool1]

After reading some of the threads and reviewing pool school, I now do not trust anything the pool store told me, which is probably a good thing.

The pool store has told me proper maintenance needs Cal Hypo weekly, along with daily tablets, weekly algaecide, and weekly clarifier. If I maintain FC using bleach by adding daily, am I understanding correctly that I do not need tablets and algaecide?

What about clarifier?

Thanks! The more I learn the less I know...

 

[Mr Bruce]

You've got it. Check out this article Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

 

[Pool Tool]

I use nothing except for bleach (liquid chlorine) and muriatic acid 95% percent of the time.

CalHypo - raises calcium; only way to eliminate too much calcium is water replacement
Tablets - Trichlor & Dichlor; both raise CYA; only way to eliminate too much CYA is water replacement
Algaecide - Polyquat 60 is used during pool closing in cold climates but seldom recommended otherwise. Some (most) algaecides contain copper, which can lead to staining and turning hair green. Only way to eliminate copper is water replacement
Clarifiers - very seldom if ever recommended as they simply aren't needed in a properly maintained pool with accurate testing and timely dosing.
Bleach (liquid chlorine) - does raise salt levels, but not normally to levels noticeable by us.

The debate is on-going whether the Pool store will tell you these things to raise profits or simply because that's what they have always done. Either way, it is bad logic.

 

[pabeader]

I saw the title and the first thing that came to mind was "Oh my!"

 

[southernpool1]

Great! Saves me some money!

Uh oh though. I just bought 100 lbs of Cal Hypo last week...can I use this up before switching to bleach or is the calcium increase too big of a problem?

 

[Pool Tool]

Just follow the road to the pool store, wait!!

 

[Mr Bruce]

Great! Saves me some money!

Uh oh though. I just bought 100 lbs of Cal Hypo last week...can I use this up before switching to bleach or is the calcium increase too big of a problem?

What is your current CH? Use the calculator at the bottom to determine what adding x of y will do to your water http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html

 

[Pool Tool]

You have a vinyl liner, so CH levels are not really a factor for you. It does affect the CSI (see it in poolmath) but that can be managed, although 100# is a lot. I am guessing your pool volume is similar to mine, @ 48% Calhypo that would raise CH almost 200 ppm. Not terrible, but not ideal.

Use PoolMath, effect of adding chemicals, to see the effects. http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html

 

[southernpool1]

73% Cal Hypo...will check CH when I get home.

 

[Pool Tool]

That's about an additional 300 ppm then neglecting splash out and rain drains. CH will not evaporate off though.

 

[southernpool1]

150 ch

 

[pooldv]

450 is a tad on the high side and will make it a lot more important for you to watch your PH to avoid scaling. I wouldn't take CH above 300, 350 max.

More here, Pool School - Calcium Scaling

 

[tim5055]

The pool store has told me proper maintenance needs Cal Hypo weekly, along with daily tablets, weekly algaecide, and weekly clarifier.

Well, I think you mis-understood them. All these things are required for the proper maintenance of the owners cash flow and boat payment. It has nothing to do with your pool.

 

[southernpool1]

Well, I think you mis-understood them. All these things are required for the proper maintenance of the owners cash flow and boat payment. It has nothing to do with your pool.

Tim, I think you're right!