Hi everyone. I've been spending the last week on the forums reading just a ton of information about pool care and have learned quite a bit. Near the end of last summer I bought a home with a pool and it was being treated (or mistreated) with Baquacil. After running into a water haze problem that just would not clear towards the end of summer, and no help from the local pool store, I decided over the winter to convert to a chlorinated water treatment system. So needless to say, most of my reading has been pertaining to that. I spent last year learning about the pool basics, and learning about water treatment (using Baquacil) and now I'm basically starting all over again. So wish me some luck.
I'm about a week away from opening the pool for the season. I have peeked under the cover and have a little bit of green algae starting in a couple spots on some walls, pretty clear water (minus the algae), and some debris I'll have to remove before my conversion. So far my plan will be to normalize (de-winterize?) the pool and raise my water level up. Then I will be vacuuming up the debris to waste that is settled at the bottom. I will test my pH and adjust as needed, and then start my conversion process. I don't know what is the better route to use as far as the walls though. Do you think it would be a better idea to just start the conversion and brush the walls and floor, or should I raise my water level, suck out the debris, then give my robot a few hours to play around? Advice?
Anyways, I plan on being available to test and dose as often as possible for the first week as I'll be off of work. I have bought in preparation about 76 gallons of 12.5% Liquid Chlorine, so I'm hoping that will get me through, or close to the end of the conversion. I have read some conflicting information on my filter (sand) though. I have read on another site that once the conversion is completed, you should replace the sand in the filter. (I understand that I also have to backwash my filter during the conversion after 4-6lb rise in pressure.) However today I read another thread that mentioned you shouldn't have to replace your sand ever. It may have been meant to say that for chlorine pools you don't have to change the sand, but not accounting for if someone is converting. Just a clarification on this would be good if anyone knows.
Anyways, I'll end my long story here. Expect some pictures, and information to follow starting next Tuesday/Wednesday in this thread. I appreciate all you have to offer. Thank you.
-Joe
I'm about a week away from opening the pool for the season. I have peeked under the cover and have a little bit of green algae starting in a couple spots on some walls, pretty clear water (minus the algae), and some debris I'll have to remove before my conversion. So far my plan will be to normalize (de-winterize?) the pool and raise my water level up. Then I will be vacuuming up the debris to waste that is settled at the bottom. I will test my pH and adjust as needed, and then start my conversion process. I don't know what is the better route to use as far as the walls though. Do you think it would be a better idea to just start the conversion and brush the walls and floor, or should I raise my water level, suck out the debris, then give my robot a few hours to play around? Advice?
Anyways, I plan on being available to test and dose as often as possible for the first week as I'll be off of work. I have bought in preparation about 76 gallons of 12.5% Liquid Chlorine, so I'm hoping that will get me through, or close to the end of the conversion. I have read some conflicting information on my filter (sand) though. I have read on another site that once the conversion is completed, you should replace the sand in the filter. (I understand that I also have to backwash my filter during the conversion after 4-6lb rise in pressure.) However today I read another thread that mentioned you shouldn't have to replace your sand ever. It may have been meant to say that for chlorine pools you don't have to change the sand, but not accounting for if someone is converting. Just a clarification on this would be good if anyone knows.
Anyways, I'll end my long story here. Expect some pictures, and information to follow starting next Tuesday/Wednesday in this thread. I appreciate all you have to offer. Thank you.
-Joe