Brand New Pool Build, Question about FCI Levels in Ozone Pool

[VirginiaPoolNoob]

Hi there! Newby to the forum and to pool life.

We finished build on our new pool (30,000 gallons) and have a question about my weekly maintenance.

We have an automatic chlorine feeder as part of the pool pump system, it's an ozone system. For which I have been putting the chlorine in every week (filling up the feeder that is) . The pool has been open for a month and honestly is super clear, and I only just shocked it last week because other neighbors mentioned it should be shocked once a week.

Because it was looking so crystal clear I hadn't tested like I should be, but when I do the ALK and PH levels are where they are supposed to be , but the FCI levels are low (even after shock). I'm not sure if ozone reduces those levels or where I am supposed to be with an ozone pool so this is where I need some help. Are the FCI levels the same in a Ozone pool as they are in a chlorine pool and salt? What should I be doing every week for maintenance? Is the Shock once a week the best way to do this?

Thank you so much, I'm just learning this and would like to upkeep myself if possible.

 

[kimkats]

Hi! I am so glad to hear you water is clear! Here at TFP we are all about keeping your water clear.

You say you tested your water. May I ask how you tested it?

You have the ozone system. TFP has found these system do not do much to help an outdoor pool I am sad to say. That giant yellow ball in the sky adds all the ozone you could need LOL

The chlorine you are adding to the system is in what form? If it is tablets/pucks aka solid chlorine you need to know they are also adding other stuff to your water as well. Most add CYA (stabilizer). Over time the CYA will build up to the point you cannot over come it with your chlorine. See this chart to help you understand the CYA/FC relationship: Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

As you can see the more CYA you have the more FC (Free chlorine) you need.

If you would like to learn more just give us a shout and someone will answer any questions you might have.

Kim

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! As Kim so eloquently said, the ozone and/or chlorine feeders won't do you any favors. Many such products are pushed upon us unsuspecting pool buyers as the greatest thing since sliced bread, when in actuality they do very little (if anything) for water sanitation. Later, some pool store products cause more problems. With a new pool, everything can seem overwhelming, so I would offer you three simple things to do:
1. If you don't already have a TF-100 (or Taylor K-2006C) test kit, order one ASAP. There is no substitute for accurate at-home testing. Pool store testing or test strips will lead you astray.
2. See the vital links below in my sig? Review and bookmark them. You will use those almost everyday.
3. Update your own signature with all of your pool info and equipment. It will come in handy later since that's the first thing we look at on any post.

Congrats on your new pool! Just in time for summer. Have a great weekend.

 

[jaduck]

Welcome to TFP!

We have an automatic chlorine feeder as part of the pool pump system, it's an ozone system. For which I have been putting the chlorine in every week (filling up the feeder that is) .

What are you using to fill up the feeder Liquid Chlorine (Good) or Tabs (Generally bad over time)? Tabs/Pucks typically add CYA in addition to FC. Over time the CYA will build up and cause you trouble.

The pool has been open for a month and honestly is super clear, and I only just shocked it last week because other neighbors mentioned it should be shocked once a week.

Nope, In a properly maintained pool you should never have to shock. When a shock is necessary we call the process SLAM. This is a continuous shock that is maintained until your pool is 1) Clear 2) CC </= 0.5 3) Pass the OCLT.

Because it was looking so crystal clear I hadn't tested like I should be, but when I do the ALK and PH levels are where they are supposed to be , but the FCI levels are low (even after shock).

FC should be maintained according to your CYA level. Hard to guess why your FC is low without a complete test battery. We need the following test to better help you: pH, FC, CC, CYA, CH, ALK. You MUST use a good kit! The Taylor K2006, or even better the TF100 from tfteskits.net! Pool store testing is not recommended and test strips are absolute junk.

I'm not sure if ozone reduces those levels or where I am supposed to be with an ozone pool so this is where I need some help. Are the FCI levels the same in a Ozone pool as they are in a chlorine pool and salt? What should I be doing every week for maintenance? Is the Shock once a week the best way to do this?

Ozone is ok as a secondary method of keeping your pool clean along with chlorination, but is an unnecessary expense...Very few TFPer's recommend or use ozone. If using ozone I would use the FC levels recommended in Pool School for your CYA level. You may get away with using the lower end of the recommended levels of FC when using Ozone...not sure!

As for maintenance I brush the pool weekly, run my robot cleaner as necessary, check pH daily and check FC levels daily until you get the hang of things. I check my CYA once every 2 - 4 weeks. I check my CH after lots of backwashing or heavy rains. I check my ALK if my pH starts going nutz (especially if ph start creeping up).

I would never just do a once a week shock! It is a waste of money and probably does nothing more than increase your CYA level...Elevated CYA levels will make your life miserable! SLAM only if the pool needs to be SLAMMED.