What salt level test to use?

[PoolGate]

My SWCG detects 3500 ppm of salt. My K-1766 test consistently shows 3000. Should I trust the test and put in more salt? According to that test I need another @ 2 bags of salt. The SWCG is basically new this is the first season I am using it in earnest.

Do SWCGs produce more chlorine when there is a higher salt level (or vica versa)?

 

[domct203]

My SWCG detects 3500 ppm of salt. My K-1766 test consistently shows 3000. Should I trust the test and put in more salt? According to that test I need another @ 2 bags of salt. The SWCG is basically new this is the first season I am using it in earnest.

Do SWCGs produce more chlorine when there is a higher salt level (or vica versa)?

The salt level has nothing to do with the amount of FC generated.

If your SWG is happy, the salt level is fine. I would trust the K-1766 over the SWG.

What does your SWG’s manual say is an acceptable salt level?

 

[PoolGate]

The salt level has nothing to do with the amount of FC generated.

If your SWG is happy, the salt level is fine. I would trust the K-1766 over the SWG.

What does your SWG’s manual say is an acceptable salt level?

3000-3500 which is my concern since the actual salt level is right at the minimum. If the test is correct, and it is there, what happens when it is too low for the SWCG? Does it still produce since it thinks it has enough salt so won't throw a warning?

 

[PoolGate]

Also to add I had the SWCG on all day yesterday at 50%. FC was probably around 4 the previous day. I did not add any bleach but when I tested the next day there was almost no FC. So it seems like it is not producing enough. I added a gallon of bleach. This is really the first time I am using it as the primary chlorine source as last year it was too late in the season to really do anything with it so I used bleach all season.

 

[ping]

Time to run an OCLT to rule out nascent algae which is very common in SWG pools that have been kept at too low of FC.

 

[PoolGate]

Time to run an OCLT to rule out nascent algae which is very common in SWG pools that have been kept at too low of FC.

There is no algae in the pool and the pool hasn't been kept at too low a FC level. This is the first time being low and the first time running the SWCG. It is growing pains learning what settings to use. My only question was if they salt level was too low would it still produce the correct amount of chlorine. I guess only time will tell that. I also plan on adding another 80lbs of salt.

 

[tim5055]

There is no algae in the pool and the pool hasn't been kept at too low a FC level. This is the first time being low and the first time running the SWCG. It is growing pains learning what settings to use. My only question was if they salt level was too low would it still produce the correct amount of chlorine. I guess only time will tell that. I also plan on adding another 80lbs of salt.

In a low FC situation an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test is never a bad thing.

But, what is the CYA level? Low CYA, nice sunny day = more FC usage.

You are correct though, a lot of it is just getting things dials in. But remember, as it gets sunnier you use more FC during the day. You will find that you will dial up the % or run time as spring turns to summer, have a holding pattern in the summer and beging dialing things back as fall arrives.

 

[PoolGate]

In a low FC situation an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test is never a bad thing.

But, what is the CYA level? Low CYA, nice sunny day = more FC usage.

You are correct though, a lot of it is just getting things dials in. But remember, as it gets sunnier you use more FC during the day. You will find that you will dial up the % or run time as spring turns to summer, have a holding pattern in the summer and beging dialing things back as fall arrives.

Yep a learning curve for sure! CYA is a little low right now at 50 on its way to 70. I put in 5 lbs at a time to make sure it is equalized before adding more. I just took a FC test and it is between 5-10 right now so my upping it to 75% is probably a little too much. I'll do the "long" test to see the actual level. BTW: I never have any CCs.

 

[tim5055]

BTW: I never have any CCs.

CC in and of themselves are actually fairly meaningless. I have seen total green swamps that have "0" CC.

 

[PoolGate]

CC in and of themselves are actually fairly meaningless. I have seen total green swamps that have "0" CC.

Good to know thanks. My water has always been crystal clear with very good numbers.

 

[tim5055]

Good to know thanks. My water has always been crystal clear with very good numbers.

While we do use it as one of the criteria when conducting a SLAM Process, it is only one of 3. High CC is a symptom, but lack of that symptom does not necessarily mean all is good. Clarity and Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tell the rest of the story.