Houston pool

[Turbokamil]

Hello. I am a pool owner for 12 years in houston using tablets for chlorine and just figure out this group tested water CYA is 90 and FC is 4 and some algea. I am planning to quit tablets.
My pool is 18000 gal and I have single speed pump.
Whats the best and easiest way to chlorinate.
1.Get SWG (do I need VS pump)
2. Get liquid chlorinator?

I am leaning towards SWG but worried about not working well under 60F for winter. So do i need to addliquid chlorine

do I need VS pump for 18000 gal SWG

if use liquid chlorinator I am worried about UV and degradation of Chlorinein tank.
Please help which is best and easiest way. I dont mind upfront cost. I am all about easy and convinience.

 

[setsailsoon]

Turbo,

Welcome to TFP! You've definitely come to the right place. TFP methods are super easy and dirt cheap because we use generic chemicals available from big box stores. A great thing about TFP is we don't sell anything. So our advice is never conflicted trying to sell you something. The most critical first step is to order a test kit. We recommend 2 kits. TF 100 or K-2006C. The TF 100 is probably best for you since you don't mind spending a little more up front to get the best cost per test. Here's what I'd recommend for your transition plan to get your pool over to TFP methods:

• Stop adding tablets right now and remove any tablets you have in the pool. Don't throw them out though. You can use them later once your pool is fully transitioned to TFP for a number of purposes.
• Buy some liquid chlorine from big box stores and add 5 ppm per day 'till you get your test kit. Pool Essentials brand at WM has been reported as cheapest in your area but any brand with only sodium hypochlorite will do. No additives at all and avoid Clorox brand.
• Please read the materials at the end of this post and ask any questions you may have.
• SWG will work fine in your area. When pool temp falls below 60 deg algae doesn't grow. You can add liquid chlorine during this time if needed but this is not often the case.
• You do not need a VS pump for SWG but it will reduce your pool operating cost a lot. This is the case regardless of the chlorinating method you use. The cost is usually recovered within 2 years by reducing electric costs.
• I would definitely switch to swg right away. If you continue with a non swg pool you'll need to drain and replace half your pool water right away. With salt you're just a little over the max CYA level so you can just drain and replace a little.

I hope this helps and please ask any questions you have. You literally have an army of experts waiting to help right here..

Chris

ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
SLAM Process
Test Kits Compared
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
PoolMath

 

[crusemm]

Turbo,

• I would definitely switch to swg right away. If you continue with a non swg pool you'll need to drain and replace half your pool water right away. With salt you're just a little over the max CYA level so you can just drain and replace a little.

On this note, in Houston with all the rain you get in the Spring, That will wash out some of your CYA, so you may not have to drain much if your planning on putting in the SWG. That being said, I'm not sure where your CYA number came from if you don't have your own test kit. If it came from a pool store, it may be wildly inaccurate. They may have told you 90 because that's the max their test goes and they didn't bother to investigate any further. As they say 3.6. Not Great, Not terrible

 

[setsailsoon]

Turbo,

Very good point Cruse made. Don't decide anything until you get your test kit and your own results. We find all other test methods unreliable especially "free" pool store tests.

Chris

 

[Dtkokay]

Fellow Houstonian here. I have nothing to add except that you received great advice above, and I think you’ll be on a good path forward with a good test kit and managing the pool yourself.

I have a SWG although I haven’t turned it on yet because the pool is new. I think that’s your best option because liquid chlorine is VERY hard to find right now due to the coronavirus.