Question on chlorine tabs and SWG in the cold

[Yarzy]

Hi everyone. We opened up the pool this week and I think I have my levels mostly under control. Here they are for reference:

FC - 1.5
PH - 7.8
TA - 90
CYA - 40
Salt - 3200
Water Temp - 58 (but it is going to drop starting today)

I know my TA is a tad high and my CYA is a tad low but my question is about my FC. We have some extra 3 inch chlorine tabs from our build last year. Since the SWG is not making chlorine at this point due to temps and it is scheduled to get colder for the week, can I add a few tabs in the skimmer buckets to keep the FC up? I know people have mentioned liquid chlorine but I have these tabs just sitting here. Any thoughts? Thanks!!!!

 

[mknauss]

You need to raise the FC to target range quickly. Tabs will not do that. Just add liquid chlorine. FC/CYA Levels

 

[Yarzy]

ok, and once I get that back up using liquid chlorine, can I put the tabs in to maintain until temps get higher and the SWG starts to work?

 

[mknauss]

ok, and once I get that back up using liquid chlorine, can I put the tabs in to maintain until temps get higher and the SWG starts to work?

Sure. Just be sure the tablets dissolve fast enough to maintain the target FC.

 

[proavia]

Do not add tabs to the skimmer. Use a floater specifically for tabs.

 

[Yarzy]

Why not put them in the skimmer? That is what my pool builder did when I first got the pool last year and before I could add salt. Now, there is a very good chance they did not do it correctly....

 

[Orion7319]

Why not put them in the skimmer? That is what my pool builder did when I first got the pool last year and before I could add salt. Now, there is a very good chance they did not do it correctly....

If your not running your pump 24/7 it’s not a good idea to put them in your skimmer. When the pump is not running and the weir door is closed the tabs are dissolving in that small area of the skimmer. When you turn on the pump that’s a lot of acidic stuff going into your equipment all at once.

 

[Yarzy]

Ok, I run my pump 24/7, just a varying speeds so I guess I will be okay. Your point does make sense though.

 

[Orion7319]

Ok, I run my pump 24/7, just a varying speeds so I guess I will be okay. Your point does make sense though.

Most will probably still say it’s a bad idea though. I add them to my skimmer in the winter as I run my pump all winter with the cover on. I can’t reach a floater easily even if I tether it, but I can get to the skimmer easily. I just use a few tabs over the course of the winter.