Pool cover

[daisylubob]

Hi and happy summer!
Here in MI and we are having an unseasonably stretch of VERY warm weather (80s-90s, full sun daytime; 60s at night). Pool has rapidly heated up to 85`. I don’t want it to get too hot. Do I leave the cover on or off during the day? It’s on at night due to all the pollen/cotton floating around.
Also I’m going away for 2-1/2 days. Any suggestions as to pump use (how lon on), and should I put those Chlorine tabs in The floater while I am gone? Thanks in advance.

 

[dBsooner]

Hi and happy summer!
Here in MI and we are having an unseasonably stretch of VERY warm weather (80s-90s, full sun daytime; 60s at night). Pool has rapidly heated up to 85`. I don’t want it to get too hot. Do I leave the cover on or off during the day? It’s on at night due to all the pollen/cotton floating around.
Also I’m going away for 2-1/2 days. Any suggestions as to pump use (how lon on), and should I put those Chlorine tabs in The floater while I am gone? Thanks in advance.

mainly the cover will help keep direct UV from hitting the water, thus keeping your chlorine from being eaten by the UV as quickly. The water will still warm up. I’m in Oklahoma where 90-100 degree days is the norm. I’ve never seen my pool gray above 93 or so. I wouldn’t worry too much, but then again, the cover is somewhat trapping heat at night keeping the cooler night air from cooling the surface down.

Chlorine tabs = bad. Don’t do it. They raise CYA. They don’t just add chlorine. If you’re too worried, just raise the level of FC to shock level before you leave. With proper CYA, you shouldn’t fall to 0 FC before you get back. Especially if you keep it covered.

 

[VinnyinNJ]

If you're using an accurate test kit and following the TFP method you can add liquid chlorine to the pool to the higher amounts of Free Chlorine that is associated with your CYA. With the cover on you should be fine for 2 1/2 days, I'm finding I don't lose much chlorine per day with a solar cover on, I'm not seeing the temps you are but you should be fine.

Pump, if it's on a timer then let it continue the same. If you physically turn it on/off then let it run for 24 hours until you come home.

My wife would be envious with 85 degree water! We went into the pool with 74 degree water and it was a little too cool (it was also a little cool out as well). Once spring with pollen and cotton stops you can remove the cover at night to cool the water down if need be. Just remember that you'll get higher water loss due to evaporation without the cover on.

 

[1Civilengr]

Hey, if it get's too hot, the Raypak heat pump we just installed has a "cool" function (basically, just a reversing valve in the unit like a home heat pump, lets it cool or heat). We haven't needed that function yet - still definitely in "heat" mode, but it's an option for the hot, mucky days of summer!

 

[daisylubob]

mainly the cover will help keep direct UV from hitting the water, thus keeping your chlorine from being eaten by the UV as quickly. The water will still warm up. I’m in Oklahoma where 90-100 degree days is the norm. I’ve never seen my pool gray above 93 or so. I wouldn’t worry too much, but then again, the cover is somewhat trapping heat at night keeping the cooler night air from cooling the surface down.

Chlorine tabs = bad. Don’t do it. They raise CYA. They don’t just add chlorine. If you’re too worried, just raise the level of FC to shock level before you leave. With proper CYA, you shouldn’t fall to 0 FC before you get back. Especially if you keep it covered.

Pool store sold me the tabs a couple of years ago……
thanks for the tips!!

 

[daisylubob]

If you're using an accurate test kit and following the TFP method you can add liquid chlorine to the pool to the higher amounts of Free Chlorine that is associated with your CYA. With the cover on you should be fine for 2 1/2 days, I'm finding I don't lose much chlorine per day with a solar cover on, I'm not seeing the temps you are but you should be fine.

Pump, if it's on a timer then let it continue the same. If you physically turn it on/off then let it run for 24 hours until you come home.

My wife would be envious with 85 degree water! We went into the pool with 74 degree water and it was a little too cool (it was also a little cool out as well). Once spring with pollen and cotton stops you can remove the cover at night to cool the water down if need be. Just remember that you'll get higher water loss due to evaporation without the cover on.

I’m using Taylor kit and TFP pool math. it’s been good so far. ‘
Pump is on timer for 6 hours/day.
Yes to 85+ degrees!!! I’m cold all winter, i like the water warm.
thanks for the tips.

 

[daisylubob]

Hey, if it get's too hot, the Raypak heat pump we just installed has a "cool" function (basically, just a reversing valve in the unit like a home heat pump, lets it cool or heat). We haven't needed that function yet - still definitely in "heat" mode, but it's an option for the hot, mucky days of summer!

Oh the water is NEVER too hot for me!!! A good option though.
thanks for the tips.

 

[daisylubob]

Current numbers 84’, pH 7.6, CYA, FC 0. added recommended amount of 12% bleach, what else can I do prior to leaving tomorrow?

 

[dBsooner]

Pool store sold me the tabs a couple of years ago……
thanks for the tips!!

As you probably already know, or are learning quickly, the pool store is not your friend. However, my wife to this day can’t stand I don’t use tabs as that’s all she’s ever seen in anyone’s pools (and she’s a huge pool person, loves loves loves being outside at a pool during the summer. All summer.).

Current numbers 84’, pH 7.6, CYA, FC 0. added recommended amount of 12% bleach, what else can I do prior to leaving tomorrow?

Did you miss your CYA level or is it 0 as well?

 

[EmilyOTR]

I have an IG ground pool so probably different but I can't see a pool ever getting too hot in Michigan. lol mine never gets higher than 83 without the heater. but we also never cover it once it's open.

 

[daisylubob]

As you probably already know, or are learning quickly, the pool store is not your friend. However, my wife to this day can’t stand I don’t use tabs as that’s all she’s ever seen in anyone’s pools (and she’s a huge pool person, loves loves loves being outside at a pool during the summer. All summer.).



Did you miss your CYA level or is it 0 as well?

CYA was 40.
Today pH 7.8, CYA 50, FC 3. Pool math said add bleach. All is good!

 

[dBsooner]

CYA was 40.
Today pH 7.8, CYA 50, FC 3. Pool math said add bleach. All is good!

Sweet! So you made it through your trip and didn’t fall too far below your FC min for 50 ppm CYA (3.7ppm chlorine). Good job!