CYA increasing

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NtxMelanie

Bronze Supporter
Apr 17, 2022
65
Texas
Pool Size
5500
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Y’all warned me about CYA increasing with the inline chlorinator requiring trichlor tabs (put in by our pool builder) and it’s happening, with CYA slowly creeping up though I’ve added none, can see it becoming an issue within not too long.

I’m going to start using liquid chlorine but I would like to not have to add chlorine every day manually to maintain chlorine levels. I’m thinking my options are switching to a saltwater generator or switching to a chlorine feeder that uses cal-hypo tabs.
So my questions are: what SWG system do y’all recommend? Am I correct in thinking adding this turns our pool into a saltwater pool?

Does anyone have any experience with an in-line chlorine system that uses cal-hypo tabs? Any recommendations there?

Attached a picture of our current in-line chlorine feeder for reference. 0671571E-D9AF-4D34-B8AE-F2F391020EC2.jpeg
 
Your pool already IS a salt water pool. Adding any form of chlorine and adding acid also adds a bit of salt to the water.

You don't want to use CalHypo as it adds calcium to the water.

Installing and correctly using a SWG is the easiest way to maintain your pool water. You will still need to frequently test the water, regardless of which chlorinating method you choose.
 
proavia said:
Your pool already IS a salt water pool. Adding any form of chlorine and addind acid alos adds a bit of salt to the water.

You don't want to use CalHypo as it adds calcium to the water.

Installing and correctly using a SWG is the easiest way to maintain your pool water. You will still need to frequently test the water, regardless of which chlorinating method you choose.
Click to expand...
My pool is a saltwater pool?? Are you saying that it’s technically a salt water pool from a chemistry perspective? Or that it’s not considered a chlorine pool?

And did you have any reccs for a SWG system?
 
A chlorine pool is a salt water pool
A salt water pool is a chlorine pool

Any pool that uses chlorine (liquid, power, solid) and acid has some salt in it.

Does your pool have automation?
If you don't have any automation, many here have had success using the Circupool brand of SWG. The rule of thumb is to get a SWG rated for at least 2x the volume of your pool.

Saltwater Swimming Pool Systems & Supplies | Discount Salt Pool

www.discountsaltpool.com www.discountsaltpool.com

For your 5,500 gallon pool, one in the 15,000 gallon to 20,000 gallon range would probably serve you well.
 
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NtxMelanie said:
My pool is a saltwater pool?? Are you saying that it’s technically a salt water pool from a chemistry perspective?
Click to expand...
All pools have some degree of salinity. "Saltwater pool" is really is misnomer. You might be surprised how much salt is in your water right now.

NtxMelanie said:
Or that it’s not considered a chlorine pool?
Click to expand...
Chlorine is still the sanitizer regardless. It's generated by the SWG instead of bought at the store.

NtxMelanie said:
And did you have any reccs for a SWG system?
Click to expand...
Do you have automation? It doesn't show anything in your signature.
 
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proavia said:
A chlorine pool is a salt water pool
A salt water pool is a chlorine pool

Any pool that uses chlorine (liquid, power, solid) and acid has some salt in it.

Does your pool have automation?
If you don't have any automation, many here have had success using the Circupool brand of SWG. The rule of thumb is to get a SWG rated for at least 2x the volume of your pool.

Saltwater Swimming Pool Systems & Supplies | Discount Salt Pool

www.discountsaltpool.com www.discountsaltpool.com

For your 5,500 gallon pool, one in the 15,000 gallon to 20,000 gallon range would probably serve you well.
Click to expand...
I believe we do have automation, if you mean the ability to connect via app and control the system?
 
pjt said:
All pools have some degree of salinity. "Saltwater pool" is really is misnomer. You might be surprised how much salt is in your water right now.


Chlorine is still the sanitizer regardless. It's generated by the SWG instead of bought at the store.


Do you have automation? It doesn't show anything in your signature.
Click to expand...
I believe we do have automation, if that means controls via an app on Wi-Fi.
 
Show us a pic of your automation.
With automation, it's usually best to use the same brand of SWG as the automation. In your case, that would be Pentair brand.

Add you automation system brand and model number to your signature.
 
proavia said:
Show us a pic of your automation.
With automation, it's usually best to use the same brand of SWG as the automation. In your case, that would be Pentair brand.

Add you automation system brand and model number to your signature.you mean a pic of this control panel? Its
Click to expand...
proavia said:
Show us a pic of your automation.
With automation, it's usually best to use the same brand of SWG as the automation. In your case, that would be Pentair brand.

Add you automation system brand and model number to your signature.
Click to expand...
By “automation” do you mean a pic of the control panel? It’s a Pentair easy touch system.D4F138E4-4BB4-499B-8220-54960F681B59.jpeg
 
NtxMelanie said:
Y’all warned me about CYA increasing with the inline chlorinator requiring trichlor tabs (put in by our pool builder) and it’s happening, with CYA slowly creeping up though I’ve added none, can see it becoming an issue within not too long.

I’m going to start using liquid chlorine but I would like to not have to add chlorine every day manually to maintain chlorine levels. I’m thinking my options are switching to a saltwater generator or switching to a chlorine feeder that uses cal-hypo tabs.
So my questions are: what SWG system do y’all recommend? Am I correct in thinking adding this turns our pool into a saltwater pool?

Does anyone have any experience with an in-line chlorine system that uses cal-hypo tabs? Any recommendations there?

Attached a picture of our current in-line chlorine feeder for reference. View attachment 410992
Click to expand...
Whatever you do, don’t put any tabs in there that aren’t the same chemical type as you are already using in it. If your using trichlor tabs for example never ever start throwing in cal hypo tabs. None of these mix without becoming explosive, and some residual chemical will remain in the in line chlorine canister. We only recommend using either liquid chlorine applied directly to the pool or a salt water generator. IMOP salt is the way to go as it’s the easiest to use and you don’t have to worry about long term storage of chlorine products.

Chemical Storage and Safety - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

www.troublefreepool.com

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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You have a Pentair EasyTouch automation system.

An Intellichlor IC-20 or IC-40 would work for your pool. I defer to Marty @mknauss as to which may be better and why.

Your signature needs a major update. Besides the automation system, these pics show a booster pump and heater/blower.
Signatures should include pool, pool equipment (manufacturers and model numbers) and test kit info at a minimum. This assists us in providing help based on your specific pool.
 
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With that volume pool, an IC20 will work, but for very little money you can get an IC40 . That is what I have.

You will need the power center and the SWCG cell. They sell them as bundles. Polytec Pools shows them in stock.

Sadly, when the pool was installed, you could have had an Easytouch with the SWCG power center integrated in it for a cleaner install. And less money.
 
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An IC40 should last twice as long as an IC20, so for a little more money initially, the IC40 is the better deal.
 
mknauss said:
With that volume pool, an IC20 will work, but for very little money you can get an IC40 . That is what I have.

You will need the power center and the SWCG cell. They sell them as bundles. Polytec Pools shows them in stock.

Sadly, when the pool was installed, you could have had an Easytouch with the SWCG power center integrated in it for a cleaner install. And less money.
Click to expand...
The pool companies around here will do anything and everything to avoid doing a salt water pool, and idk why. We were told horror system of salt degrading all the equipment within a few years :( I’ve obviously learned a lot more after the install was complete, but so it goes.

Thank you for the recc! 🙏🏻
 
Texas pool builders really have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to SWG (for the majority of them anyway). Mostly, they blame SWG on degradation of flagstone coping and decking. In reality, it's the poor quality of the flagstone that is the issue. Whether you have a SWG or not, poor quality flagstone will flake pieces off - having a SWG has nothing to do with it. But mis-information and PBs not knowing what they are taking about continues these horror stories.

There are 10's of thousands of SWG pools owned by memebrs on this very site. I can't recall even one of our members saying that a SWG corroded their pool equipment when properly used and maintained.
 
proavia said:
Texas pool builders really have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to SWG (for the majority of them anyway). Mostly, they blame SWG on degradation of flagstone coping and decking. In reality, it's the poor quality of the flagstone that is the issue. Whether you have a SWG or not, poor quality flagstone will flake pieces off - having a SWG has nothing to do with it. But mis-information and PBs not knowing what they are taking about continues these horror stories.

There are 10's of thousands of SWG pools owned by memebrs on this very site. I can't recall even one of our members saying that a SWG corroded their pool equipment when properly used and maintained.
Click to expand...
I would actually be thrilled if we switched to a SWG system, I asked about it to start with but was talked out of it. Unfortunately the cost means we’ll probably need to wait several months to get one, so for now I’ll just skip using the in line system and add liquid chlorine when needed. Thanks for your help! 🙏🏻
 
Orion7319 said:
Whatever you do, don’t put any tabs in there that aren’t the same chemical type as you are already using in it. If your using trichlor tabs for example never ever start throwing in cal hypo tabs. None of these mix without becoming explosive, and some residual chemical will remain in the in line chlorine canister. We only recommend using either liquid chlorine applied directly to the pool or a salt water generator. IMOP salt is the way to go as it’s the easiest to use and you don’t have to worry about long term storage of chlorine products.

Chemical Storage and Safety - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

www.troublefreepool.com

How to Chlorinate Your Pool

Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
I’m pretty sure you can’t use cal-hypo tabs in a trichlor feeder anyway, bc they will just melt very quickly, but thanks for the warning, I’ll def not mix Chlorine types!
 
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With a SWG, you are basically paying for the chlorine up front. There is no overall cost savings in using a SWG versus liquid chlorine. Of course, you save the time, effort and gas by not having to chase after chlorine frequently. Not having to worry about your FC level while away on vacation is an added benefit.
 
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