Burning through chlorine in this heat!

aberberich · Jun 21, 2022

Hello TFP!
This is my second season as a pool owner and my first season strictly following the TFP methodology of water balancing. I wanted to check with you all and see if this sounded normal or if maybe I'm doing something wrong ha.

I tested my water June 18th and noticed it had fallen very low on free chlorine (just .4). Because it had fallen so low I thought it was a great time to SLAM it up nice and high and blast away any possible allege that could have been growing. I used 12% liquid shock and the Pool Math app to bring the FC up to 22 PPM that evening.

I do not test daily, usually every 2-3 days. I tested today after a weekend of swimming and VERY hot temps (has been in the 80s and 90s here) and noticed that my FC was once again down to .6! Eeek. Is it normal to lose that much FC over just 3 days? Here are both sets of readings...

June 18th
FC - .4
CC - 0
PH - 7.6
TA - 110
CH - 110
CYA - 55

Shocked up to 22PPM, Swimming + 80-90 degree temps. We did not have the solar cover on often due to just how hot it was (perhaps this is the culprit?)

Today (June 21st)
FC - .6
CC - .4
PH - 7.6
TA - 110
CH - Did not retest
CYA - 55

Thanks!

Edit - One additional note, on June 18th when the FC was at .4 i noticed the water to be somewhat cloudy which I assumed was the allege.

mknauss · Jun 21, 2022

You must add chlorine EVERY DAY -- not once in a while.

Or purchase a SWCG and let it add your chlorine every day.

jedigrover · Jun 21, 2022

Yes, it can easily lose that much FC. Here in Texas, the sunlight alone can remove 6-8ppm in a single day, depending on CYA levels, temp, etc.
You shocked, you didn't SLAM (the "AM" part of SLAM is "And Maintain"). Without testing FC/CC daily, you'll have little idea what is really going on with the pool.
You should test FC, CC, PH daily, so you can see any movements and any need to goose your chlorine.

You need to fill out your signature so we know if you have a SWG, what pool surface & size, etc.

aberberich · Jun 21, 2022

Ahhh okay. That does make sense as daily testing would give me a much more accurate reading and perhaps even answer my question of how much I'm losing just to sunlight etc. Thank you!

Also I will update my signature now

an1vrsy · Jun 21, 2022

After you learn your pool by testing consistently, you'll see a pattern. For example, you will know that yesterday when I tested I was at FC 6 so I after testing I dosed up to FC 11. Next day test showed FC 7 so I dosed up to 11 again. Next day (hot day, lots of swimmers) tested a FC 5.5 that let me know I lost on hot days and lots of swimmers 5.5 ppm. With no swimmers and a hot day, I lost 4 ppm. note: you figure out your pattern after many weeks of daily testing.

With your CYA of 55, TFP methods is always round up to next higher decade. So CYA 60, look at the FC/CYA chart and see your target and minimum. Never go below minimum.

wireform · Jun 21, 2022

So we round up the CYA and that's 60. It's better to have the PH @7.2 before you slam but if it's above 10 don't check it. When you slam you have to check 30 minutes later if the slam level has been reached and if not keep adding and checking till the slam level reaches. Then keep MAINTAINING slam level as often as possible in 2 hour increments or the like. The more It's at slam level the quicker the slam process. Brushing -3 times a day is also very important. Remember the slam isn't over till the OCLT comes out good including all 3 criteria.

pookiesunshine · Jun 22, 2022

wireform said:
...but if ... "FC is" above 10 don't check it. ...

wouldn't want anyone to think that comment was for pH.

Toxophilite · Jun 22, 2022

Yes, as stated, adding chlorine by jug is a daily job. You want to provide as stable and level daily chlorine level as you can with having to manually add by the jug. I don't believe that chlorine additions and chlorine losses are a direct 1:1 ratio for differing doses. In other words, you can't put 3-day's doses in at once and then expect to get 3 days of coverage, because you now have all of the days' chlorine exposed to sunlight.

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Burning through chlorine in this heat!

aberberich

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mknauss

jedigrover

aberberich

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an1vrsy

wireform

pookiesunshine

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Toxophilite

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