Water exchange questions

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Denise O

Denise O

Gold Supporter
Jul 29, 2021
21
Sonoma, CA
My CYA is 80-90 and I'm considering to the water exchange to try and lower it to a more acceptable level. I'd like to be able to have lower FC levels in the future. I've been keeping them high per the CYA chart.

I've read and reread the instructions and bought a 3/4 hp utility pump. My TA is 80, CH 300 and I've been algae free for the last 16 months of doing the pool myself.
I'm confused as to how much water I'd need to remove to lower the CYA to say 50-60. I understand that the pumps can only do so much with a 3/4 inch garden hose.
Any idea how long this will take? I was planning to pump from the pool steps and fill in the deep end using two garden hoses. Am I supposed to secure those garden hoses with a bucket or am I reading this incorrectly. All thoughts appreciated!
 
Why are you not using the SWCG you have listed? If you were, 80-90 CYA is good.

Once you start pumping, time how long it takes to fill up a 5 gallon bucket. From that info, you can estimate duration against pool volume. It's imprecise, but so is the water exchange.
 
When I took over my pool service, I was told I needed to add 400 lbs of salt to raise my salt level. My pool guy had stopped using it and used granules and pucks raising my cya to 140. The cell hadn’t been serviced and I didn’t know how to do it so I switched to liquid chlorine. Eventually I hope to go back to using it. I’m finally comfortable maintaining the pool, thanks to help from TFP.
 
I'd pick up a Taylor K-1766 salt test kit; it's simple to find out what you have already. Guaranteed you already have quite a bit of salt in the pool from the tabs that were used.

You may be in a good place already to fire up the SWCG; or only need a smaller amount of salt.
 
reggiehammond said:
I'd pick up a Taylor K-1766 salt test kit; it's simple to find out what you have already. Guaranteed you already have quite a bit of salt in the pool from the tabs that were used.

You may be in a good place already to fire up the SWCG; or only need a smaller amount of salt.
Click to expand...

reggiehammond said:
I'd pick up a Taylor K-1766 salt test kit; it's simple to find out what you have already. Guaranteed you already have quite a bit of salt in the pool from the tabs that were used.

You may be in a good place already to fire up the SWCG; or only need a smaller amount of salt.
Click to expand...
Ok, I've ordered the salt test kit. I would like to go back to using my swg. My pool guy said it was "caustic and corrosive" and that the "industry guys call them bleach/drano machines". I'm getting the impression that most of you experts like them? And perhaps my guy just didn't want to maintain it? I'm going to have to do some research here on how to run it and I have no idea how to check the cell....can you refer me to any links you prefer?
 
Denise O said:
Ok, I've ordered the salt test kit. I would like to go back to using my swg. My pool guy said it was "caustic and corrosive" and that the "industry guys call them bleach/drano machines". I'm getting the impression that most of you experts like them? And perhaps my guy just didn't want to maintain it? I'm going to have to do some research here on how to run it and I have no idea how to check the cell....can you refer me to any links you prefer?
Click to expand...
Pool guys ain’t the best source of information. Your K-1766 will likely reveal that you already have a “salt pool.” The difference will be the magical device (SWCG) that takes out the hassle of finding and buying liquid chlorine.

It is absolutely not caustic or corrosive - only a fool would claim it was…
 
Suggest you post a picture of your equipment to let experts here check your SWG installation before revving it up. Our house was in the same shape as yours when we got it: SWG present, broken, not used. I got it working only to find out 3 months later that it was plumbed wrong: before the heater. So probably lost some life from that high $$$ unit. Sigh... For us the SWG is absolutely better than the alternatives.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Denise O
generessler said:
Suggest you post a picture of your equipment to let experts here check your SWG installation before revving it up. Our house was in the same shape as yours when we got it: SWG present, broken, not used. I got it working only to find out 3 months later that it was plumbed wrong: before the heater. So probably lost some life from that high $$$ unit. Sigh... For us the SWG is absolutely better than the alternatives.
Click to expand...
I'll post photos soon. Tested for salt and have 400ppm. Thank you!
 
Flying Tivo said:
Did you use the 10ml Sample when testing? Was your pool recently drained/refilled?
Click to expand...
I was able to get my cya down to 60 with a partial water exchange. Not as low as I'd like but we're in water rationing here so I traded about 1900 gallons according to my water company. My pool was remodeled in 2008, so all new water. It's open year round and I've kept it clean and crystal clear the past 18 months without a pool cover. I'm sorry, when you ask about the 10ml sample, can I assume that is for the FC test? If so, yes I used the 10ml sample. Anything I should know? Thank you!
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
generessler said:
Suggest you post a picture of your equipment to let experts here check your SWG installation before revving it up. Our house was in the same shape as yours when we got it: SWG present, broken, not used. I got it working only to find out 3 months later that it was plumbed wrong: before the heater. So probably lost some life from that high $$$ unit. Sigh... For us the SWG is absolutely better than the alternatives.
Click to expand...
I've attached photos of my pool equipment, specifically my SWG system. Open to advice. I don't have a heater and I removed solar panels when I had a new roof installed. Frankly I don't swim much, I just like to look at it and I'm the only one that really enjoys the pool. The other question I have is the best way to purchase a new o-ring for my A.O. Smith Pump, when I need to replace it.....Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • image0.jpeg
    image0.jpeg
    49.5 KB · Views: 9
  • image1.jpeg
    image1.jpeg
    46.7 KB · Views: 7
  • image2.jpeg
    image2.jpeg
    46.7 KB · Views: 7
  • image3.jpeg
    image3.jpeg
    49.1 KB · Views: 7
  • image4.jpeg
    image4.jpeg
    44.4 KB · Views: 8
  • image5.jpeg
    image5.jpeg
    49.8 KB · Views: 9
CYA = 60 is fine with a SWG! Don't go lower!

Check out the chlorine/cya chart THE SWG TAB! That actually wants CYA = 70 or more. You can read the rationale there.
Denise O said:
I was able to get my cya down to 60 with a partial water exchange. Not as low as I'd like but we're in water rationing here so I traded about 1900 gallons according to my water company. My pool was remodeled in 2008, so all new water. It's open year round and I've kept it clean and crystal clear the past 18 months without a pool cover. I'm sorry, when you ask about the 10ml sample, can I assume that is for the FC test? If so, yes I used the 10ml sample. Anything I should know? Thank you!
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply