Anthony, good to hear from you. I'm truly sorry for what you're going through again. You and I both know that even if Baquacil was without issues, most of us just can't afford it.
When I converted three years ago, it was at spring startup. I didn't drain, because like you, we are on well water. I replaced my $22.00 a gallon Baquacil Oxidizer with with $3.50 a gallon liquid chlorine (10% strength.) I was using a gallon of the Baq oxidizer a day; I now use around 18 oz. of chlorine a day, @ $4.60 a gallon. I replaced my $41.00 a
HALF gallon Baq Sanitizer with the same 18 oz. dose of liquid chlorine. Not an additional dose, mind you; the same 18 oz. dose of chlorine is my daily total spend to both oxidize the organics and sanitize the water! I use no clarifiers, no algaecide, no floc, etc., etc. So far this year I have added four things to my pool: chlorine, stabilizer, 20 Mule Team Borax, and water.
Also, no more "guess strips" for testing. A quality test kit for a chlorine pool (I heartily recommend the TF-100 kit) will set you back about the same as one bottle each of your Baq "Liquid GOLD. Note: I currently spend less than 15 minutes every other day testing and adjusting my water chemistry. If something is amiss, I almost always see it before a test tells me that something is squirrely with my water.
And we haven't even talked about the amazing clarity of the water or what you plan to do with all of the extra time you used to spend Pool-Boying it. So far, we've found you wads of unspent money for your wallet, boatloads of freed-up time for your other chores, and unbelievably clear, clean water. With all these positives, why move?? You obviously like your place and you like the pool. It's Baquacil that you HATE! As far as not wanting to drain your pool, research the threads about draining and replacing your water utilizing the tarp method. No need to empty your pool and risk damaging the finish. Look at the total picture before you make a decision you might regret. You can do this, Anthony! I'm still pulling for you.
For the record, I'm almost 71, tired and retired. I have two bad knees requiring surgery and one bad shoulder. My wife and I have raised three of our grandkids for the last ten years. All three are now active teenagers. YIKES! We live on 10 acres, of which 4 is mowed lawn. My wife's seven horses mow the rest. If not for TFP, our pool would have disappeared by now, I assure you.
If you decide to do this, there's a ton of members on here that are way smarter than me, and more than willing to help you complete your conversion.
Good luck and Godspeed, my friend!
