Chlorine generator is off for the winter Now What?

Download the pool math app. It will calculate the amount to add. You enter the number of gallons your pool is, current and target chlorine level, and strength of the chlorine. The app tells you how much to put it.

While your salt chloride generator is off, you’ll want to follow the liquid chlorine recommended levels

What is your water temperature?

I assume the SWCG stopped generating because the water temperature dropped below its limit. If that's the case, the general advice above is good -- target the non-SWCG levels (which is what I do year-round anyway), using liquid chlorine. With cold water and low sun angles, in all likelihood you won't have to add much, and with water that cold algae doesn't gorw anyway, so while it's good practice to keep a non-closed pool at proper levels, it isn't as critical to stress over now.

Before I had an SWCG, I'd add a gallon approximately every 3 weeks through the winter. Last year, my SWCG displayed "COLD" and stopped generating for about 2 months, and I only added chlorine once in the middle. Test every week until you know the pattern, then you may be able to predict and go longer. Of course keep an eye on things as they warm up again in February and beyond; make sure the SWCG starts generating again. I just leave mine on and the timer set for a couple hours a day and let it do what it wants, supplementing as needed.

For how much, the pool math app or calculator here (PoolMath) is good; just dump in an even amount that gets you to ~10ppm so you can let it drift down over time while still being able to measure pH.

Bcorig said:

55 degrees

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Then I wouldn't worry about anything until your temp rises above 60. Perhaps keep a minimal amount of chlorine if you want. Your pool is as good as closed. Mine has been closed a month and the water is still in the high 50s.

I don't think Chlorox makes regular bleach without additives any longer. Go with another brand. Walmart usually has regular bleach.

Bcorig said:

Pool Math indicates 193 oz of 6% liquid bleach. I'm assuming liquid bleach means Clorox or other Sodium Hypochlorite disinfectant. The problem I have is none of the bottles tell me the percentage on their labels. What product do you use for liquid bleach for swimming pools?
Sorry to seem so obtuse but I want to get this right.

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Don’t bother with dept store bleach unless there’s nothing else at Walmart, Home Depot, etc where they carry 10% chlorinating liquid (aka pool shock) usually in the swimming pool sections.