Opening the pool - do I really need to shock

jhirsch1 · Apr 25, 2009

Hi,

I just opened my pool (northern NJ) this afternoon and was wondering if I really needed to shock the pool as I have been reading if all the numbers seem good. I know the CC should be zero, but the .2 could have been my imagination because the water did look clear with a little pink tint.

FC 2.0
CC 0.2
CYA 50
PH 7.4
TA 70
Water temp 54.

I have no problem shocking or putting in the other chemicals I have seen advertised in the pool opening kit....but if it isn't necessary then why bother.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

frustratedpoolmom · Apr 25, 2009

I would say bump your FC up slightly, then do an overnight test. If it holds, don't bother shocking.

I opened to a residual of 3.5 - clear water. I didn't shock.

Go for it, save yourself the bleach and the hassle. Disregard the .2, anything over .5 CC is cause for shocking. :goodjob:

Don't you love opening to clear water?! :mrgreen:

duraleigh · Apr 25, 2009

Your test results indicate no need to shock. Does yur water look nice? If so, I would agree with fpm.

That's very nice work to keep your pool that clean over the winter....congrats!

jhirsch1 · Apr 26, 2009

Thanks, the pool was crystal clear so I will not shock.

Casey · Apr 26, 2009

I haven't shocked since Sept. 08'. 8)
dh-took-the-cover-off-more-pics-t10885.html

Water_man · Apr 27, 2009

jhirsch1 said:
Hi,
I just opened my pool (northern NJ) this afternoon and was wondering if I really needed to shock the pool as I have been reading if all the numbers seem good.
FC 2.0
CYA 50

Maybe you don't need to shock, but according to "the FC/CYA table" your FC should be minimum 3.7 and targeted at 5.7.
What's your experience with the heathpump? What's the lowest air temp it can work with? Electric bills costs?

jhirsch1 · Apr 27, 2009

Thanks, I did bring the FC up.

Regarding the heatpump. I am very happy with it. You just need to plan ahead. It can raise the temp from 75 to 80 in a few hours or so. Regarding the cost, I haven't really figured that out yet. With the pump running and air conditioning inside I'm not sure. I assume it costs about $10 a day (just a guess) which isn't bad unless you have it on for every day of the month.

I think it can work once the air is in the 60's. I usually only use it when the air in 80 or more anyway and only to raise the temp to about 80 or so. If it's not that hot no one wants to swim anyway.