Ok, so if my chemicals are good (or really close), how do I now start using my SWG? I was told on a new pool that I should get water chemistry in good shape before adding salty and using the SWG.
I have a couple of questions. I will paste some general info below about getting to know a swg system. But do you need more specific instructions such as how to turn on your system, how much salt to add, if there is a wait time to switch over to salt in a vinyl pool, etc? Let me know.
For now, read the info below. Be sure to ask any and all questions. If I don't know the answer, I will get you someone who does!!!
When you switch, most of the chem level ranges will change. So keep your charts handy. For me, I had a new learning curve with the start up of the swg, but it was pretty simple. You may still add some bleach from time to time. Some of the reasons for adding bleach now and then are down below. Remind us and we will help you make those decisions when they come up - if you're unsure.
What will you need to do and learn?
** decide on an FC level you want to shoot for. That also depends on your CYA target.
** How much chlorine is produced by the salt water generator is a combination of the % you set the salt cell and the number of hours you run the pumps.
** We can help you determine the # of hours to run your pumps.
** The cell only works when the pump is running. So if you set your cell for 50%, it will only produce salt half the time the main pump is running. If that doesn't get you the target FC you wanted, then you need to adjust either the salt cell % or the pump run time OR both.
** The more you run your pump, the more electricity costs you incur. The higher % you set your salt cell, the shorter the life of the cell. These are pretty minute unless your electricity is very expensive. In that case, your focus might be more on keeping the pump run time low and cell % higher to save electricity costs.
** Right now in July, I run my pump about 9 hours a day with my cell at 75%. The first year, I had to have higher pump hours on and higher cell %. I can't tell you why.
** There are many factors involved in your FC requirement -- the same you experienced before the swg system was on: weather, swimmer load and frequency, water temperature, organic debris in the pool, etc
** I had to learn to be flexible and be willing to make frequent adjustments in the very beginning.
** For me after 2 years, most of my adjustments this past year were when seasons change causing continual rises or drops in water temperature. Here in Houston, the cell % and pump run times are very steady. I supplement for slight drops with some chlorine (such as: weather - rain, swimmer load and frequency, water temperature, organic debris in the pool, etc). When you supplement with bleach, you're just giving the swg a helping hand, so to speak. And it won't take as long to get your FC back up where you want it.
That's all I can think of now. I or someone else will add more later if I left something out.
I promise you will love having the salt cell once you get into the swing of it.
Give me your questions!!
Suz
