OK - my conversion, from start to finish started on 6/9/17 with testing and adjusting my pH and ended by passing the OCLT on 6/24. I used the 8.25% bleach from Sam's Club and went through 93 bottles. I had added CDX for the past five years so mine seemed to take a little longer than other conversions I was following on this site. I read and reread the conversion instructions and other conversion threads. I ordered the TF100 test kit along with the Speed Stirrer, XL Options, and the Sample Sizer so I would have everything well before I started the conversion.
- I had to keep reminding myself, each pool and pool owner are unique, especially as others were completing their conversions quicker than I was. I also learned from other postings - don't mention this to anyone at the pool store - just stick with this site and you won't go wrong.
- I kept my pool steps out of the pool until the conversion was completed and separately cleaned them with bleach before they were placed in the pool.
- I made the decision to only add bleach when the sun was not on the pool (early morning and late afternoon.) At first I wasn't aggressive enough in adding bleach (so it was being "eaten" very quickly by the bacquacil) so I started adding/testing every half hour.
- I followed the hint to put a skimmer sock in my skimmer and keep the filter on circulate while there was bacqua goo floating on the top.
- I didn't see the pea green colors until the 2nd day and then the bacqua goo started appearing. I kept an eye on my pressure gauge and waited to start sweeping/vacuuming until I could "see" the bottom and sides of the pool. Pump was running 24/7.
- By 6/17 my pool was crystal clear. Vacuuming and sweeping continued along with testing/adding chlorine to keep at 15 ppm.
- I took the return eyeball and skimmer weir apart and cleaned both to help get me through the OCLT test. Once I passed, I changed out my sand (ugh!) and followed the remaining steps to add CYA and pass the CC test. Then I moved on to the ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry, Chlorine /CYA Chart, and Recommended Pool Chemicals.
My pool is the clearest I can ever remember and I am glad I went through all of the work and effort to convert it. With all of the experts and other postings I never felt alone in the process. I decided to cut up a new solar cover to make it easier for me to get it in and out of the pool. I only take it off when the pool is being used and it has helped retain the heat and the chlorine. I test pH and FC daily in the morning, because that works best for me, (weekly for testing the other chemicals) and keep on top of the other pool maintenance - sweeping and vacuuming. Once I got the hang of the testing, etc the process is fairly simple.
Good luck to future "converters" - you won't regret it!