We read (after putting in the Z tabs) that we should use the BBB and stay clear of the Nature 2 system. We haven't put in the mineral cartridge yet and wonder if we should take out the Z-tab we put in?? Where do we go from here?? We have a 27foot AG pool and the rest of the water was put in on Wednesday. We had the electrician out today and had the pump running all day. Thanks for helping us!!!!
Pool came with Nature 2 system and we need advice
- Thread starter HeatherR
- Start date
Heather,
Don't panic yet, everything's OK. and welcome to TFP!
The Nature 2 system causes problems in a couple of ways; (a) it adds silver and copper to your water via the mineral pack (so don't install the mineral pack), (b) the Z-tabs are trichlor tabs, and eventually will cause your pool to become overstabilized if you don't periodically replace water, and (c) recommend a FC level that, when combined with the increasing level of stabilizer in the pool, doesn't properly sanitize the pool. This is why we don't recommend their use. In fact, several members here on the forum (myself included) are former N2/pool frog/aquasmarte users, and experienced the problems listed above.
The BBB method we advocate is actually more about learning how to test and manage your water chemistry, and then using chemicals that can be found in your local grocery store for the most part to maintain your water.
So, first things first. Go ahead and take the Z-tabs out, and start adding a small bottle of unscented bleach every evening at dusk to get some chlorine going in your pool. You'll want to slowly add it in front of a return so it mixes in well. Next, click on the "Pool School" button at the top right of the page and start reading the articles there, especially the ones under "Getting started", and "pool chemistry". Third, take a sample of water to a pool store and ask them to test it for you. Don't buy anything that they suggest, just tell them you'll be back later. Post the results here. Fourth, seriously consider purchasing a good test kit. It will be the best investment you'll make for your pool. We recommend either the TF100 sold by a member here on the site, or the Taylor K-2006, which can also be found online and in some retail stores.
One last housekeeping item - please add your pool specs and equipment to your signature, as it helps the members here help you by being able to read what size pool you have, filter, etc. You can add a signature by clicking on the "User Control Panel" link near the top left of the page, click on "Profile", and then click on "Edit Signature".
Don't panic yet, everything's OK. and welcome to TFP!
The Nature 2 system causes problems in a couple of ways; (a) it adds silver and copper to your water via the mineral pack (so don't install the mineral pack), (b) the Z-tabs are trichlor tabs, and eventually will cause your pool to become overstabilized if you don't periodically replace water, and (c) recommend a FC level that, when combined with the increasing level of stabilizer in the pool, doesn't properly sanitize the pool. This is why we don't recommend their use. In fact, several members here on the forum (myself included) are former N2/pool frog/aquasmarte users, and experienced the problems listed above.
The BBB method we advocate is actually more about learning how to test and manage your water chemistry, and then using chemicals that can be found in your local grocery store for the most part to maintain your water.
So, first things first. Go ahead and take the Z-tabs out, and start adding a small bottle of unscented bleach every evening at dusk to get some chlorine going in your pool. You'll want to slowly add it in front of a return so it mixes in well. Next, click on the "Pool School" button at the top right of the page and start reading the articles there, especially the ones under "Getting started", and "pool chemistry". Third, take a sample of water to a pool store and ask them to test it for you. Don't buy anything that they suggest, just tell them you'll be back later. Post the results here. Fourth, seriously consider purchasing a good test kit. It will be the best investment you'll make for your pool. We recommend either the TF100 sold by a member here on the site, or the Taylor K-2006, which can also be found online and in some retail stores.
One last housekeeping item - please add your pool specs and equipment to your signature, as it helps the members here help you by being able to read what size pool you have, filter, etc. You can add a signature by clicking on the "User Control Panel" link near the top left of the page, click on "Profile", and then click on "Edit Signature".
What he said. 
Welcome to TFP.
Also, you'll need some CYA/Stabilizer in your water to protect your chlorine. So if that hasn't been added yet you should pick some up. Look for at least 90% Cyanuric Acid on the active ingredient label. After you get some we'll tell you how to add it (assuming you haven't already).
You won't regret your decision to go BBB and ditch the N2. Good choice.
Welcome to TFP.
Also, you'll need some CYA/Stabilizer in your water to protect your chlorine. So if that hasn't been added yet you should pick some up. Look for at least 90% Cyanuric Acid on the active ingredient label. After you get some we'll tell you how to add it (assuming you haven't already).
You won't regret your decision to go BBB and ditch the N2. Good choice.
Thanks for helping our family with starting our chemicals and walking us through this!!!! We have Nature's Way Stabilizer and it has the cyanuric acid at 100%. Can we use this??? It is a 4 pound bottle. We were told to pour 2 pounds in a sock and tie to the ladder. We also have Nature's Way Super Shock. We have four 1 pound bags. Can we use any of these items since they came with the pool??? We are planning on running our pump from early morning and turning it off when we go to bed. Is it okay to pour bleach in at dusk if we soon will be turning off the pump?? Just curious if we can use the stabilizer and shock up since we paid for it and then going to the BBB method. I think the shock takes the place of bleach?????????? If this is okay to use up, how much do we use at first and then how long do we wait to test??
Thanks SOOOOO much!!!!!! We don't know what we would have done without the help on this forum!!!!!!!!
Thanks SOOOOO much!!!!!! We don't know what we would have done without the help on this forum!!!!!!!!
HeatherR said:
Glad to help. What is the active ingredient on the shock bags?
Edit:
2 lbs of CYA won't be enough... for your pool size to reach 50ppm you'll need around 8 lbs of stabilizer. If the shock bags are Dichlor we can help you raise the CYA with that.
Yes, it's okay to add bleach at dusk and turn off the pump before bed. You may want to consider a timer.
You want the pump running 24/7 while the CYA is dissolving.
End Edit.
We took the Z-tabs out. They were in over night, so about 13 hours 
We are standing by to see what to do next
We are standing by to see what to do next
Active ingredient is calcium hypochlorite 73% and other ingredients are 27%
Minimum 70% available chlorine (says this at bottom )
Minimum 70% available chlorine (says this at bottom )
Yes, you can use it as an alternative to bleach.
Use the Pool Calculator to determine how much to add for the desired FC levels.
You will need more stabilizer/CYA. Wal-mart sells HTH or Aquachem brands in 4 lb cannisters, if you can find it. Otherwise, back to the pool store.
I calculated your pool at almost 20,000 gallons. Does that sound right to you, were you given any info on that from the pool store?
Use the Pool Calculator to determine how much to add for the desired FC levels.
You will need more stabilizer/CYA. Wal-mart sells HTH or Aquachem brands in 4 lb cannisters, if you can find it. Otherwise, back to the pool store.
I calculated your pool at almost 20,000 gallons. Does that sound right to you, were you given any info on that from the pool store?
It now has 18,000 gallons of water. Water is 4 feet deep.
How much stabilizer do we put in sock at once?
Thanks so much for helping!!!! How long after can we test?
How much stabilizer do we put in sock at once?
Thanks so much for helping!!!! How long after can we test?
You can do 2 lbs at a time. You should need between 6-8 lbs total.
Wait a week after the last addition to test for CYA.
Wait a week after the last addition to test for CYA.