davids1973 said:
I'm sorry I should have included that info. It's an in-ground. Also what should I need to start-up the pool, we are going to fill it next weekend. I have 8 pounds of stabalizer already. With the salt pool do you have to add algaecide on start-up and then every week? Also how much salt do I need, the pool is oval 14x28,avg depth of 4.5 feet. Do I add chlorine at startup ? I know That's alot of questions. I just calculated that at about 10400 gallons
Hmmmm..most of the inground models are well over $500 at the web site I'm using as a reference. Since your pool isn't that large, you could probably get away with using the IC15 or the Aquatrol. The IC15 is rated for pools 15,000 gallons or less, and the Aquatrol for up to 18,000 gallons. Both can be hard-plumbed, which is what you would want. There's more out there on the market, so I'd also suggest doing a Google search and see if you can find any better deals. I know there's more models out there than the ones I've listed, so if anyone else who's reading this thread knows of one in his price range, please speak up!
One other item to mention - to install a SWG, you'll need a straight run of pipe from your filter or heater to wherever it turns to go underground. Length of the straight section will depend on the length of the cell of the SWG you buy. If you don't have a straight section of pipe to cut to install it, you may have to do some creative plumbing.
First thing you need for startup is a good test kit, so you can test your water and determine from the results what you need to add to maintain your water balance. We recommend two; the
Taylor K-2006 and the
TF-100 which is sold by one of the members here on the forum. Until you can order one, you can make do with one of the 6-way hth test kits from Walmart or go to a pool store to have your water tested, but trust me, the best money you will ever spend on your pool with be for a good test kit. Once you learn how to do your own testing, you'll be in control of your pool, and not vice versa.
Once you get your pool filled and the pump running, you'll need to add chlorine daily until you get your SWG installed and get the proper amount of salt in the pool. For 10400 gallons, that's around 86 ounces, so I'd just add a small jug of unscented bleach every night. Go ahead and put two pounds of stabilizer in a sock or stocking and either hang it in front of a return in the water, or place it in the skimmer so it can be dissolving. Make sure you don't block the skimmer completely. This won't be all you'll need to add, but it'll be a good start until you can test to see how much CYA is in the water. If you don't have a test kit yet, take a sample to your local pool store for testing (don't buy anything, just tell them you'll be back later), and come back and post the results. We'll be primarily interested in FC, pH, CH, TA, and CYA.
If you keep your chlorine level up by adding bleach every night, you shouldn't need an algaecide at all. The chlorine will keep the algae at bay.
How much salt you'll need will depend on which SWG you go with, and what level they recommend.
Lastly, a housekeeping item and a homework assignment. Housekeeping - please add your pool info to your signature, if you don't mind. This information helps the forum members with the advice they will give you. Go to the top of the page and click on "User Control Panel" > Profile > Edit Signature, and add your info (5 lines or less, please!). Homework - at the top right of the page is a button labeled Pool School. Click on the button, and you'll find a plethora of information about pools. I'd recommend reading the first two sections; "Getting Started" and "Pool Chemistry".