I started on the BBB method about a year ago, so this will be my first full summer of use with the new method. The recent threads on BBB costs and chlorine usage have me wondering if I am doing things correctly.
The lastest test results are as follows:
FC - 7
CC - 0
pH - 7.6
TA - 70
CH - 270
CYA - 40
Borates - 40
Temp - 88 deg
The water is clear and sparkly, and the overnight chlorine loss last night was zero.
Firstly, FC will drop to zero in 24 hours, and I use one, 182 oz jug of 6% bleach per day. At that rate, I spend $76 + tax per month on chlorine alone. (The pool is in full sun all day, and the pump runs 8 hours.)
Secondly, the PH is ALWAYS high, and I have grey patches on most of the bottom of the pool as seen in this thread. I've been a little lax on the PH maintenance, but I now add about 1.25 gallons of acid per week.
Lastly, I have noticed what appears to be black algae in a few spots on the flagstone perimeter and also in on the floor; some as large as a dime, but "hidden" under a thin cap of plaster. A little chipping and spot brushing will clean it off, but I get tired of holding my breath...
So, why so much chlorine usage? Is it normal in this heat? Why does my PH run high? If I don't stay on top of it, I'll see 8.2 in a heartbeat. The algae has been there a few weeks...not increasing or decreasing. What is the next step to clear it up?
Todd
The lastest test results are as follows:
FC - 7
CC - 0
pH - 7.6
TA - 70
CH - 270
CYA - 40
Borates - 40
Temp - 88 deg
The water is clear and sparkly, and the overnight chlorine loss last night was zero.
Firstly, FC will drop to zero in 24 hours, and I use one, 182 oz jug of 6% bleach per day. At that rate, I spend $76 + tax per month on chlorine alone. (The pool is in full sun all day, and the pump runs 8 hours.)
Secondly, the PH is ALWAYS high, and I have grey patches on most of the bottom of the pool as seen in this thread. I've been a little lax on the PH maintenance, but I now add about 1.25 gallons of acid per week.
Lastly, I have noticed what appears to be black algae in a few spots on the flagstone perimeter and also in on the floor; some as large as a dime, but "hidden" under a thin cap of plaster. A little chipping and spot brushing will clean it off, but I get tired of holding my breath...
So, why so much chlorine usage? Is it normal in this heat? Why does my PH run high? If I don't stay on top of it, I'll see 8.2 in a heartbeat. The algae has been there a few weeks...not increasing or decreasing. What is the next step to clear it up?
Todd