Hi there! Complete newbie, and I've read alot about the BBB method and love what I'm learning but. . . from what i'm reading it's not 'just' BBB, but BBB + a few other pool chemicals (like Dichlor, which has CYA, which means I need more chlorine, but it does last longer, etc.)
The reason I ask is, I have just purchased a 10' x 30" round intex above ground pool. It is getting ~ 2 hours of use daily, from 2 kids, no sunscreen. I would love love love LOVE to only ever use these three ingredients. Here is the schedule/maintenence that I was planning on using:
Startup dose: 1 quart household bleach (6%), 1 cup borax, 2 cups baking soda
Every evening after the sun goes down: 1 cup household bleach.
As far as I can understand, this should keep the pool looking good chemically, and be safe by the time the kids use the pool (after 4:00 PM)
Is there any particular downside to just *not* using any CYA? It's another chemical to buy, and yes it means I can use less bleach because it's stabilized, but as I understand it it also means I have to use more bleach because it's not as effective, and that I have to add additional algaecides (is that a word?). I have AquaChek 'test strips' which I understand are not nearly as awesome as the drops, but because I wasn't thinking of using stabilizers, etc. I don't' know how well they work but I thought I'd give them a shot. If I should return them and just buy a cheap drops kit, let me know.
And, not a pool chemistry question, but for accessories: I will be installing it on a slightly sloped patio with a heavy duty tarp underneath to prevent stones from poking through, and trying to help level it with kids' foam squares on one side =X. I will have a pool cover that I can use daily (this may help prevent chlorine loss during the day), and the pool itself comes with a pump and filter (I understand it's not a great one, but hey, a filter!) I do have a couple of mesh nets for skimming the pool with. From talking with a friend with an AG pool, I understand that I should remove the filter every morning and spray it out, and then use filter cleaner once a week (apparently I can make this with a cup of powdered dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water?)
Should I buy a pool vacuum? Is there any other tool that I'm going to need that I haven't thought of yet? Am I crazy?
The reason I ask is, I have just purchased a 10' x 30" round intex above ground pool. It is getting ~ 2 hours of use daily, from 2 kids, no sunscreen. I would love love love LOVE to only ever use these three ingredients. Here is the schedule/maintenence that I was planning on using:
Startup dose: 1 quart household bleach (6%), 1 cup borax, 2 cups baking soda
Every evening after the sun goes down: 1 cup household bleach.
As far as I can understand, this should keep the pool looking good chemically, and be safe by the time the kids use the pool (after 4:00 PM)
Is there any particular downside to just *not* using any CYA? It's another chemical to buy, and yes it means I can use less bleach because it's stabilized, but as I understand it it also means I have to use more bleach because it's not as effective, and that I have to add additional algaecides (is that a word?). I have AquaChek 'test strips' which I understand are not nearly as awesome as the drops, but because I wasn't thinking of using stabilizers, etc. I don't' know how well they work but I thought I'd give them a shot. If I should return them and just buy a cheap drops kit, let me know.
And, not a pool chemistry question, but for accessories: I will be installing it on a slightly sloped patio with a heavy duty tarp underneath to prevent stones from poking through, and trying to help level it with kids' foam squares on one side =X. I will have a pool cover that I can use daily (this may help prevent chlorine loss during the day), and the pool itself comes with a pump and filter (I understand it's not a great one, but hey, a filter!) I do have a couple of mesh nets for skimming the pool with. From talking with a friend with an AG pool, I understand that I should remove the filter every morning and spray it out, and then use filter cleaner once a week (apparently I can make this with a cup of powdered dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water?)
Should I buy a pool vacuum? Is there any other tool that I'm going to need that I haven't thought of yet? Am I crazy?