Question about the TFP method of using bleach

[TrevNJPool]

I've been steadily reading the form to learn as much as I can. Still trying to find my method of taking care of the pool. Probably will end up with a mixture of conventional and the TFP way.
2 part question:
1. For those with no water issues, how many bottles of bleach are u using on average per season?

2. For the ones with green water, is it just me or is it a little strange that in situations like the person who has used 80 bottles of bleach and the water isn't clear yet after 3 weeks. Is bleach still the recommendation? At what point do you break down and buy some type of chemical to clear up the water? Is there such a chemical?

 

[duraleigh]

As you continue to read, I suggest you read "The ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry" up in Pool School. That may help you understand pool water chemistry a bit better.

 

[JasonLion]

Chlorine comes in several different forms. All of them kill algae in the same way, so all will be equally effective/ineffective in the same situations. However, they do differ in what other chemicals they include, many of which you don't really want to add to the water. Bleach has chlorine and a small amount of salt, which is harmless. Other forms of chlorine have other additional chemicals in them, typically CYA or CH, which tend to build up over time and eventually get to levels that are problematic.

Cases where it has taken 3+ weeks to clean up the pool are quite rare, and almost always involves some other problem that is preventing the chlorine from working. One common problem is a broken filter failing to clear up the water. Another is lots of debris on the bottom of the pool that provides a safe place for algae to hide when the chlorine level is high. This can also happen when the CYA level is very high, and a dozen other reasons. If you don't figure out what the other issue is, you won't make progress, but that has nothing to do with using bleach or using some other chemical.

 

[TrevNJPool]

Thank you for the response. It did seem extreme.

 

[Divin Dave]

Is there such a chemical?

No there isn't. The active ingredient in killing algae and other organic matter and pathogens is Sodium Hypchlorite, which is chlorine. if you read the ingredients on a pack of shock, liquid shock or bleach, they all will tell you that sodium hypochloite is an ingredient.

80 bottles of bleach and 3 weeks is usually excessive except perhaps in cases where the tadpoles were growing.

as far as regular maintenance goes.
How much chlorine is needed is dependent on many different factors so its somewhat impossible to put a number on it. Such as
What is the volume of the pool?
What is the CYA level?
How much direct sunlight does it get?
What is the bather load?

TFP is about only adding to the pool what it needs. TYpically the pool store chlorine products, such as any powdered shock add stabilizer or calcium as well, which at some point becomes unmanageable when those levels get too high.

The pool stores have no magic cures or potions, neither does TFPC. What TFP method offers is how to take care of your own pool and not rely on someone else. Its a more economical and easier way to manage the pool. Also provided are tools such as the pool calculator to use in determining how much to add as well as all of the reading and educational article you can imagine.