Just to expand a bit - I am a recent convert to a SWCG. For decades previously, I used tabs, and had what I now know was a way too small filter for the pool. So my case might be extreme in the change.
Dealing with the pool has brought up SO many serious conversations about moving, or filling it in, with the S.O. in my life over the years.
I installed the SWCG myself, but paid an electrician for a complete rewire, upgrade to the electrical for my relatively basic system. I already had a variable speed motor, running at lowish settings to save energy. Total out of pocket was ~$3,000. (Separately, I did get a new right sized filter, also). For my 6 mo pool season, chem costs were at minimum $650 per year. Sometimes much higher. I would fight algae on a weekly basis. NEVER had a 4th of July arrive without a green pool. Easily spending 2-4 hrs per week messing with the pool. LOTS of dumping of water to waste backwashing filter, using floc, etc.
With the change over, total chem costs (including initial many bags of salt) will not exceed $250. Expect next year to be closer to $150.
Time spent now is about 1/2 - 3/4 hr per week. A CL and pH test a couple of times a week, maybe a couple cups of acid added, and a few quick brushings. The better filter helps a lot with the reduced time. But, I have not had any sign of algae since May. First 4th ever where it was crystal clear. Week after week, it just stays perfect.
With vinyl, I don't care about calcium. Only needed baking soda for initial TA, Acid for ph. CYA was the leftovers from last years tab use. MIGHT have to add a bit next year. Have some gallons of liquid CL on hand for "just in case", or for when it gets colder but not frozen, here. (SWCG doesn't make CL in colder temps). No flocs or clarifiers, no algicides. For the first time, might have to pump water out, since yesterdays storm filled the pool to the top of skimmers. But I might just let evaporation slowly take care of that issue. Will have to spend 1/2 hr doing chem tests, netting, brushing, just to make sure it is OK today. Oh the time commitment!
You are in a completely different climate, and likely your pool config is different, also. So the above may not translate. But if the desire is reduced time, and the change over costs are manageable, I'd strongly urge you to start exploring that option. And, of course, follow the methods found on this site for all future care and feeding!
Dealing with the pool has brought up SO many serious conversations about moving, or filling it in, with the S.O. in my life over the years.
I installed the SWCG myself, but paid an electrician for a complete rewire, upgrade to the electrical for my relatively basic system. I already had a variable speed motor, running at lowish settings to save energy. Total out of pocket was ~$3,000. (Separately, I did get a new right sized filter, also). For my 6 mo pool season, chem costs were at minimum $650 per year. Sometimes much higher. I would fight algae on a weekly basis. NEVER had a 4th of July arrive without a green pool. Easily spending 2-4 hrs per week messing with the pool. LOTS of dumping of water to waste backwashing filter, using floc, etc.
With the change over, total chem costs (including initial many bags of salt) will not exceed $250. Expect next year to be closer to $150.
Time spent now is about 1/2 - 3/4 hr per week. A CL and pH test a couple of times a week, maybe a couple cups of acid added, and a few quick brushings. The better filter helps a lot with the reduced time. But, I have not had any sign of algae since May. First 4th ever where it was crystal clear. Week after week, it just stays perfect.
With vinyl, I don't care about calcium. Only needed baking soda for initial TA, Acid for ph. CYA was the leftovers from last years tab use. MIGHT have to add a bit next year. Have some gallons of liquid CL on hand for "just in case", or for when it gets colder but not frozen, here. (SWCG doesn't make CL in colder temps). No flocs or clarifiers, no algicides. For the first time, might have to pump water out, since yesterdays storm filled the pool to the top of skimmers. But I might just let evaporation slowly take care of that issue. Will have to spend 1/2 hr doing chem tests, netting, brushing, just to make sure it is OK today. Oh the time commitment!
You are in a completely different climate, and likely your pool config is different, also. So the above may not translate. But if the desire is reduced time, and the change over costs are manageable, I'd strongly urge you to start exploring that option. And, of course, follow the methods found on this site for all future care and feeding!
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