Calling all chemists (SWCG pool experts)!

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Docpatel

Well-known member
Oct 25, 2020
49
Denton, TX
Pool Size
15000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
Experts,

About to convert from manual chlorine pool SWCG. Here's the issue:

I've read several articles on the FC level to maintain based on CYA (currently at 80-90 CYA)...like the SWCG section on this page: Chlorine / CYA Chart - Trouble Free Pool

I have a salt test kit now and the salt currently tests at 1000. BUT, what # should that ideally be so I can figure out how many pounds of salt I still need to add? I can't find recommended levels for this unless I"m just way overthinking this (or it's just way over my head).

Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
Hey Doc !! Each SWG unit has its own sweet spot but that will fall in the 3k-4.5k range, and will be stated by the manufacturer you choose. My Pentair IC60 worked great at 2800 so I did my best to keep it there as most people can't taste the salt at all at 3k ppm. (Don't worry though, its only a little if that # is higher and people do taste it).
 
Newdude said:
Hey Doc !! Each SWG unit has its own sweet spot but that will fall in the 3k-4.5k range, and will be stated by the manufacturer you choose. My Pentair IC60 worked great at 2800 so I did my best to keep it there as most people can't taste the salt at all at 3k ppm. (Don't worry though, its only a little if that # is higher and people do taste it).
Click to expand...
OHhh, I see, it's equipment based. Which reminds me, I need to add that to my signature. THANK YOU.
 
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The instructions for the fusion soft say salt should at 3,000 - 3,500ppm and not below 2,000ppm or above 4,000ppm.

I would not use the mineral cartridge either. I cant tell what’s in their cartridge, the web site doesn’t provide SMDS for them. No SMDS, is that legal?
 
I noticed in my SWG manual it never mentions testing. Just gives a wide range and an estimate of how much salt to add. That shows it’s not that critical.
On FC stay at the top of the range, I walked the fence at the min and it bit me. Was fine until a little pollen and rain hit.
 
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I see....so... give it enough salt (between 3k - 3.5k), and stay on the Target Chlorine generation of 6 given CYA is 80-90.

What's the deal with not using the mineral cartridge? Is that what produces/provides the Chlorine?
 
+1. And if you buy into the manufactures claims of needing less chlorine, You get rashes too. Yuck. 😟
 
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Sorry, Daylight Savings Time has me still sleeping....so if I take the mineral cartridge out, do will it stop producing Chlorine? Or better question...what good does the Mineral cartridge do? What bad does it do?
 

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What the cartridge does is add metals that are natural algae inhibitors. On paper it will help keep aglae at bay before hand.

What it doesn’t do is kill any algae/viruses/pathogens/bacteria once it’s in there. (Aka residual sanitizer). And properly sanitizing with chlorine will not allow the algae in the first place. So if you need full chlorine to remain sanitary either way, there is zero need to add another expensive step.
 
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A cartridge has been in there since the pool was installed...should I just leave it in there as it's probably just about expiration time...or leave an empty chamber?

Also, I'm assuming the cartridge has nothing to do with SWCG creating chlorine for the pool?
 
We would suggest your remove the cartridge if you have the cap to seal that side of the unit. If not, some have removed the pellets and reinstalled the cartridge.

The minerals have nothing to do with the SWCG side of the unit. It is actually a good SWCG.
 
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Docpatel said:
Experts,

About to convert from manual chlorine pool SWCG. Here's the issue:

I've read several articles on the FC level to maintain based on CYA (currently at 80-90 CYA)...like the SWCG section on this page: Chlorine / CYA Chart - Trouble Free Pool

I have a salt test kit now and the salt currently tests at 1000. BUT, what # should that ideally be so I can figure out how many pounds of salt I still need to add? I can't find recommended levels for this unless I"m just way overthinking this (or it's just way over my head).

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Click to expand...
There is a section in the PoolMath app for effects of adding that will allow you to calculate salt.. I recommend you go in halves and creep up on your salinity so you don't over shoot. Add half the amount you calculate mix it, measure it, and then recalculate. This will save you in case you have guessed the wrong volume of your pool... trust me.. I know this one from experience. ;)
 
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