Can't keep my pool clean this summer!

[PoolStored]

Can someone point me in the right direction of now transitioning back to me SWG and make sure its properly set to provide enough FC?

If you don't have a cover and you get some sun, assume that you are using 3-4FC per day.

Use pool math to figure out a run time and % output to make 4FC. When your FC is just above the top of the range for your CYA, turn the cell on and run the amount of time and % output you figured out with pool math.

If your FC rises, turn down the run time or %. If your FC falls, turn up the run time or % output.

All you want to do is maintain your FC around the top of the range for your CYA.

 

[kennyjg44]

Sorry for all the newb questions...

1) My SWG generator is prompting for quite a bit of salt to be added (should I add?)
2) Is there a recommendation on using either a higher % or longer run time to achieve the target FC ?

 

[PoolStored]

1) My SWG generator is prompting for quite a bit of salt to be added (should I add?)

Do you have a salt test (Taylor K-1766)? What is your salt test result with this kit?
What salt level does the manual for your cell say it needs?
What is the make/model of your SWCG?

2) Is there a recommendation on using either a higher % or longer run time to achieve the target FC ?

Not really. Mainly depends on your cell and pump.
Do you have a variable speed pump?
What is your pump make and model?

Maybe fill out your signature...

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kennyjg44]

Apologies, filled out signature best I could w/o being currently home.

SWG ideal ppm is 3,000 - 4,500 (my test hit at 1800).

Pump is single speed.

 

[PoolStored]

Yes, if you tested, with drop test 1800, I would raise your salt to 3500.

Run a higher % and lower run time; will save on the electric bill. Do not run the cell at 100%. Run it max 90%.

 

[kennyjg44]

got it, and makes sense - thanks for all the help!

 

[kennyjg44]

tested FC last night; FC = 10 (top of range for CYA).

Set SWG to 63% for 8 hrs (and dumped in 40 lbs of salt, need a bit more).

Hoping it holds...

 

[kennyjg44]

So, like I said earlier, restarted SWG at 63% for 8 hrs today, with FC at 10. Actually ran the pump longer as I topped off the salt. End of night FC reading was 5. How'd I lose 5?

 

[PoolStored]

You added .9 fc. Pool are 6. Algae.

 

[kennyjg44]

I don't follow - set my SWG as seen in the screenshot below to generate 4.0ppm of FC daily, which was suggested my pool would use/lose.

 

[PoolStored]

Realized that while I was in the shower. Didn’t use 6600 for size.
10+4=14-5=9 used.

 

[kennyjg44]

If I understand, you are assuming the SWG did its job and generated the 4 (+) FC (since I ran it longer than 8), to get to 14, and then the pool (sun/algae/CYA) used 9.

I'll recheck CYA later on to confirm I'm at the right spot. If its still an algae issue, I'll have to give up for the season.

 

[kennyjg44]

Just to update, retested when I got home.
FC = 5.5 (5.0 last night). So, no loss today.
Also checked CYA to still be around 79, as subjective as that test might be. Out of curiosity, I ran a test strip and CYA came in around 20 (for whatever that is worth.

Only difference between yesterday and today salt level went from 2800 to 3000 after an add yesterday evening.

 

[Newdude]

Out of curiosity, I ran a test strip and CYA came in around 20 (for whatever that is worth.

Clearly, its not worth much.

They start going bad as soon as the bottle is opened. IMO humidity plays a big role because the pads don't understand the difference between air moisture and pool water. If it's damp, they will suck up some small level of moisture everytime you crack the bottle. Then when you finally go to use that one strip halfway through the bottle, it's kinda already used.

I'm seeing similar with my FC test powder. It has a deiccant pack in the container, and I put the container in a small Tupperware container with 4 more small desiccsnt packs. But once I open the container, it's a sponge for that time and the crystals still get hard and grey with only minimal exposure to the humidity.

 

[kennyjg44]

This TF test kit has really made the difference.

FC jumped up 9.0 after running pump today. Thoughts?

 

[Newdude]

FC jumped up 9.0 after running pump today.

Jumped to 9 FC, or jumped 9 FC to 16 (etc) ?

 

[kennyjg44]

Jumped up TO 9.0

 

[Newdude]

Most of the mid day was real cloudy here yesterday. Our UV demand is already lowered and hanging on by a thread before plummeting for the winter. It's real easy to over produce with the SWG.

I like the 9. I run 8 to 12 preferably

 

[kennyjg44]

Unrelated, but...

Noticed today that my heater is not heating the water. Fan is spinning, no error code, but seems like compressor won't turn on. In fact, I hear a click and then nothing. Fan continues to spin.

Worked all week, as far as I could tell.

Anything I can check?

 

[SJPoe]

One thing I would suggest is to try to test consistently. Pick a convenient time, and a specific spot in the pool, ideally not in direct line with the return jets especially if you have an SWG.

I try to sample around 10-11am (usually with Coffee #2) and from a spot just next to the skimmer inlet, which is about as far away from the return jets as I can get, thus minimizing any variation caused by the SWG adding chlorine at the moment I am testing, skewing the results. I use a sample tube (a big PVC straw) that lets me sample from about 18" below the water line, eliminating any variations due to surface burn off etc. Removing as many variables as you can makes for more accurate and reliable information.

With an SWG, don't sweat the small swings - its a bigger trend you are looking for...and why #teamrunhot suggests aiming for the high end of the FC range, so as to insulate you from occasional dips.