Clarify OCLT filter operation

[ChasPro]

On this page, which was last edited in June, can you please add some guidance on overnight filter operation? It isn't clearly stated here, yet it is implied if you are SLAMming because that process expects continuous operation. If I am only using the OCLT to detect if there is a problem in the first place ... I'm not sure what mode the filter should be in.

Also, in case it is missing, indicate that SWG should be turned off overnight if filter is operational.

Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)

The Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tells if the SLAM is finished or if you need to start a SLAM. This article says how to do the OCLT.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[setsailsoon]

On this page, which was last edited in June, can you please add some guidance on overnight filter operation? It isn't clearly stated here, yet it is implied if you are SLAMming because that process expects continuous operation. If I am only using the OCLT to detect if there is a problem in the first place ... I'm not sure what mode the filter should be in.

Also, in case it is missing, indicate that SWG should be turned off overnight if filter is operational.

Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)

The Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tells if the SLAM is finished or if you need to start a SLAM. This article says how to do the OCLT.

www.troublefreepool.com

Chase,

I highlighted the directions that pertain to your questions below. I think it's pretty clear.

Chris

How do I perform the overnight chlorine loss test?

1. If you have an SWG, tablet chlorinator, or other chlorine feeder, shut it off completely.
2. Turn your pump on at least 30 minutes prior to ALL testing.
3. After the sun goes down, and at least 30 minutes after your last chemical addition of the day, perform the FAS-DPD test and record your nighttime results. If your FC is 3 ppm or higher, do not add any more chlorine to your pool. If your FC is less than 3 ppm, add enough liquid chlorine to achieve 3 ppm FC, wait 30 minutes, then retest with the FAS-DPD test.
4. The next morning, ideally before there is any direct sunlight on the pool, perform the FAS-DPD test again and record your daytime results.

If your daytime FC level is within 1 ppm of your nighttime FC level, you passed the OCLT and your water is clean. There isn’t any living algae or other organic contamination in the pool that requires a SLAM.

 

[Newdude]

For only an OCLT, assuming you have stoopid clear water, you don't need to run the pump overnight. But if you do, it saves you 30 mins of sleep not having to mix before you test. It's worth every last one of the 62 pennies it cost to run the pump overnight when the sun is coming up at 5 AM.

 

[ChasPro]

For only an OCLT, assuming you have stoopid clear water, you don't need to run the pump overnight. But if you do, it saves you 30 mins of sleep not having to mix before you test. It's worth every last one of the 62 pennies it cost to run the pump overnight when the sun is coming up at 5 AM.

Yes, but with maple tree helicopter droppings going on constantly, I would have to get up every 2 hrs during the night to empty the skimmer . That's mainly why I was looking for clarification.

 

[ChasPro]

Chase,

I highlighted the directions that pertain to your questions below. I think it's pretty clear.

Chris

How do I perform the overnight chlorine loss test?

1. If you have an SWG, tablet chlorinator, or other chlorine feeder, shut it off completely.
2. Turn your pump on at least 30 minutes prior to ALL testing.
3. After the sun goes down, and at least 30 minutes after your last chemical addition of the day, perform the FAS-DPD test and record your nighttime results. If your FC is 3 ppm or higher, do not add any more chlorine to your pool. If your FC is less than 3 ppm, add enough liquid chlorine to achieve 3 ppm FC, wait 30 minutes, then retest with the FAS-DPD test.
4. The next morning, ideally before there is any direct sunlight on the pool, perform the FAS-DPD test again and record your daytime results.

If your daytime FC level is within 1 ppm of your nighttime FC level, you passed the OCLT and your water is clean. There isn’t any living algae or other organic contamination in the pool that requires a SLAM.

As I mentioned "turn on 30 min prior to all testing" is ambiguous. It could mean "the entire ONCL Test procedure", which includes the two chemical tests and an overnight period ... with the pump on and the SWG off.

Normally, I have the pump off from 4:30pm to 7pm during dinner and evening for some peaceful time. Then run again from 7p-9:30p to skim and circulate some before sleep. So, given that mode of operation... it would not run overnight ... yet I want the test to be valid.

Sometimes it takes another person's perspective to realize that something "obvious" isn't really. A simple clarification of the page would cover all of that and avoid extra chatter here.

 

[PoolStored]

Sometimes it takes another person's perspective to realize that something "obvious" isn't really. A simple clarification of the page would cover all of that and avoid extra chatter here.

We will be working on articles after the busy season is over. I've noted the suggestion.

 

[ChasPro]

We will be working on articles after the busy season is over. I've noted the suggestion.

Thank you. It will help.