Converting to Chlorine from Baquacil - Check my work

[ffdemoss]

4th year on Baqaucil and I'm done. Appears that I have white mold and have spent the better part or 2 weeks trying everything to remove it. Found this site and have decided to go chlorine.

I've read the how to, however, some the links are dead. Anyone have updated links scratched out in the how to?

Also, I've downloaded the Pool Math App, bought the recommended test kit and have a bunch of basket socks coming to. I am also pumping about 2/3 of my pool out and refilling with tap water. My plan is to start the conversion Friday so I can closely monitor the FC levels through the weekend. I also have new sand for when it's time to change it out. What am I missing. I've learned a lot today reading through others posts, just want to ma,e sure I'm not missing something. Thanks for the help.

Doughboy oval pool.
11,000 gallons
150Lb sand filter

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
There are a number of threads still on the forum documenting conversions. We used to have a sub forum on it but got rid of it and rolled the threads into other forums.
Take a look through the link below.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[newdude]

Is fill water cheap by you ?

I'd drain to 18 inches deep and then watch it like a hawk as I went to 12, ensuring that the liner didn't shift. (Stopping immediately if anything seemed off). Then there would only be 1/4 of the battle after refilling. Chlorine costs a small fortune these days and the full effort may take a couple weeks.

No matter which way you go at it, the biggest hangup is the sun burning off your FC with no CYA to protect it. So do your best to maintain the day FC, but then go deep into the night and/or start way early to maximize not fighting UV loss.

 

[ffdemoss]

Thanks for the feedback. 2/3 is real close to 16-18". Not sure I feel real comfortable watching it without a second or third set of eyes helping as I get that close. But I appreciate the feedback and help.

 

[newdude]

Even a half drain leaves only half the battle afterwards, which is a considerable head start.

Food for thought. We'll help either way.

 

[ffdemoss]

Ok, battle begins tomorrow. Refilling is almost complete. I was able to drain to about 16" and then refill with fresh tap water.

Question - it is supposed to rain a lot over the next 48-96 hours. Should I start this now or wait for the rain to stop? I figured the rain/clouds would help from a burn off stand point, but wasn't sure if the potential dilution would affect my progress?

Also, 11,000 gallon pool...is 20 gallons of 10% enough or will I need more?

Thanks.

 

[Flying Tivo]

Also, 11,000 gallon pool...is 20 gallons of 10% enough or will I need more?

Dont know if we dont have previous numbers on the baqua(still a guess), but it does not matter as you have a big head start by draining.

 

[newdude]

Should I start this now or wait for the rain to stop?

Rain is inconsequential, besides getting wet while testing/adding.

 

[ffdemoss]

Ok, I'm hammering down. Thanks

 

[ffdemoss]

3 bottles in the first hour got me going. I'll check in 1 hour.

 

[ffdemoss]

12 hours in, 12 bottles in. The yellow goo has reduced significantly over the past 2 hours.

 

[Flying Tivo]

Dont stop!

 

[ffdemoss]

I'm plowing ahead. Up to 15 bottles and finally starting to see some stabilization. I had to go to work so she's on her own for a few hours.

 

[ffdemoss]

I'm now 17 bottles in. Beginning to see a lot less FC loss and clearer water. I plan on vacuuming today now that I can see the bottom of the pool. I'm hoping to meet the Overnight Test by Sunday night. Thanks for all the help.

 

[bobloblaw42]

Just a reminder you'll want to change out your sand (and clean filter as best you can while empty) once you pass OCLT.

When you lose 1 ppm of chlorine, or less, overnight it is time to clean out your filter and change the media.

Convert Your Baqua Pool to Chlorine

This Step-by-step guide will help you transform your pool from Biguanide (Baquacil, SoftSwim hereafter referred to as Baqua) to chlorine. Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ffdemoss]

Yeah, I've got my sand and CYA on hand. That's my Monday project.

Question. Is it OK to turn the pump off Sunday to allow more settlement for a second round of vacuuming and sand change on Monday?

 

[Flying Tivo]

Yes its ok.

 

[ffdemoss]

20 total bottles. Just fished first major vacuum. Can see the bottom of the pool for the first time in 3 weeks.

 

[ffdemoss]

Now 25 bottles in. Second major vacuuming and scrubbing. Stirred up a bunch off the stairs and around the edges. I lost 4 PPM overnight last night so I know I'm getting close.

Thanks for everyone's help. My biggest struggle today has been finding extra bleach. The stuff at local Lowes was over a year old...

 

[Mdragger88]

Try pressure washing suppliers & call around to pool stores - some sell refillable jugs of fresh stuff that’s usually 10-12%