CYA for salt pools

[Poolero]

I know that SWG pools need higher CYA levels, close to 70 while bleach pools only need levels of 30. Why is that? It's seems like its a major PITA to drop these levels if you need to SLAM a salty pool.

Thanks.

 

[PoolStored]

I know that SWG pools need higher CYA levels, close to 70 while bleach pools only need levels of 30. Why is that? It's seems like its a major PITA to drop these levels if you need to SLAM a salty pool.

1. TFPers don't let algae into their pools
2. 30-50 is easy slam for a Liquid Chlorine pool.
3. 70 extends the life of the cell because it doesn't have to work as hard at 70 (saving $$$)
4. SWCG makes chlorine continuously, so the likelihood that it drops to minimum is low
5. Yes, it makes the slam harder, but with continuous chlorine, less likely that your FC drops low enough needed to slam.

 

[EmilyOTR]

it has to do with SWG releasing small amounts of chlorine at a time or something, I'm not the person that should explain this, however I will say I have been using TFP methods since I've owned my pool and have never needed to SLAM....

 

[Texas Splash]

On the flip side, I would also add that down here in my area, before I went to salt, I still had to maintain a CYA of 60-70 when I used liquid. The heat is just too intense and a CYA of 50 didn't cut it.

By contrast, some salt pool type/locations can get away with a lower CYA of 50-60 because of being partially covered and/or very low amount of intense sunlight.

But in general, the elevated CYA helps the SWG work efficiently. The thought of a SLAM is always out there regardless. We do our best to avoid that by being vigilant TFP pool owners who know their chemistry.

 

[PieterS]

SWCG makes chlorine continuously, so the likelihood that it drops to minimum is low

So I've been curious about this point for a few seasons - and maybe this is where all pools are different. For my small 5000 gallon above-ground pool, I only have an SWCG that is on or off - and as such I only need to run it 3 to 4 hours per day depending on time of year. I don't really consider that 'continuously' - that's more like a traditional liquid chlorine pool that gets a shot of chlorine once a day.

 

[PoolStored]

So I've been curious about this point for a few seasons - and maybe this is where all pools are different. For my small 5000 gallon above-ground pool, I only have an SWCG that is on or off - and as such I only need to run it 3 to 4 hours per day depending on time of year. I don't really consider that 'continuously' - that's more like a traditional liquid chlorine pool that gets a shot of chlorine once a day.

Yep! There are many strategies to chlorinate, yours is a great one if your pool stays in range up the to point you turn it on!