CYA Sock Method and Skimmer question

[ngc4900]

Hello

I have a new pool and today we had our “new pool” orientation with the tech who works with the pool builder. I have spent a lot of time reading about adding CYA using the sock method on the forums here at TFP. I asked the tech how they add CYA to a pool like mine and he informed me that they simply add undissolved CYA granules to the skimmer. I AM NOT DOING THAT!

After explaining the sock method to him, he stated that I should take the basket OUT of the skimmer and place the sock/CYA in the skimmer directly (without the basket). Furthermore, he stated that in addition to the CYA/Sock, I should place another sock (empty) into the hole in the skimmer closest to the pool in effect plugging this hole. This is the part I do not understand. I have attached a pic showing my skimmer and the holes at the bottom. My understanding is that the hole closed to the house goes directly to the pump. However, I am not sure what the other hole (closet to the pool) does. I thought it takes water from the main drain and dumps it into the skimmer, but I could be wrong.

I guess my question is why would I in plug up the hole closed to the pool in order to facilitate adding chemicals into the skimmer? Am I correct in assuming I can simply put the sock/CYA into the skimmer basket and be done with it not worrying about the holes at the base of the skimmer? Also, when using the sock method, do you have to go to the return valves at the pump and turn off the valve for the main drain return in order to facilitate/enhance suction at the skimmer? TIA

 

[ajw22]

Ugh, don't listen to your pool guy.

Put the sock in the skimmer basket.

You don't want the skimmer suction to be too high that it rips the sock or sucks it into the pipe. Both of which has happened to members.

The other hole if for your main drain and just leave it in its normal position.

Squeeze the sock every few hours to release what has dissolved.

What RPM is your pump running at? Get a good speed going with good flow through the skimmer to dissolve and circulate the stabilizer.

 

[ngc4900]

Thanks, I have a VSP running at 75% (Medium setting) , not sure of the exact RPM. I could turn it up to High setting which would be 90%.

 

[Texas Splash]

Sometimes the advice we hear from pool techs and such are unbelievable.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

It's best practice not to even remove your skimmer basket while the pump is running. Not sure why the tech wants you to throw a sock in there.

Squeezing and massaging the sock will greatly accelerate the process. A nylon footie or knee-high works best. Limit the amount of CYA to about 2 lbs. per sock. I about 6 pounds last week in cold water. The CYA dissolved in about 30-45 minutes using this method.

 

[ajw22]

See how it dissolves at medium speed. No rush.

 

[ngc4900]

I called my pool builder. Update on the "hole closest to the pool", it is connected to the adjacent "auto fill" evaporation system NOT the main drain. It simply a U-Shaped channel allowing replacement water generated by the auto fill system to enter the pool though the skimmer. So I guess he was worried that CYA granules would get stuck in the hole/channel assuming one was pouring un-dissolved CYA granules directly into the skimmer..... which is obviously not the sock method.

 

[Newdude]

It's much warmer by you than by me but when it's cool, I let the 'carrot on a stick' soak for a full day because it takes longer and I can't be bothered to fiddle with it. The next day it squishes right out and time wasnt of the essence. I will even swim it around when it's warmer out.

I have a large pool and need alot so I tie up a tshirt but multiple socks works too. @Jimrahbe likes ladies knee highs but I'm not sure what that has to do with anything. Anywho, there's 100 ways to skin this cat.