Fairly new pool owner in AZ and going on vacation for 2 weeks this summer.

Drakesplace

New member
Apr 1, 2022
3
Buckeye az
Morning! I’ve so much appreciated this site as it has taught me to do my own pool balancing for first time in my pool life. Pool has been up 7 months here in phoenix and has been rock solid following all the TFP principles. I am leaving for 2 weeks and no pool company does temp service in my area and no friend that I could rely on to step in. My question is can I just put some pucks in the skimmer basket and make sure PH is on the lower side as I leave (as I add acid regularly here in AZ). Any advice would be appreciated
 
My question is can I just put some pucks in the skimmer basket and make sure PH is on the lower side as I leave (as I add acid regularly here in AZ).
Don't put tabs in the skimmer basket. Use a floater. They are acidic which should also help a little with the pH. If you don't have a pool cover, the sun may take all the FC though. Even if you increase the FC to SLAM level as you walk out the door, it probably won't last for two weeks. It should would be good if you could have someone do a liquid chlorine dump mid-way through your vacation.
 
Do you have an SWG? If so, just turn it a bit higher than normal before you leave and lower your PH to 7.2 or 7.3 and you should be fine.

Another solution is to do a SLAM just before you leave. You need to lower your PH to 7.2 or so before the SLAM. Then set your SWG to it's normal setting. Chlorine will still be high when you get back, and it will still be crystal clear.

I've done both of these on two different trips - no issues either time.
 
Here’s my salt pool vacation checklist:

Bump up chlorine output slightly
Balance chems
Set water at normal level
Close skimmer completely
Open main drain
Turn off heater
Put in frog log
Lock gates
 
Do you have an SWG? If so, just turn it a bit higher than normal before you leave and lower your PH to 7.2 or 7.3 and you should be fine.

Another solution is to do a SLAM just before you leave. You need to lower your PH to 7.2 or so before the SLAM. Then set your SWG to it's normal setting. Chlorine will still be high when you get back, and it will still be crystal clear.

I've done both of these on two different trips - no issues either time.
thanks...no I don't have a SWG...I just test daily and use 10% liquid bleach as needed. Sounds like the best situation for the comments is to start out before we leave with PH around 7.2...use the floater and some tabs and I'll arm twist a friend to come by after 1 week to at least do a quick test and add chlorine or acid as needed.
 
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