Getting Ready for SWG

[rinaldok]

Hey everyone, I decided to try out the Inyo PureLine 40,000 SWG. I'm getting my water chemistry dialed in before I install the SWG. I also plan on adding borates -- I struggle with keeping the pH down. My fill water is about 7.6-7.7 (I honestly can't get a good visual distinction).

My test logs: PoolMath Logs

I know I will need to increase CYA and possibly bump the CH and TA up a little, but if I'm going to add borates, where should I be ideally?

I also know I'll need to bump up the salt, but I started on the low side and I'll increment it up slowly once I have the SWG installed so I don't overshoot.

 

[Mr Bruce]

I see your Salt measurement, is that from a K-1766 or test strips or something different? My only recommendation was going to the 1766 but if you already have one ~never mind~!

 

[rinaldok]

I have salt strips and the K-1766. The strips read higher, if I remember I think it was around 3200 or so. The K-1766 gave me 2800. I'll see how the next test looks, but I'd rather be a little low as it's easier to add.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Our recommendation on borates is to wait... Run the SWCG for a few months and see how well your pH does with TA in the 60 to 80 range first..

Then if necessary add the borates.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[rinaldok]

Our recommendation on borates is to wait... Run the SWCG for a few months and see how well your pH does with TA in the 60 to 80 range first..

My decision to add borates was based on last year's results. Now, there was no SWG last year, I was manually adding liquid chlorine, but I was adding appx. 16-20oz of acid every 2 days because I was always 7.8+ and my TA was 70 all season.

It's my understanding that the SWG will drive some pH rise on its own just due to the aeration that occurs across the plates.

What are the drawbacks to the borates, why the recommendation to wait?

 

[rinaldok]

Anything more on this?

 

[mknauss]

Do not add any CH. Your fill water will raise your CH quite rapidly due to evaporation.

TA is what drives your pH. If you add borates, the pH rise will slow, but when you need to add acid, you will still need to add the same volume of acid you would have cumulatively. So up to you. Do have your TA at 60 or 70 before adding borates.

 

[rinaldok]

My fill water is softened. The water here is extremely hard so there is no way I'd be able to keep the CH below 450 with straight city water. With the softened water I can control the CH as needed.

My TA is currently 50 and I'm hitting 8.0 pH every 2 days. If I can slow that rise down with borates then it seems like it's worth it. The previous suggestion was not to, and I was curious what the negatives were.

 

[jackrogue]

Aloha!
My updated equipment (see my signature) was installed today --- as I transition to a salt water pool.
Can anyone recommend THE top-rated accurate Digital Pool Water Test Kit?