Having to chlorinate everyday - is that normal?

[Skurzban]

Hi - I have to add chlorine everyday just to maintain at least 2.0 FC - which seems too frequent. I use mostly liquid chlorine but sometimes use powder without CYA. Background: CYA is high (90) but I am managing that down, pH is 7.7, TA: 100, phosphates are low (<100). Temp is high 80s and I use a solar cover which covers the pool all of the time except when swimming. Pool is 17000 gallons but has no deep end - average depth is about 4 - 4.5 ft. If I do not keep chlorine over at least 2.0 I start to get mustard colored algae growth in some areas. Higher chlorine levels keep that from coming back. When the pool is cold in the winter I only need to chlorinate once per week if that, but in the summer it's a daily function to avoid algae growth - is this normal?

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
Replenishing the FC in your water during summer is a daily requirement. Your solar cover reduces the FC loss, but does not eliminate it.
I suggest you do some reading in Pool School. If your CYA is 90, your FC of 2 is very low. See FC/CYA Levels
How are you testing your pool water chemistry?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[Palpatine]

Howdy neighbor,

I don't have a solar cover... but on these hot valley days I need to put in a gallon of 12.5% cl to maintain proper cl levels. Do yourself a favor and read ALL the items that @mknauss suggested... you'll thank him later.

 

[Skurzban]

Welcome to the forum!
Replenishing the FC in your water during summer is a daily requirement. Your solar cover reduces the FC loss, but does not eliminate it.
I suggest you do some reading in Pool School. If your CYA is 90, your FC of 2 is very low. See FC/CYA Levels
How are you testing your pool water chemistry?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

Thank you - still coming around to this as I have been managing the "pool store way" for a long time so a FC level of 7 - 10 makes me cringe - but I am getting there. Question - if i get it to 10 with a CYA of 90, would it remain there longer than when it is lower or would it be the same daily add?

 

[mknauss]

You will lose about the same FC each day. But at least the pool water will be sanitary.

 

[Bvacchiano]

Or you could buy an SWG and not have to worry about dumping LC in your pool everyday. That’s worth every penny..