"High" Chlorine Levels Issues

[AmyCJeff]

So....I have been meaning to ask this TWO-FOLD question for a while in regards to Chlorine Levels. I think there was a post about this, but I cannot seem to find with my KEY Word searches. If someone can link it that would be great! so here goes:

1) The pool plaster guy commented to me that I am running my Chlorine too high and that doing that can cause damage to the plaster and equipment. From everything I have read on TFP, he is not correct. On the flip side...I obviously don't recall EVERYTHING I read here on TFP, so I might be wrong

For Reference my CYA = 50, so recommended FC = 4-8. During the summer I try to keep it at 10-15 (SLAM = 20). That is because my FC burns off at 4-5 PPM PER DAY in the summer, so I like to give myself a little buffer in case I skip a day or two adding chemicals. As long as I am below SLAM, maintaining a higher FC level does not damage anything, correct?

2) Does the FC burn off at a higher rate the higher the FC level is in the pool? Meaning, maybe I am causing my own vicious cycle problem? If I try to maintain a FC of 15.....I will burn 5 PPM per day. BUT, if I aimed at a FC level = 8, it would burn maybe only 3-4 PPM per day.

Thank you in advance,

 

[mknauss]

As long as I am below SLAM, maintaining a higher FC level does not damage anything, correct?

Correct

Does the FC burn off at a higher rate the higher the FC level is in the pool?

Yes

 

[AmyCJeff]

Correct

Yes

Thanks for the reply! Ok...so I was right about it being OK to run higher FC levels Flipside...I have been my own worst enemy in regards to Chlorine consumption. I knew I was doing something wrong....lol

 

[mknauss]

Plaster longevity is effected by CSI. Lower than -0.3 for long periods of time can cause plaster damage.

Plaster staining is caused by metals. We do have iron in our fill water. So if you see some areas that appear stained, try using some crushed vitamin C tablets in a thin sock on them.

As I use a water softener for fill water, I do not drain our pool very often. Last time was 4 years, and I could tell I was getting some light iron stains. I did an ascorbic acid treatment and drained the pool.

 

[Mdragger88]

Amy, it may also help to raise your cya to 60 in the sunny Nevada summer to help lower the amount of fc lost to uv. So long as you maintain adequate fc for your cya you’re good to go.

 

[pjt]

I like to give myself a little buffer in case I skip a day or two adding chemicals.

Have you considered a SWCG? It would be perfect for you.