Just had a new pool heater installed last month after the original gave out (only use it to heat the spa) - got our money's worth we have been told.
To get the most of out of the new one, we were told to keep the pH in check and also the chlorine. After getting red readings on the chlorine level, I took a sample in and got the results. FAC 10; TAC 10; Calcium Hardness 250; CYA 150; TA 110 and pH 7.2
Several years ago, we drained approx. 1/3 of the water to repair some spots where rebar was showing through the gunite and to repair some of the tile work. The CYA was better after that but I started having trouble with mustard algae a few summers ago. Used PhosFree the last two summers on a weekly basis and it did keep the mustard algae down to a minimum. I have always used the 3" chlorine tablets but after reading on the forum - I will switch to liquid chlorine or liquid bleach in the future!
My question - the pool math says I need to drain 73% of my water to get the CYA down!!! That will cost me a fortune with the utility company - is there any other way? Will it hurt the heater if I do it gradually instead?? We have had NO sunshine here lately but it is Texas, so that will change shortly. I know that would be a really slow process but is it the only answer? I read some good (but mostly poor) ratings on Bio-Active, so not sure that is a solution either!
Did using the PhosFree cause this or just the 3" tablets over the life of the pool? The water is crystal clear and has never been green or cloudy
To get the most of out of the new one, we were told to keep the pH in check and also the chlorine. After getting red readings on the chlorine level, I took a sample in and got the results. FAC 10; TAC 10; Calcium Hardness 250; CYA 150; TA 110 and pH 7.2
Several years ago, we drained approx. 1/3 of the water to repair some spots where rebar was showing through the gunite and to repair some of the tile work. The CYA was better after that but I started having trouble with mustard algae a few summers ago. Used PhosFree the last two summers on a weekly basis and it did keep the mustard algae down to a minimum. I have always used the 3" chlorine tablets but after reading on the forum - I will switch to liquid chlorine or liquid bleach in the future!
My question - the pool math says I need to drain 73% of my water to get the CYA down!!! That will cost me a fortune with the utility company - is there any other way? Will it hurt the heater if I do it gradually instead?? We have had NO sunshine here lately but it is Texas, so that will change shortly. I know that would be a really slow process but is it the only answer? I read some good (but mostly poor) ratings on Bio-Active, so not sure that is a solution either!
Did using the PhosFree cause this or just the 3" tablets over the life of the pool? The water is crystal clear and has never been green or cloudy