How long before chlorine level is measurable in new SWG pool

[aaroncp]

We just set up and filled a Coleman 26' x 52" pool. I'm using a sand filter and SWG (both Intex). I have been running the two for about 18 hours now and the chlorine levels are all still zero. Shouldn't it be something by now?

This is my first pool and am wondering if I'm doing it right. How do I know the SWG is working other than the green light and timer countdown?

Thanks

 

[kellyfair]

Hey there. SWGs are great for maintaining chlorine once you have some in there, but in the beginning you should use liquid chlorine (bleach) to boost your chlorine to where it should be. I’m assuming you are using a kit to test your water?

 

[proavia]

As Kelly mentioned, use liquid chlorine to get theFC level up to the target level based on your CYA - [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA].

Have you added any stabilizer and what is your CYA level?
What testkit are you using?

Post a complete set of test results...
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Water temperature

Please fill out your signature - EditSignature - to include pool info... size in gallons, equipment type and model numbers, etc. Look at my signature and others for examples of what to include. This way, we won't need to ask you what you have each time you post.

 

[tomfrh]

If you have enough salt I’d expect 18 hrs to give a reading.

My SWG boosts my FC by 0.3ppm an hour.

 

[kabutotx]

Add liquid chlorine to get to your target and make sure it can stay there. Best is to do an Pool School - Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT) with the SWG off.
If you have algae in the pool it can use the chlorine approximately 4X faster than a SWG can make it.

 

[Richard320]

If you haven't added CYA, the chlorine will all burn off in the sun about as fast as it's generated.

 

[AimeeH]

+1 on what Richard said. If you haven't added any CYA (typically sold as stabilizer) your chlorine is likely being burned off by sunlight as fast as your SWG can produce. I agree with others you should supplement initially with liquid chlorine at first.

Welcome to pool ownership. Have you had the chance to look at the articles in pool school linked above? Lots to digest. Take a look and ask questions.

 

[shoot-straight]

as others have suggested- add bleach, then use the SWG to maintain. learned that the hard way too. use the pool math function to find out how much to add.

 

[aaroncp]

As Kelly mentioned, use liquid chlorine to get theFC level up to the target level based on your CYA - [FC/CYA][/FC/CYA].

Have you added any stabilizer and what is your CYA level?
What testkit are you using?

Post a complete set of test results...
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Water temperature

Please fill out your signature - EditSignature - to include pool info... size in gallons, equipment type and model numbers, etc. Look at my signature and others for examples of what to include. This way, we won't need to ask you what you have each time you post.

I'll post the full test results when I get home. And I did edit my signature, it was the first thing I did before posting. I don't know why it's not showing.

 

[aaroncp]

as others have suggested- add bleach, then use the SWG to maintain. learned that the hard way too. use the pool math function to find out how much to add.

I added the calculated amount of bleach this morning. Will test later tonight when I get back home.

 

[domct203]

I added the calculated amount of bleach this morning. Will test later tonight when I get back home.

For future reference, you can check the FC in 15-20 minutes of the addition. Just be sure to leave the pump running to get the water mixed.

Which test kit are you using?

 

[aaroncp]

For future reference, you can check the FC in 15-20 minutes of the addition. Just be sure to leave the pump running to get the water mixed.

Which test kit are you using?

Oh I didn't realize I could test so soon after addition. I basically had time to add the chlorine and run out to work this morning though. Lol

I'm using Clorox Smart Test Strips.