Is phosphate treatment my final answer???

[Meghanfoss]

Meghan,

Just want to confirm that the LED labeled "Cell" is green. If so, then cell should be making chlorine.

Just because the cell is 5.5 years old does not mean it is dead. I've replaced two in the last year or so. One was about 7 years old and the other about 9 years old.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Yes, the Cell LED is solid green! So it’s just weird that chlorine is dropping despite being at 100%

 

[Newdude]

Hey Megan !!!

Consider this about your phosphates. I am normally hardcore in the 'they don't matter' category. I'm usually one of the first ones singing to keep your FC up and they don't matter. Especially not the way the pool store vilifies 250 parts per *billion*.

But at some point, and it's a different POV for all of us (2k/3k/4k), you are all but begging the universe for a power failure during a local bleach shortage. Things happen even when we stay on top of the chemistry like hawks. Or a family emergency puts poolcare on the back burner. And if FC was to drop because of it, you'd have a runaway algae train with a high number of phosphates. Again. I'm talking actually high and in the multiple thousands. I wouldn't even think about it until 2k, but I'd be addressing it by 4k.

 

[Meghanfoss]

Hey Megan !!!

Consider this about your phosphates. I am normally hardcore in the 'they don't matter' category. I'm usually one of the first ones singing to keep your FC up and they don't matter. Especially not the way the pool store vilifies 250 parts per *billion*.

But at some point, and it's a different POV for all of us (2k/3k/4k), you are all but begging the universe for a power failure during a local bleach shortage. Things happen even when we stay on top of the chemistry like hawks. Or a family emergency puts poolcare on the back burner. And if FC was to drop because of it, you'd have a runaway algae train with a high number of phosphates. Again. I'm talking actually high and in the multiple thousands. I wouldn't even think about it until 2k, but I'd be addressing it by 4k.

Thank you for the input!! Pool store reading on 5/26 was 1513. I do not currently own a home test kit for this. With that reading, is it worth it to test for myself?

 

[Newdude]

! Pool store reading on 5/26 was 1513.

Riiiiiiiiiight. TDS, the most meaningless # in pool care was 4k+ that one stuck out in my head. Phosphates of under 2k wouldn't make me blink, much less buy a kit for it. Save the jug and it will come in handy eventually.

 

[Meghanfoss]

Riiiiiiiiiight. TDS, the most meaningless # in pool care was 4k+ that one stuck out in my head. Phosphates of under 2k wouldn't make me blink, much less buy a kit for it. Save the jug and it will come in handy eventually.

Haha! Noted!! Tucking this bottle away and probably in the market for a new cell. More tomorrow!

 

[Newdude]

Tucking this bottle away and probably in the market for a new cell.

I have faith in the cell. If my (and everybodies) well wishes don't work, try it as a last ditch effort before spending $1k.

 

[reggiehammond]

Evening update 7:40pm EST

FC - 6.6 (down from 8.4 this morning)
CC - 0.2

SWG has been running at 100% since about 9:15am and will continue to do so till tomorrow. Not much to analyze yet since we had a full day of sun but I’m interested to see if FC increases or stays the same overnight.

Stay tuned!!!

Is your pool in full sun all day? I've not tracked it very closely but I believe my pool (in full Texas sun all day) loses FC during day, but gains overnight. Curious to see your results after the dark hours to see if you are able to get back up to ~8.

 

[Meghanfoss]

Is your pool in full sun all day? I've not tracked it very closely but I believe my pool (in full Texas sun all day) loses FC during day, but gains overnight. Curious to see your results after the dark hours to see if you are able to get back up to ~8.

Pool is in full sun all day. We started a little cloudy this morning and ended a little cloudy this evening but a solid 8 hours was bright sunshine. I’m also interested to see what the numbers say tomorrow.

 

[ajw22]

Running at 100% a fully functioning cell should have given you enough FC to have no FC drop in full sun.

 

[Meghanfoss]

Running at 100% a fully functioning cell should have given you enough FC to have no FC drop in full sun.

Just to prepare myself should tomorrow’s numbers seal my fate, where would you suggest purchasing a replacement IC-40 from?

 

[ajw22]

Just to prepare myself should tomorrow’s numbers seal my fate, where would you suggest purchasing a replacement IC-40 from?

Wherever you can find one available. They appear to be scarce. Here are three reputable sites that say they have them in stock...

Pentair IntelliChlor Salt Replacement Cell | IC40 | EC-520555

Pentair IC40 IntelliChlor Replacement Salt Cell - Chlorine Generator | Leslie's Pool Supplies

The Pentair IntelliChlor IC40 Chlorine Salt Cell uses common table salt to produce all the chlorine a pool needs, safely, effectively and automatically.

lesliespool.com

https://intheswim.com/p/ec-520555---ic40-intellichlor-replacement-salt-cell---limited-warranty/387248.html

 

[Meghanfoss]

What you’ve all been waiting for! Morning results are in.

FC 6.2 (.4 loss)
CC 0.2

This is with SWG running at 100%. Time for a new cell…

 

[Jimrahbe]

Meghan,

To be honest, I was hoping you'd use the phosphate remover and see what effect it had.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

+1. Fire away with nothing else to lose.

 

[Meghanfoss]

Meghan,

To be honest, I was hoping you'd use the phosphate remover and see what effect it had.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Yes, I feel like you pool experts are very interested to see if it has any effect! I still might, but we are going away for the evening so for today I’ve just added a gallon of 10% LC to keep things at bay until I decide what to do.

 

[ajw22]

Give the phosphate remover a try and see if it kickstarts your old cell.

 

[ajw22]

Yes, I feel like you pool experts are very interested to see if it has any effect! I still might, but we are going away for the evening so for today I’ve just added a gallon of 10% LC to keep things at bay until I decide what to do.

You seem to understand your situation and have it under control.

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Meghanfoss]

You seem to understand your situation and have it under control.

Let us know how it turns out.

Will do! Thank you all SO much for the guidance and investment in the outcome of this problem. I have learned so dang much since joining this forum!

 

[Meghanfoss]

Ok I’m back. @Newdude @ajw22 @Jimrahbe I am thinking I might give the phosphate remover a fry. I wanted to confirm that my vac worked and it does. The only hesitancy is I have only ever vacuumed on the filter setting. I’ve never done it on the waste setting. What is the difference and what can I expect? What are you pro tips and advice? If I’m doing this I don’t want to be in over my head.

Appreciate any guidance!

 

[Newdude]

I’ve never done it on the waste setting. What is the difference and what can I expect

Do a practice run before adding so you know what to expect and that the waste setting works. Post a pic of the equipment so we can see of you need to attach a hose to the MPV, it's hard piped to the yard or sewer, or you have enough space to let it fly right from the filter.