Making the switch from BA to Chlorine

[Campmorrissey]

Hello, I am following the instructions of my local pool store in making the switch to chlorine (from BAQ), and they have me lowering the BAQ level to less than 10 ppm before I start adding chorine shock. I believe the goal is to minimize the "baqua-goo". To achieve this goal, I have been doing repeated cycles of adjusting my ph to 7.0, then adding 12 lbs of non-chlorine shock to my 15,000 gallon above ground 24 ft round pool. It costs me about $75 each time I do it, and after 2 cycles my BAQ levels have gone from 63 ppm (at opening) to around 50 ppm.

Question One: I have a case of Baquicil oxidizer that will go unused. It is a non-chlorine (hydogen peroxide) shock. Can I use that instead of buying a powder version?

Question 2: Is it worth the expense to avoid the baqua-goo? I have done a lot of research (how if found this amazingly helpful site) and no one else follows this protocol - they go straight to shock.

Appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

Convert Your Baqua Pool to Chlorine

This Step-by-step guide will help you transform your pool from Biguanide (Baquacil, SoftSwim hereafter referred to as Baqua) to chlorine. Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

Welcome to the forum!
Follow the above process. Many have used it successfully.
If reasonably possible, it is wise to drain down as much water that can be safely done with your type pool and refill with fresh water.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[Husky25]

The BQ oxidizer will go to waste. Bring it to your next community HHW disposal event and be done with it. Sunk cost.

How did the conversion go?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

You SHOULD NOT USE shock. If they are recommending you use dichlor shock, the added cyanuric acid (CYA) will slow the process down terribly. You will cause a giant mess. I suggest you ignore the pool store and follow the advice on this forum.

 

[anthonypool89]

The BQ oxidizer will go to waste. Bring it to your next community HHW disposal event and be done with it. Sunk cost.

Or...sell it. I've sold unopened and unused chemicals on eBay. Stuff sold within days. Only thing is you're supposed to label the packages correctly for hazardous materials (class 5 for oxidizers).

 

[Campmorrissey]

Took your great advice, followed the instructions on the forum, and now the pool is sparkling clean, using liquid chlorine ( no more Baquicil) and the pool store gave me a credit for the two cases of oxidizer! New floats! A happy ending!