Matt from Central Arkansas. Dow flake ice melt for calcium? 83-87% Cal Chloride

[mattrufus]

Just wondering if I can use this stuff? Previous owner left a big bag. If not, what should I use? What's the difference? I read another thread about this, but seemed more opinion and less fact. Has someone used snow melt for calcium for a long time. My main concern is the 13-17% that's not Cal Chlor. Also, if something else is recommended, what's it composition.

Thanks!

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

Yes, it is fine to use. More here, Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

 

[fields_g]

Ice melt works fine. I used this stuff from Amazon. Free Shipping, 94% Calcium Chloride. I premixed it in a bucket before adding it to the pool. Makes a nice steamy soup.

 

[pooldv]

Yeah, better not to premix it, it gets hot! See link above on how to add chems to a pool.

 

[mattrufus]

Thanks guys! I have added about 10 pounds already. Didn't seem to cause any problems. Maybe a little hit with water clarity. Probably gonna add another 15 pounds this weekend. Anyone else have a preferred product, let me know. I'll check out the recommended chemicals link.

 

[mattrufus]

Just read the recommended. I didn't know that the filter should be turned off when adding salt. I thought the circulation would aid mixing/ dissolving.

 

[pooldv]

Where did you see that? Here is what it says for salt

Salt can simply be dumped into the pool. Spread it around a bit with a brush so there aren't any large piles, and leave the pump running for 24 hours after adding salt. If you have a SWG, it should be turned off while you are adding salt and for the next 24 hours.

 

[mattrufus]

Didn't think through it. When we run our filter, the SWG kicks on. I'm sure I can turn it off and let the filter keep going. Sorry for the slip.
Didn't know the SWG had to be turned off either.

 

[pooldv]

Aha! That explains it. Yes, the salt tends to pool in high concentrations while it is dissolving and it isn't all that good for the SWG to have very high salt water going through it.

 

[mattrufus]

Speaking of bad SWGs, is there an easy way to tell if it's working? My chlorine seems to be lacking. My thought was boost it for 12 hours. If I don't show appropriate chlorine, there must be a problem. It's crazy how many testing strips I've been going through.
I must admit, I've been running it while adding salt. I think my system cuts it off when it's outside the workable range. I cleaned it a week ago and it looked great.