May the fun begin - conversion of 15 yr Baquacil pool

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

This weekend's tasks completed.
Uncovered and vacuumed debris to waste which also allowed me to exchange a few thousand gallons of old water. Still a little hazy but thats mostly stirred up debris. Backwashed the sand a couple times and the robot once. Brushed everything down, letting the robot go for another night spin.

1st pic is just after taking the cover off. Dumped a cup or two of 12% into the skimmer and pool.

Second pic is after vacuuming and letting the robot go on its first seek and destroy mission. That Dirt Devil (Tigershark, Aquabot clone) is on its 2nd motor and 2nd set of tracks. Keeps on going.

 

[Newdude]

 

[Leebo]

Assuming you added 2 cups it would have increased the FC to 11? Have you added any chlorine since then as that amount was likely consumed almost imminently?

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

That was on Saturday morning but it was only just a little to see the effects. I need to add a testing kit to the arsenal before I begin the siege.

 

[thefloatqueen]

Love these threads! I’ll be watching!

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

At dawn, I attack!

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

pH 7.2
TA 55-60
baquacil sanitizer 16-20ppm
CDX unknown
Baqucil Oxidizer unable to read

Adding 1.8 gallons of 12%

 

[Mdragger88]

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

1.8 gallons

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

1 hr in...
pH 7.2
FC 2
CC 4.5
TC 6.5
Added 1.5 gallons 12%

Lamotte colorQ 2x readings:
FC 2.8
TC 7.22

Picture is before adding 2nd dose.

 

[Leebo]

At the start you can likely test/dose even quicker than every hour as it appears you've got a fair amount of Baqua Sanitizer in the water. This high amount of Sanitizer means you're going to use a fair amount of chlorine at first and also explains the neat colors.

 

[Leebo]

I’ll add I would do nothing if my chlorine level is over 10 using the ColorQ. The results likely will not be accurate.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

11:00a
FC 4.5
CC 5.5
TC 11
Added 1.5 gallons 12%

Particles are now showing, surface scum appearing.

Will start brushing walls.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

I’ll add I would do nothing if my chlorine level is over 10 using the ColorQ. The results likely will not be accurate.

I wanted to see the difference between the two testing systems. I wont be using it until after this is completed. Once I get the pool balanced, will still use both to see the differences.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

12:00p
FC 8
CC 6
TC 14

Adding 1 gallon (pm states 3qts, 1c)

Walls brushed. White mold particles getting flushed out.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

1 pm
FC 7.5
CC 7
TC 14.4
Added 1 gallon 12%

2 pm
FC 8
CC 8
TC 16
pH 7.0-7.1
Added 1 gallon 12%
1.5 lbs dry soda (ph +)

Had to backwash as gunk is getting more prevalent. Surface with scattered debris.

 

[kellyfair]

Omg, finally! I’ve never seen step by step photos of a conversion before! Look at the color - trippy!

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Forgive for I have been busy...
Its been a couple hours since my last... con... conversation post. Had to make a run to the pool store, didn't want to run out of magic juice.

4pm
FC 7.5
CC 5
TC 12.5
Added 1 gallon 12%
Lots of nasty goop, was able to skim/net some off the top. Pressure good with old Sandy since the 2pm short backwash.

5pm
FC 13.5 (highest so far today)
CC 7
TC 20.5
Pool math stated only 2-3 cups... go big or go home right, gave it 1/2 gallon 12%

Still debris above and below surface. Still can't see a foot down yet. Hand sorta disappears when I grab a sample.

 

[kellyfair]

Pea soup - it’s what’s for dinner!

 

[Mdragger88]

The way that changes colors has me worried about your sample hand