May the fun begin - conversion of 15 yr Baquacil pool

[Flying Tivo]

You may need a deep cleaning of the sand filter as the Baqua Goo might still be trapped in the sand and making you loose FC.

 

[jseyfert3]

pH doesn't want to rise much even though I have added baking soda a few times in small increments the past 24-48 hrs. Have not tested Alkalinity since starting the process. Will run that test tonight.

Just for future reference, baking soda only very slightly raises pH directly. This is why it's not listed as a chemical for raising pH within PoolMath. Baking soda primarily raises TA, and with a higher TA and aeration the pH will rise over time. But without aeration there won't be much pH rise, and certainly not much immediately.

For immediate pH rise you need borax (which is limited in usage as you don't want too many borates in the water) or washing soda. Washing soda will add TA but also give an immediate increase in pH. I believe products sold as "pH+" are washing soda. Washing soda can be found in some stores in the laundry aisle, or fun fact, you can make washing soda by baking baking soda in your oven for a couple of hours.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

You may need a deep cleaning of the sand filter as the Baqua Goo might still be trapped in the sand and making you loose FC.

I have a brand new Hayward Ec65 DE ready when its time.

 

[mguzzy]

This is so cool! why is this thread not tagged as a feature!

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Day 6 comes to an end.
Water very clear, minimal debris visible like some dirt or sand. Haven't seen any of the goo or white mold today.

At 730pm, FC was maybe at 1. Added 1.5 gallons of 12.5% superjuice per poolmath. Brushed the sides, steps, ledges, corners. Dropped in the robot, seen in the pictures. Water surface distorted due to rain again today. We had frost overnight and its still jacket weather up this way.

10pm. Robot still running which helps stir things up while performing its duties.
FC at 15 - 15.5
CC 1.5 - 2
pH up now to 7.5
Alkalinity up to 85-90

Good night all. Thanks for all the encouragement and advice.

 

[kellyfair]

Guess I shouldn’t rub in our summer weather here, huh?

Don’t bother with PH test while your chlorine is high, it won’t be accurate. Here’s to no more goo!

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Guess I shouldn’t rub in our summer weather here, huh?

Don’t bother with PH test while your chlorine is high, it won’t be accurate. Here’s to no more goo!

Best part of early pool weather such as this, its not my fault they cant swim. Air temp in the 50's, pool barely hitting 60 since the heater isn't tuned on yet.

 

[Mdragger88]

I can totally see your robot!! What a transformation

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

This morning at 6:30, FC has dropped only 2 points to an FC of 13. CC is hovering around 1.5-2. Added about 3 cupish (3 or 4 dips of the gallon jug of 12.5% just shy of 1/2 gallon)

Very clean and clear except for a few scuba diving worms to forgot their diving gear.

 

[Texas Splash]

Great progress!

 

[cowboycasey]

your getting close

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

By 1030pm last night, it had dropped to 1 or .5 FC and CC was at 1. We had sunshine and heavy storms, even had to repair some fence panel. I added the recommended pool math 12.5% juice before calling it a night. That makes 26 gallons of 12.5% this week to convert.

Day 8. This moring as I post this, its a breezy 37 #@$&#$@ degrees outside while I am prepping a pool? Its ohio.

Anyways, FC this morning is 14.5, CC is 1-1.5 range. Pool is crystal clear, sand filter pressure is normal. Lots of debris from the storms in the pool so the robot will have some work today.

 

[cowboycasey]

your getting really close... I wonder how much goo is left in your filter.. It may be the reason your getting the 1.5 cc

 

[Leebo]

Did you try an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test last night?

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Did you try an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test last night?

Unfortunately, after 1030p addition of chlorine, I didnt test. I was busy preparing the AMG for prom night. I either forgot or tired. I will do that tonight.

I do have a new filter to install at some point so it may be time for that.

 

[Leebo]

I do have a new filter to install at some point so it may be time for that.

I can’t remember, you’re gonna switch to a sand or DE filter?

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

I can’t remember, you’re gonna switch to a sand or DE filter?

DE. Hayward EC65.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

From above.

 

[Leebo]

Switching to a DE filter at this point is ALOT less risky than to a sand filter. That said, there’s still good odds you’ve got some BaquaGoo in your water, but it’s decreasing greatly. If it were I a very good brushing including around all lights, returns, skimmers, and ladders is in the plans for today. During my conversion I went as far as taking a toothbrush around all the cracks and crevices to really get everything.

Try for a good OCLT tonight, as I do suspect you’re close.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Again, thanks for all the comments or advice.