New Pool Owner, convert to SWG now or wait until next year?

[NJnoob]

Hi folks. After purchasing a home with an inground pool in the winter, I am now a clueless pool owner. I like the idea of a salt water pool, but I'm wondering if there is any advantage/disadvantage to waiting a year before doing that? I was going to sign up to make the switch but changed my mind because when the pool was opened last weekend, the pool company said my DE grids were all crumbling at the bottom and since my filter is so old (20 years), it should be replaced. I contacted my Home Warranty company to replace the filter and they only replace the grids if the filter is functioning. The company I used to open the pool said they'd give me a discount on the labor if I used them to replace the filter and install a PureChlor SWG. So now I'm thinking I'll just get the grids replaced for free via the warranty and see if my filter will last this season, and then spend the money to upgrade both at the start of next season.

The previous owner also left me about 70 chlorine pucks, although I have no idea how long they'll last, I figure they'll be useful for the two times this summer I'll be away from the house for a week with no one around to dump bleach in the pool.

Also, not sure if it has any impact to the decision, but I tested my pool chemistry last night for the first time with 2 kits that were left by the previous owner, and here are the results:

First Test Kit:
FC - 1
pH - 8.4
TA - 180
TH - 400
CYA - 100

Second Test Kit:
FC - 2
TC - 3
TA - 120
pH - 8
TH - 800+

Clearly I need a more accurate test kit either way ;-) Once I decide if I'm sticking with chlorine this year or going to saltwater, I'll order the TF-100.

 

[drharris]

Welcome!

I'd go ahead and order that TF-100 now. Whether you go bleach or SWG, you'll need to know the same numbers!

If the previous owner has been using pucks, you probably have a partial pool drain in your future. They likely added a lot of CYA over time, which is probably resulting in your pool not being nearly sanitized enough. Regardless of the SWG question, you probably need to perform a SLAM, or at least an OCLT to verify you have some organics growing. I would bet you do. You'll need the better test kit for this procedure.

If those test kits are reasonably in-date, the pH test is at least somewhat reliable even in the cheaper kits. I'd say you probably want to lower it a bit even blindly, but since you will probably have a water replacement in your future this may not matter. Replacement first, correct pH, then SLAM, then adjust other numbers.

Now, as to your SWG question - you have time to decide if you want. Many people like to start out with bleach, understand their pool chemistry, and then convert to SWG to save time on manual dosage. Others recognize their own limitations in terms of daily chores, and use an SWG as a safety net. Others need an SWG because they may travel for days at a time. There's a few things to realize - it won't save you money (vs. bleach), it won't prevent having to test levels daily, and when they break you may be unprepared for very quick FC loss resulting in algae breaks. But, they save some work and ensure your levels at least maintain a good minimum, giving you some breathing room. And no weird looks because of purchasing massive grocery carts full of bleach.

Personally, I'd get the grids replaced under warranty, and install the SWG myself - if you're remotely good with plumbing. If you're not, then getting the package deal may be the way to go. I find the SWG is worth it. Others enjoy measuring bleach every day. It's more a lifestyle choice than anything else.

 

[NJnoob]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated! I went ahead and ordered the test kit.