Opening a Bromine pool with no pump

cheesehead · May 19, 2011

We opened our pool this Tuesday and went to fire up our pump only to find it seized up. So after researching I found a replacement pump (Sta-Rite Super Max 1.5 HP 2 Speed). I ordered it today but it will take 3-5 business days to get here. So in the mean time I have no circulation in the pool.

I have been adding fresh water to bring the water levels up to where they need to be. But I am worried about my water turning into a green blob without having any circulation.

Last season (our first pool season in this house) we used Bromine in our pool. According to another thread I started I cannot convert a bromine pool over to chlorine short of a complete drain. But I was informed I can use chlorine to help boost my levels when needed.

So should I go ahead and use some chlorine to shock the pool and keep the levels high until I get the new pump installed? If so what levels should I shoot to maintain?

I just purchased the TF-100 test kit in anticipation of converting over to chlorine before I found out this is not possible. Will this kit still be useful for a bromine pool?

I realize I am all over with my questions and if I should direct some of them into different sub forums please let me know. I am new here and I am not quite sure on the posting etiquette as of yet.

I would like to take this time and thank all of you for a great and informative website. You all will certainly make my and all my swimmers summer much more enjoyable!! :party:

JasonLion · May 19, 2011

You can add chlorine to boost the bromine level, but you need to do something to mix it in thoroughly. I suggest pouring it in while walking around the pool and then brushing the entire pool to mix it in.

cheesehead · May 19, 2011

JasonLion said:
You can add chlorine to boost the bromine level, but you need to do something to mix it in thoroughly. I suggest pouring it in while walking around the pool and then brushing the entire pool to mix it in.

Are there certain levels I should look to maintain?

JamesW · May 19, 2011

cheesehead said:
I just purchased the TF-100 test kit in anticipation of converting over to chlorine before I found out this is not possible. Will this kit still be useful for a bromine pool?

Yes, you can use the FAS-DPD chlorine test for bromine. Just multiply the chlorine result by 2.25 to get the bromine result. Maintain about 5 to 7 ppm at all times.

cheesehead · May 20, 2011

JamesW said:
cheesehead said:

I just purchased the TF-100 test kit in anticipation of converting over to chlorine before I found out this is not possible. Will this kit still be useful for a bromine pool?

Click to expand...

Yes, you can use the FAS-DPD chlorine test for bromine. Just multiply the chlorine result by 2.25 to get the bromine result. Maintain about 5 to 7 ppm at all times.

Thanks!

JasonLion · May 20, 2011

{EDIT}To measure total bromine you measure FC and multiply by 2.25. There is no need to measure CC.{/EDIT}

dmanb2b · May 20, 2011

Taylor also sells R0872 which you can use to perform the FAS-DPD test, but what JamesW suggested will help you use up the R0871 you have in the TF100 for now :goodjob: