Preparing for Salt Start Up -- Recently finished pool

[Macsalad]

Hey all,

Brand new here and am struggling to find answers, which may just be due to my inability to properly search. We recently had our pool redone at the beginning of May. We went from plaster to pebble with glass and also installed a SWG along with all brand new equipment. We were told to hold off on putting salt in for at least a month, and I'm trying to prepare to do that, but I want to make sure I have everything I need. I bought a Taylor K2006C kit when we initially bought the home in 2021, but never actually used it. We've been relying on a pool service, and I'm looking to make the switch and have a bunch of questions.

I read through my equipment's manuals and understand a bit of it, but here they are:

1. Should I buy a Taylor K-1766 Salt Test kit?
2. Do I need to turn the SWG on?
3. Is there a thread / previous post to point me in the right direction for dumping a bunch of salt in my pool? Seems like I need to test first, but I don't totally know what I'm looking for. I am looking to know what I don't know, if that makes sense.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
It would be a good idea to get a K1766 test kit. You do need to test the salinity of the existing pool water prior to adding salt.
How are you controlling the power to the Intellichlor power center? You need a timer or other device to be sure the power is OFF to the IC system when the pump is not running.
Read Salt - Further Reading
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[Macsalad]

Thanks for the response! I'll order the K1766, and I will definitely check out those links to get up to speed. The Intellichlor power center is connected to a timer, which isn't running right now. That timer is also connected to the filter, so I'm guessing once I actually set that, it will turn both on at the same time. Is that right?

 

[mknauss]

You show a VS pump. That type of pump should not be turned on and off via a timer. VS pumps have an onboard controller.

 

[Macsalad]

Ahh, you're right. I do have the onboard controller. This is a photo of the timer, which I assumed connected to both due to that labeling, but I think I mistook the "pool cleaner" label to mean "pump" when it's actually not referring to the pump.

 

[mknauss]

That implies your SWCG will only run when the booster pump for the pressure side cleaning system operates. That likely will not work well unless you run the booster pump for many hours each day.

 

[Macsalad]

yeah we typically have it running for 8-12 hours; would that still not be enough?

 

[mknauss]

Which Intellichlor do you have? IC20, 40? Please up date your signature with that information.

 

[pjt]

1. Should I buy a Taylor K-1766 Salt Test kit?

Yes. SpeedStir or similar device is highly recommended. What test kit do you normally use? (Add it to your signature.)

2. Do I need to turn the SWG on?

Don't turn the SWCG on until you've added salt, waited at least 24 hours with the pump on to evenly mix the salt, and tested the salt level with the K-1766. What model IntelliChlor do you have?

3. Is there a thread / previous post to point me in the right direction for dumping a bunch of salt in my pool? Seems like I need to test first, but I don't totally know what I'm looking for. I am looking to know what I don't know, if that makes sense.

Make sure you test your current salt level before adding any bags of salt. I'd suggest using Diamond Crystal Solar Naturals (blue bags). Use PoolMath to assist with the calculations: "Effects of Adding" --> "Salt". Pour the bags into the pool and brush it every couple minutes to help it dissolve. Should be completely dissolved in 20 minutes.

 

[Macsalad]

Which Intellichlor do you have? IC20, 40? Please up date your signature with that information.

I've got the IC40; I'll add it to my signature.

 

[Macsalad]

Yes. SpeedStir or similar device is highly recommended. What test kit do you normally use? (Add it to your signature.)


Don't turn the SWCG on until you've added salt, waited at least 24 hours with the pump on to evenly mix the salt, and tested the salt level with the K-1766. What model IntelliChlor do you have?


Make sure you test your current salt level before adding any bags of salt. I'd suggest using Diamond Crystal Solar Naturals (blue bags). Use PoolMath to assist with the calculations: "Effects of Adding" --> "Salt". Pour the bags into the pool and brush it every couple minutes to help it dissolve. Should be completely dissolved in 20 minutes.

Thanks for all this! Super helpful. I've got the Taylor K2006C but haven't actually used it. I chickened out and went with a pool service before we redid it.

 

[mknauss]

You can set the IC40 at 80% generation and use your 8-12 hour time frame. Early and late season 8 hours should be good, mid summer 12 hours will be needed.

Be sure to follow What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

 

[pjt]

I've got the Taylor K2006C but haven't actually used it.

That's a great test kit and will serve you well. Definitely get a SpeedStir or similar device. Are you going to take over pool care yourself?

 

[Macsalad]

You can set the IC40 at 80% generation and use your 8-12 hour time frame. Early and late season 8 hours should be good, mid summer 12 hours will be needed.

Be sure to follow What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Ok, that makes sense. Thank you!

 

[Macsalad]

That's a great test kit and will serve you well. Definitely get a SpeedStir or similar device. Are you going to take over pool care yourself?

Like the "Taylor Technologies 9265 SpeedStir"?
My plan is to take over pool care. I'm a little hesitant to do it during swim season, so I may wait until late fall to do so. I also just may take the plunge. I can't decide. I just don't want to ruin swim season because I'm learning the ropes.

 

[mknauss]

Your pool service will likely ignore the SWCG and continue to use trichlor and dichlor. Monitor them.

 

[pjt]

Like the "Taylor Technologies 9265 SpeedStir"?

Yes, that's exactly what you want.

I'm a little hesitant to do it during swim season, so I may wait until late fall to do so.

Once you master the basics, it's very easy (especially with a SWCG). You have a proper test kit, which is half the battle.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Macsalad]

Your pool service will likely ignore the SWCG and continue to use trichlor and dichlor. Monitor them.

Got it, will do. Thank you for your help!

 

[Macsalad]

Yes, that's exactly what you want.


Once you master the basics, it's very easy (especially with a SWCG). You have a proper test kit, which is half the battle.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.

www.troublefreepool.com

Yeah I read that it's easier with a salt cell. I feel like I'm fairly competent once I start to make sense of everything; it's just a bit intimidating to start. Thanks for sending those links over.

 

[mknauss]

DIY Pool Care: The Benefits of Taking Charge of Your Pool Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com