[Edit:Added paragraph breaks to make it easier on the eyes:Butterfly] 
I've had my pool for years now, using the Baquacil system as I was sold in the beginning. Each year, I seem to have more problems with a green or cloudy pool. Thus, I came to find this forum. For several reasons, I am ready to convert.
I've read numerous posts here of people who are satisfied after converting, and I'm also hoping I can keep my pool maintenance costs lower than what I have been spending each pool season.
I've ordered the TF-100 test kit, and been using that to get my PH levels in check. I think my husband has successfully gotten the pool down to a PH of 7.2 now. We seem to have always had high PH levels, and with guidance of the pool store guys, we've always lowered PH, added calcium hardness increaser, and done the Baquacil maintenance.
This year, the pool went green not long after July 4th, and it's been a constant battle since. I haven't added any Baqua products to it in about 2 weeks, in preparation for the conversion (and since I was headed out on vacation) but I have kept the filter running. When we went to get more sand for the filter, the pool store guys started talking to us about premium algaecide, some kind of oxidizer than will enhance the pool, phosphate removers, etc. I declined anything, saying I'd bring the water to be tested, and bought the sand.
If I can steer clear of the pool stores, that would be great as it's a 45 minute drive one way for me, and I seem to spend too much with little results. They also said there would probably be MORE problems with algae or whatever if I switch my pool to chlorine. I'm still wlling to try. i've looked around at pool school articles, the calculator, etc. Just need to stock up on bleach.
My main questions are: 1.) when is conversion complete? 2.) After its complete, do I add CYA to help keep chlorine levels stable (pool is in full sun all day), 3.) When will it be safe to swim in again?, &4.) will i need to test calcium hardness and increase it (I've found conflicting info for vinyl pools). Thanks!!
I've had my pool for years now, using the Baquacil system as I was sold in the beginning. Each year, I seem to have more problems with a green or cloudy pool. Thus, I came to find this forum. For several reasons, I am ready to convert.
I've read numerous posts here of people who are satisfied after converting, and I'm also hoping I can keep my pool maintenance costs lower than what I have been spending each pool season.
I've ordered the TF-100 test kit, and been using that to get my PH levels in check. I think my husband has successfully gotten the pool down to a PH of 7.2 now. We seem to have always had high PH levels, and with guidance of the pool store guys, we've always lowered PH, added calcium hardness increaser, and done the Baquacil maintenance.
This year, the pool went green not long after July 4th, and it's been a constant battle since. I haven't added any Baqua products to it in about 2 weeks, in preparation for the conversion (and since I was headed out on vacation) but I have kept the filter running. When we went to get more sand for the filter, the pool store guys started talking to us about premium algaecide, some kind of oxidizer than will enhance the pool, phosphate removers, etc. I declined anything, saying I'd bring the water to be tested, and bought the sand.
If I can steer clear of the pool stores, that would be great as it's a 45 minute drive one way for me, and I seem to spend too much with little results. They also said there would probably be MORE problems with algae or whatever if I switch my pool to chlorine. I'm still wlling to try. i've looked around at pool school articles, the calculator, etc. Just need to stock up on bleach.
My main questions are: 1.) when is conversion complete? 2.) After its complete, do I add CYA to help keep chlorine levels stable (pool is in full sun all day), 3.) When will it be safe to swim in again?, &4.) will i need to test calcium hardness and increase it (I've found conflicting info for vinyl pools). Thanks!!
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