SLAM or Crank Up Chlorinator 100%?

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Blue Horse

LifeTime Supporter
Nov 5, 2015
92
Fremont, Ca
During the last 2~3 years, every April I started to notice a coat of yellow/green algae at my pool surface. I followed up with a SLAM and enjoy clear water through most of the months before spring next year.

With chlorine cost going higher, and that I put in a robust APEX P60 4 months ago, I am wondering if I could get by just run the P60 at 100% for say 10 days (which I believe can raise FC to above10ppm, and maybe even >15ppm).

Since I had to do annual slam, I am good as long as cranking up the Chlorinator to 100% for 10 days and ramp down after that can buy me clear water for 10 months.

I think SLAM using liquid chlorine will cost me well over $100.

Thanks!
 
Follow the SLAM Process
You can use the SWCG to maintain if possible. Likely difficult to get the FC to SLAM level with it.
What is your CYA level?
 
Blue,

One of the ideas behind the SLAM process is that you see the FC going down, indicating add more chlorine.. As time goes on the FC does not go down as quickly, indicating things are getting better.. Pretty soon the FC does not go down at all...

You don't get the same result by using your SWCG...

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
If DSPs ratings are correct, the cell would make 15 ppm per day from you. I tend to believe the rating because it's about 25% less than their own 60k unit.

The problem is that slam FC varies and the cell produces a constant. If you brush up more/less crud this time depleting more/less FC, the cell won't compensate for that. You'll be making way to much or not enough. Then it needs to be off for the oclts to pass slam.

Its cheaper to use the cell, no question. But slam is enough of a PITA if you're following it to the letter as you should without adding more chores to the list.
 
Thanks guys for the explanation. Looks like I do need SLAM.

Is it normal that I have to SLAM every year?

I do think the pool has a small leak, as my CYA will drop from 60 down to 30 in 4~6 months time. I am wondering in a pool with no leak at all, with proper CYA and salt level, should I expect no need to SLAM every spring?

Thanks,
Julius
 
Julius,

Until this year I owned three pools for well over 12 years.. I have never once had algae..

I am almost embarrassed to even post in a SLAM thread... :mrgreen:

If you have to SLAM each year, you are doing something wrong..

Either you are not maintaining your FC/CYA in the winter, or you are trying to keep your FC between the 'minimum' and your target..

You should always keep your FC at your target or higher.. Running a little hot will not hurt a thing..

I look at the minimum FC as a cliff that I never even close to, so I can't ever fall off.

Another problem with the SLAM is that people don't follow the instructions.. They see their pools get clear and they 'assume' they are done, when they are not.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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