SWG with Limestone decking and coping

[Queencreekgn23]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about switching over to a SWG after 3 years of running pucks since the pool was finished in 2022. We recently just had our glass waterline tile salt blasted and pool refilled. With fresh water now in the pool it has me thinking that maybe now is the time to make the switch since like most, I've been fighting a losing battle against high levels of CYA, needing to buy liquid chlorine, etc. And it seems to me that after the initial purchase the long term savings are more than there especially since we live in AZ.

My only concern is that we have limestone freska decking and coping. Will those pose an issue? Depending on who you talk to some say don't worry about it, others say seal (which I do not want to do), and some say don't do it at all. After having read a few posts on here it seems like with most things having good pool chemistry is the most important thing.

Can anyone speak to having limestone while running an SWG and what your experience has been like? Thank you!

 

[TinFoilHat]

A SWG won't bother your limestone. This IS the right time to get a SWG and keeping to the TFP recommended levels of chemicals will keep the pool clean and sanitary. Your high CYA was probably due to the pucks you were using. Have you added granulated CYA to the pool yet? Post up your current testing results from one of our recommended test kits. Don't worry too much about your TA right now but you do want to keep the PH between 7 and 8. Use liquid chlorine daily to keep your CL level at 5 ppm or more. You will need to keep an eye on your CH level as our ground water is high in CH. If you can use softened water for your autofill that would help immensely.
Pool Care Basics
FC/CYA Levels
Test Kits Compared
PoolMath

 

[pjt]

I've been fighting a losing battle against high levels of CYA, needing to buy liquid chlorine, etc. And it seems to me that after the initial purchase the long term savings are more than there especially since we live in AZ.

There are only two long-term sustainable methods of chlorination: LC and SWCG. I would highly recommend going with a SWCG, especially in AZ. It's by far the cheapest, easiest, and most convenient way to add chlorine to your pool.

My only concern is that we have limestone freska decking and coping. Will those pose an issue?

No. Poor quality materials will deteriorate regardless of water salinity. All chlorinated pools have salt in them. By the same token, bad water chemistry also damages materials and equipment. Get a SWCG and maintain your water properly and you'll be set.

 

[Newdude]

after 3 years of running pucks

Its a bummer that it's too late for a salt test. Each 5.5 FC from pucks also added 5ppm salt. With long hot seasons and next to no rain dilution, you were probably at 'salt pool' levels already.

@kul was one who didn't need to add salt to switch. Many have their eyes opened once they have a need to test their salt.

And its still only 10% of seawater salinity. In areas of high precipitation we see about 5% of seawater salinity using liquid chlorine/ pucks so really the whole argument against 'salt pools' is that for some places going 5% to 10% will wreck their patios and other places like yours even less.

 

[Queencreekgn23]

Thank you all for your responses! Much appreciated. @pjt looks like you're in Texas which probably has similar evaporation rates as the Phoenix area. Did you seal your decking and coping? Sounds like even that won't be necessary.

 

[pjt]

looks like you're in Texas which probably has similar evaporation rates as the Phoenix area.

Yes, but we also get more precipitation than Phoenix.

Did you seal your decking and coping? Sounds like even that won't be necessary.

Nope, not necessary. Looks the same now as it did when it was installed five years ago.

 

[Queencreekgn23]

Thank you all! Now we’re off to get executive (wife) approval.

 

[kul]

Coming in late here (only read the part where I was summoned ). If you can test your salt, do so before adding. Mine was already high so I only had to add like 1 bag of salt. Had I allowed the person who installed the SWG to do it they would have added 8-10 bags because they don’t bother to check. I know this from them telling me so. Anyhow, good luck! A SWG in an area where there’s a lot of sun is always a great idea if you can swing it.

 

[Newdude]

It was just refilled, but welcome to the party anyway.