TFPC method with a high travel job

[Chuychanga]

New pool owner here. Just got my TF-100 kit and it will have it's maiden test tomorrow. My gunite pool is 15k gal, non-SWG, mostly unshaded in the Texas sun. No test numbers to share yet.

My question is: Can I use the TFPC method if I am away from my pool 3-4 days a week? I travel for work every single week. Usually 3 days at a time, occasionally 4 days. Then home for 4 days or so before leaving again. This is a permanent situation, not just something temporary. I am single and when I'm out of town there is nobody to be adding chlorine, etc... I didn't realize this would be an issue until I started reading up on the TFPC.

My pool has a chlorine tab dispenser. I have stopped using those and been adding liquid chlorine as needed based on testing with the basic kit that came with the pool. Would a liquid chlorine dispenser help me out once I switch to the TF-100 and begin this method? I guess I could use it to meter out some LC each day even if I'm not there to test it? In hindsight, I probably should have gone with a SWG. Would that make this all a lot easier?

Thanks in advance

 

[Flying Tivo]

Yes a Stenner pump to dose chlorine would be a good choice. Also look into a SWG(salt water system). A little more expensive to setup but pays in the long run. Please fill up your signature with all your pool specs and equipment. Se mine below for example.
Welcome to TFP!

 

[AK-]

You could get your FC to SLAM level right before leaving and test/add chlorine once you get back. Depending on your CYA level the SLAM level FC can accommodate a daily loss of about 4ppm. I would not do this in the long term. You should look into a SWG as a more permanent solution.

 

[jlamb5990]

We started in the same situation as you with a tab feeder on our new pool. Bit the bullet and switched to an SWG about 3 months in and only kicked myself for not doing it from the start. We like to travel as well and it’s been the best solution. The day we leave I test and get my PH in range (maybe even a tiny bit to the low side to accommodate for aeration from our spillway) and set my SWG for 30%. Have been on 3 trips so far this summer and come back to crystal clear water every time.

Not to mention with the prices on tabs and liquid lately, I think we will hit break even or be ahead even sooner than I originally thought.

 

[jgofnj]

For your situation, even more of a reason to get SWG. That's the way to go in my opinion.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Get a SWG and a pool cleaner that can live in the water 24/7.

My pool can go a week with no attention.

You just may have some cleanup to do when you get home from a trip.

You may want to arrange some cameras to be able to check on your pool and equipment in case things shutdown or spring a leak.

Do you have someone you call in case there is a problem in your house while you are away?

 

[Chuychanga]

Thank you all! Good info. Guess I'll go ahead and order the SWG. Probably also going to upgrade to a panel that can be controlled via wifi. Cameras and cleaner already in place. I appreciate all the feedback. Looking forward to interacting more.

 

[jark87]

Guess I'll go ahead and order the SWG. Probably also going to upgrade to a panel that can be controlled via wifi. Cameras and cleaner already in place.

Great move - you won’t regret it. I also traveled extensively during my career and never really thought twice about maintaining my pool. I’d test it every weekend and mostly knew the results in advance. Couldn’t have done it without a SWCG. Now that I’m retired, I worry about it more than I did when working. Probably because I had a pump fail while away on vacation and came home to a mess. My panel is 15 years old so there’s no wifi control in my foreseeable future, but at some point I’ll add cameras for peace of mind.

 

[pjt]

I travel for work every single week. Usually 3 days at a time, occasionally 4 days. Then home for 4 days or so before leaving again.

Pilot?

In hindsight, I probably should have gone with a SWG. Would that make this all a lot easier?

As others have said, you are a great candidate for a SWG. It makes caring for you pool much easier and would be perfect for your circumstances.

 

[Chuychanga]

Pilot?

Yep. Looks like you live in Terminal W... I've got a pretty good guess who you're with. I'm the other guy across town. Cheers and thanks for the advice!