Topping up water levels.

[notsofast]

Hi there

After backwashing my filter and due to evaporation etc I will soon have to top up my pool. The problem is I do not have access to 'clean' water but only to water from a stream. The stream water is clear but will no doubt have algae etc in it. Having just Slammed the pool last week and got the pool water sparkling clean using the TFP method what is the best way to fill up but make sure that any water that I add is not going to add algae? Increase the chlorine level up to Slam level after the adding the water or maintain at normal daily levels and just add a little extra? Thanks.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I think I would go ahead and fill it up as needed, but then keep the FC up to SLAM level for a little longer and monitor with daily tests. Be on the lookout for problems so you can nip them in the bud immediately.


Ooh- another thought! How about obtaining a smallish kiddie pool or water collection barrel and filling it with the stream water- then treating it aggressively with bleach if necessary before using it to top off your pool?
Maddie

 

[Hardtime]

I don't have a pool (yet), but I speak as a pond owner. Will you always be topping up from the steam? If so, there are relatively inexpensive UV pond sterilizers that you could plumb inline with your fill hose. They typically require a filter as well to remove any particles before passing through the UV tube. In fact, even without a UV sterilizer, you should use a filter if topping off from a stream. There are some threads here that show how people have added a whole-house filter to a garden hose.

I don't have a specific recommendation on a UV unit since I don't use one and I don't know what will be available to you in France. It wouldn't have to be a large unit, just big enough for the amount of topping off water you will be adding.