Normal Chlorine Usage?

[Labpool]

I've read most of the similar posts on what is normal chlorine usage. Still haven't seen a straight answer as to what is "normal". I know every pool is different, but I'm wondering if my usage is normal? My test results have been pretty steady since I had the installation done a couple weeks ago. This evening FC-4ppm, ph-7.4, CYA-45. I've got a 10,000 gallon, AG, with a DE filter, and 1 hp pump. I live in MI and we've been pretty warm (upper 80's), with a recent drop in temp (high 60's and rain.) I've been adding about a quart of 10% bleach every night as FC drops to about 3-4ppm every day. Is this a normal fluctuation and will I be using this much chlorine from now on? Just wondering if there is a simpler way? Water is crystal and hasn't had much usage the past week or so. Thanks, Andy

[aylad]

The definition of "normal" chlorine useage is different for every pool. If you don't have chlorine being consumed by algae or other goo in the pool, then any chlorine loss that you have is pretty much going to be normal for your pool. A quart of 10%$ bleach in 10K gallons is only about a 2.5 ppm chlorine increase. If that's all you're losing daily, then I think you're doing fine. My pool loses 3-4 ppm a day, depending on the bather load, so I would think 2.5 ppm is an acceptable chlorine loss. You will find that your daily chlorine loss slows down when the water temp falls. If you want to slow it down further, you might try bumping your CYA up a bit, to 50-60. Might make a difference, might not, but you could always try.....

[Labpool]

Thanks, that was the answer I was looking for. Just wondering if there are ways to reduce chlorine levels and still stay away from algae. I understand the BG chart and basic pool chemistry. What I don't understand is how some people are able to run FC at like 1-2 ppm in their pools. A friend says he used the Frog Mineral System? in his pool. It seems like a gimic to me with the softer water and minerals, though it would be nice to use less chlorine. My skin gets crazy dry just sticking my hand in to test the water. And after swimming I can feel a difference on my skin. It just feels drier.

[kelemvor]

Here's a good post about the pool frog by pooldoc: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?10796-Mineral-pool-additives-another-scam-%28King-Technologies-pool-frog%29&p=69669#post69669 Here's a much more detailed writeup on the subject: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?98-FAQ-quot-Stains-amp-Metal-Matters-Iron-Copper-Silver-amp-More-quot
Personally, I wouldn't want to swim in a poolfrog pool due to the lack of sanitizers killing viruses and bacteria.

You can successfully run very low chlorine levels like that if you have no CYA; you're just going to have to add chlorine many times a day to keep the level at 1-2ppm if it's an outdoor pool exposed to UV from the sun.

If you just want to be adding chems less frequently you could raise the cya level as aylad suggested, or perhaps look into a swcg to generate chlorine for you.