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Wenatchee
05-22-2013, 02:43 AM
We have a small vinyl indoor pool that we like very much. I have been using 3" chlorine tablets in an inline feeder. Only one tablet at a time, and it would last almost two weeks. Chlorine levels seemed good, clear water, no smell -- all very nice. Oh, we keep it at about 90 degrees for warm water therapy for my wife.

A few months ago we started to notice a smell to the water - maybe a musty smell. And then some algae growth. I tried a few things but the algae kept coming back My test kit didn't test for CYA ( and I was ignorant about that anyway) but I finally called in a nice local pool care place and they said it was pretty high (did not mention the number, though).

I've been reading the site and the forums to get educated, and I'm feeling better prepared now. I drained half the water and refilled it, and it should get back up to temp tonight. I'm ready to try BBB with low stabilizer levels, and I'll avoid the trichlor tabs. My Taylor test kit is on the way.

Two questions:

1. How do I calculate the amount of bleach to add to the pool? I don't think I've come across a chart or formula that includes the size of the pool.

2. I'm going to try bleach, but I was wondering if there are SWCG systems for small pools. I understand that over-capacity lets the cells last longer, but some of the systems are way too big and probably couldn't be turned down far enough for my 6,000 gallon pool.

Thank you

PoolDoc
05-23-2013, 12:15 PM
An SWCG would work, but honestly, for a lightly used 6,000 gallon pool, I'd use plain household bleach. You can always try it for 3 months, and then opt for an SWCG later. But bleach would be easier, once you learn how.

Starting dose for a 6k gallon pool? Your pool has a pool factor of 20, so a gallon of 6% bleach (1/2 lb of chlorine gas equiv) would give you a ppm of 10.

So, 1 quart should give you about 2.5 ppm.

Keep your pH in the 7.6 - 7.8 range; use borax to raise it and muriatic acid to lower it.

Wenatchee
05-28-2013, 03:58 PM
Thank you, Ben. My test kit should arrive today and I'll start trying the BBB method.