Big Splash
06-17-2014, 11:55 AM
The last couple visits to the two local pool stores in my area has just about convinced me to never go back. Store 1 is local family owned. Store 2 is that big national chain. Store 1 sells the 5 gallon jugs of liquid chlorine. However, I've started to question if the 12.5% concentration is being diluted. I went there the other night just before closing. Walked up to the front door lugging my two empty jugs to return. Two employees came out, locked the door, said "we're closed" and jumped in their cars leaving me dumbfounded. How rude!!! Well then, I go to Walmart and buy some 8.25% bleach. I pour roughly the equivalent amount desired into the skimmer. Tested the next morning and whatta ya' know... I get more than 2x the typical results I would have gotten with the "12.5%" stuff. Hmmmm maybe something fishy here???
Next day after returning returning the empty jugs (I declined the refills) at store 1, I'm off to store 2. I'm looking to buy some more DPD powder (store 1 doesn't carry this). Guy asked me why I need this since only commercial customers use that. I just say I like to test often. He then tries to sell me the 1/4 pound bottle for $75. He wasn't to happy when I told him I could buy the same item on Amazon.com for $36. Tried to tell me that was a wholesale price. Last I checked, amazon is an online retailer. Meanwhile, there's another fellow pool owner being told he needs their Alk Up stuff as a result of the free testing. I look at him just shaking my head.
Now, I'm just a newbie at all things pool like. But I do know how to read and make my own judgments. Thanks for the great resource here. Other than buying dry acid (I have a curious toddler to keep safe), I can't see why I'd go into the Fool Store again.
Splash
Next day after returning returning the empty jugs (I declined the refills) at store 1, I'm off to store 2. I'm looking to buy some more DPD powder (store 1 doesn't carry this). Guy asked me why I need this since only commercial customers use that. I just say I like to test often. He then tries to sell me the 1/4 pound bottle for $75. He wasn't to happy when I told him I could buy the same item on Amazon.com for $36. Tried to tell me that was a wholesale price. Last I checked, amazon is an online retailer. Meanwhile, there's another fellow pool owner being told he needs their Alk Up stuff as a result of the free testing. I look at him just shaking my head.
Now, I'm just a newbie at all things pool like. But I do know how to read and make my own judgments. Thanks for the great resource here. Other than buying dry acid (I have a curious toddler to keep safe), I can't see why I'd go into the Fool Store again.
Splash