Chlorine pool and the Nature2

This is my first post but I've been reading and reading through the tips, suggestions and tricks for days. I can't thank you all enough because you've given me the courage to finally try some new things with my pool - specifically switching out the filter medium (which I think needed replaced).

Anyway - this year I opened my pool to pond green. After several bags of shock it's now a cloudy blue which I believe to be dead algae. I flocced and waited. Still cloudy - but with the new filter medium and another dose of shock I am waiting it out for a day or two to see if it will clear up.

Here is my real question - if anyone has any suggestions. Right now I am running a 17K gal above ground pool with chlorine and a Nature2 (yes- I think I got suckered too).

I want to switch to the BBB but don't know if I can with this Nature2 cartridge installed. Can it be done? Should it be done? Should I wait until I get the water clear first then switch? Will switching get the water clear?

I'm headed out to get my own water test kit at the Wal-Mart tonight because- like everybody- time is ticking on a family party coming up in 5 days.

The Nature 2 adds metals to the water, which can be a real nightmare--read thru the "Metals" forum if you need proof!! You can switch to the BBB system, simply by removing the cartridge and using bleach for your chlorine source. If you can post current water testing results for FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, and CYA, I'm sure we can help you get it clear!! We'll need to know the ingredient in the "shock" you used, not just that it is labeled as "shock". Should either be cal-hypo or dichlor. What kind of filter do you have?

Welcome to the forum!!

Janet

In general there's no compatibility issue. Nature2 works by adding metals to the water that inhibit algae growth. They don't and cannot sanitize your water--chlorine STILL does that.

The idea of the erosion systems is by removing the growth of algae, a portion of your chlorine isn't consumed killing the algae and therefore you need less to keep your pool sanitary.

It sort of works--like banging your head against a wall because it feels good when you stop. But it adds metals (copper and silver) that can cause you a world of problem.

Then, there's the fact that Nature2 is highly secretive and describes how it works in very metaphoric terms and never once says it's an erosion system. That alone is enough to challenge ones trust.

The cartridges for Nature2 start at about $100. Even if you only buy 1 per season that's the cost of 5 carboys of 12.5% liquid chlorine--the equivalent of 50 gallons of bleach! If it doesn't at least save you using 50 gallons of bleach, it's not cost effective.

But, the good news is if you are already using some kind of chlorine there's no conversion to using B-B-B. Just take out the Nature2 cartridge. Even if you leave it in it will still work with B-B-B.

It's if you are using Bromine or Bacquacil that conversion is a problem, regardless of the Nature2.

Thanks so much to both of you.. it's been a whirlwind getting the pool and the house ready for today's big party so I simply kept backwashing and vacuuming and let the filter run for 4 days. It's not nearly as cloudy but not crystal clear.

I won't be back and able to post for a few days but when I do.. I'll give you the stats and with a little luck we can get this thing back on even keel.

The good news is that the algae growth means that the Nature2 in your pool isn't putting out enough copper (and zinc) ions to prevent algae growth so the level of metal ions is probably not high enough to cause staining. When the level of copper is high enough to prevent algae, then it is also high enough to stain if the pH gets higher towards 8.0. If that's any consolation...

Years ago, before this forum, I bought a Nature 2 "professional" model.

I used it for one summer, and that was the only summer I have ever had an algae outbreak.

I removed the unit, felt bad about dumping it in to a landfill, so I put it on eBay.

If I remember correctly, it sold for $1.00 plus shipping :-)

Not one of my better ideas.