How to add CYA?

Jagwire22,
You can vacuum the CYA to the filter (not to waste). I would not just let it sit there if you have vinyl. Better safe than sorry.

I tried the skimmer net trick, but it was not a fine enough mesh so about 30% of it wound up on the bottom of my pool. It's the first time I've had to manually vacuum in months! :)

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Originally Posted by waterbear

Richard, Did the chemist tell you why the product is not approved for use in California? (Then again California also does not allow borates in swimming pools so maybe they just are a bit too strict out there!)

Edit: Don't get me wrong. NaturalChemistry makes some excellent products! Their enzyme based products work very well. I have found that their EDTA based metal remover does not prevent stains from returning in a fiberglass pool as well as phosphinic acid based products such as Jack's Magic or Proteam's Metal Magic. Not trying to hijack the thread. Just want more info on the NaturalChemistyr stabliizer!

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I've E-mailed Dr. Lowry and will let you know his response. As for Borates, I don't think they are actually banned from being used in swimming pools. My understanding is that California sets a low level of toxicity for what is considered to be a "hazardous waste" so the borates (which can form boric acid) have to have special labeling and handling instructions, plus maybe fees or something like that. This discourages manufacturers from selling the product in California (think "skull and crossbones" on the product label!). However, I don't recall any such warnings on the 20 Mule Team Borax product which IS sold in California. I don't think it's actually illegal to use it in a pool, specifically. See this MSDS for more info. This link raises concerns for using Boric Acid in broadcast applications with constant exposure. This link that I have referred to in other posts gives details about Boric Acid toxicity levels. The level in pools is way below any problem amount (for skin exposure) and some boron may be necessary as a nutrient and is found in food. I can't seem to find the post, but I did write that it would be best if borates were not used in a pool where a dog drank from it every day -- it could just get over the minimal level where minor symptoms would start, but is still far from toxic levels. The 30-50 ppm Borates were about 2-3 times this minimal problem level as the equivalent for chlorine in the water.

Richard

I put the skimmer socks on the skimmer's basket and then pour about a pound into each skimmer. No more then a half full basket so there is plenty of water going through the skimmer. The pump is running 24 hrs. right now so the CYA is gone by morning.
No need to worry about backwashing the stuff out by mistake.

I use those skimmer socks all season. Really eliminates backwashing my sand filter. Does a great job on the tree pollen which require a daily cleaning on the socks. They have been so full of pollen, the flow would actually slow down.

Joe

Dr. Lowry responded back and wrote that Natural Chemistry said that IPWC has a Cal EPA Registration number and has been legally for sale for almost 2 years. It is sold by Leslie's and most major distributors such as SPC, General and PWP.

Richard

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Originally Posted by chem geek

Dr. Lowry responded back and wrote that Natural Chemistry said that IPWC has a Cal EPA Registration number and has been legally for sale for almost 2 years. It is sold by Leslie's and most major distributors such as SPC, General and PWP.

Richard

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HMMM, last time I checked their website about 2 months ago it still said not available in California. I just checked it again and in BIG letters it says available in California and Canada!