Re-balancing after switching to Chlorine

[madwil]

give the CYA a few days to completely dissolve- it takes a while to show up on tests
wouldn't worry to much about TA and CH- their exact number isn't important on a vinyl pool. (TA is really just your pH buffer, so if no swings in pH you're fine- mine is 40!)
Algaecide also isn't needed- other than maybe at closing or if you're going to be away for an extended time, like a week long vacation with noone monitoring chlorine levels; with correct FC, you won't need algaecide, the chlorine will keep it killed off!

[GeneNTN]

Madwil,
Oops! I already added the baking soda, but it should not bother anything – especially after I had to add water (~ 1.5”) once the vacuum process was completed.

Algaecide may be another question? The pressure connection for the Polaris was binding (due to sand) and when I removed the outside connector a lot white slimy junk (algae?) can out of the feed line – some of which I was able to scoop-up. Would adding some algaecide now help prevent some issue later?

Gene

[madwil]

As long as you maintain proper FC levels, you'll never need algaecide- except maybe when closing pool...
not sure about the slimy junk- don't use a Polaris, so not familiar with the connection; It may be a small amount of residual slime from before your conversion, but should break down in time with other factors maintained, I think...

[aylad]

The white slimy stuff is almost certainly leftover gunk from the Baq....if you'll leave the entire Polaris unit in the pool for a day or so, the chlorine in the pool will take care of whatever you weren't able to manually remove....

Algaecide is not needed. If you keep your chlorine levels adequate, then you won't have a problem with algae. Save the algaecide for winter when you're ready to close--and even then, only use it if it's Polyquat. If it's anything else, take it back and get your money back.

Janet

[Watermom]

To clarify something in post #! in this thread ---- Borax and soda ash are not the same thing.

[GeneNTN]

Monday 6/6, 8:30 a.m. (Day 12) – Since we started & successfully completed conversion to Chlorine!

Aylad – “Thank you” for your comments with regard to white algae, algaecide / Polyquat, I am (and will) follow your recommendations!

Our pool looks crystal clear once again this a.m. – and we enjoyed our 2nd day of swimming yesterday! Since Friday, for the most part I’ve only added a slight amount of chlorine (bleach 6%) to bump the FC level, or to increase the level in expecting some additional swimmers. However, I’m also learning that 10-12 hrs is not enough time between adding a Stabilizer (Cyanuric acid 100%) and adding Baking Soda (to bump-up the TA from ~ 80 ppm). I realize that they are not to be added at the same time – but is there an elapsed time as to when the other dosage can be added? Or should I just raise the CYA level first (which is very low – or the DOT always visible?) over a ~1 week period, then worry about the TA being on the low side?

Many “Thank You” to everyone on the PoolForum who have taken your time to respond my questions – all of your comments, advice, and guidance has been a BIG help – and greatly appreciated,
Gene

[madwil]

I would "cautiously" raise the CYA- its easy to overdo it!
I wouldn't even worry about the TA, if your using bleach and your pH isn't changing suddenly...