Where to start? BBB pool!! HELP!

[HollyClo]

Don't get me wrong...I definitely want my water to be sanitary. Just going to try to keep it sanitized without the use of so many man made chemicals...that aren't exactly necessary. Definitely don't want to be swimming in nasty/dangerous water

[CarlD]

Waterbear and I are just pulling your leg. But it's true. By far the most dangerous chemical in your pool, the one most likely to cause death or injury, is the water itself. None of the other chemicals we use in maintenance or testing has nearly the death level of swimming-pool water. It's an important perspective to always maintain.

Salt water systems generate chlorine from the fact that salt is Sodium Chloride. Bleach is created from salt water. There is no difference between B-B-B and using a salt-water generator. They are 100% compatible with each other. In fact, people with SWCG systems find they perform BEST when they follow the B-B-B plan.

Carl

[HollyClo]

LOL...you guys had me going there for a minute. I thought waterbear was angry with my ignorance. I really do appreciate all the information you all are sharing with me! Thanks a bunch! Once I get that liner. I'll be back with a bunch more questions I'm sure. And I'll have to run to walmart to grab that test kit. And let you know how my city water levels read

[waterbear]

Waterbear and I are just pulling your leg.

Everything I said about dihydrogen monoxide (water) is the truth! It can cause death and injuries when misused as can ANY chemical. There is the key, learn how to properly use your pool chemcals and there is no problem. Even baking soda and table salt can cause poisonings and death if improperly used and baking soda can be used to make soda bottle bombs! Borax is a chemical, washing soda is a chemical, baking soda is a chemical, even soap is a chemical and is a man made one (soap does not occur naturally in nature and is actually the salt of lye and a fatty acid, commonly sodium tallowate or sodium palmitate) and these are often touted as "substitutes" for chemical cleaning agents like detergents.

Point is, there is no such thing as chemical free! If you think there is you are deluding yourself. EVERYTHING in this universe is made of chemicals! EVERYTHING your children get into/eat is a chemical! Chemicals are not intrinsically bad but there is a fear of them so the word 'chemical' is a buzzword for fear mongers!

[CarlD]

'Bear, I think Holly got the point.

In fact, our B-B-B method is based on the fact that good pool maintenance does NOT need lots of chemicals pushed by pool stores. We generally don't recommend:
Phosphate removers
Clarifiers
Bluing
Flocculents
Yellow-Out
Metal "removers"
Copper
Silver
Nor a zillion other things.

Normal pool maintenace, and even algae fighting can almost always be done with:
Bleach/Liquid Chlorine
20 Mule Team Borax
Muriatic Acid
Baking Soda
Washing Soda
and CYA(stabilizer).

Carl

[HollyClo]

Not a fear Monger here. Just cautious is all Can't wait to get this pool up and running!! Any suggestions on the best way to put in a new overlap expandable liner?

[Watermom]

Holly,
Post that question in the above ground pool forum where you're likely to get some of the installers to see it. Some of them don't read the chemistry threads.