Chlorine generator question

[CarlD]

If you are set on getting this pool then a generator is out.
If this is your first pool, you can start by using bleach or Liquid Chlorine and seeing if testing and adding as you need is easy enough for you. I find it's not a burden. If you learn our B-B-B system, which is very easy, you may find the SWCG isn't necessary. I would LOVE to have one but I cannot justify the cost (for me) because it relieves me of very little work. OTOH, I was EASILY able to justify a robotic vacuum rather than manually vacuuming and brushing the walls.

But that is me, and my needs.

I don't know about the Liquidator but I tried an earlier passive system that used pump suction, replacing the drain plug on the pump. It was, for me, a total waste of $$$ and that on-line store stopped selling them. From what little I hear, the Liquidator is better.

Also if you haven't done so, invest in a good test kit. We recommend the Taylor K-2006 or K-2006C. PoolDoc and Watermom have links to them on their signatures and if you use the link there's a small commission paid by the store that helps pay to maintain the forum.

Carl

[Jacob99]

Thanks everyone. I will definitely buy the test kit, but I think I'll work on actually getting the pool first. Good to know that forum gets a little piece when buying through the links on their sigs. This place rocks, and I'm happy to help out where I can. The Liquidator does seem like a convenient thing to have, but I can't find reviews about how they hold up year to year. Also, would I be able to leave it outside over the winter, or would I need to bring it in or winterize it somehow?

Also, I've got a really stupid question about BBB. When putting bleach into your pool, do you just lean over the side and dump it in? I know you have to be careful with splashing on the liner, clothes, etc, but if I dump a gallon of bleach over the sidewall on a 30' pool, won't I need to stir it, or do I just pour it in when the pump is running and that helps distribute it? I searched for an answer on this because quite frankly I was embarrassed to ask as it's probably common sense, but being new to pools in general, I want to make sure I understand everything. Once I pour it in, should I wait a little while before going in the water?

[Jacob99]

bump....

[BigDave]

I use a 16oz plastic cup (the kind from a keg party) for dosing bleach. I set the cup on the pool wall, hold the bleach bottle over the wall (the bottle is usually partially submerged 'cause I'm lazy and don't want to hold it up) then open the bleach dipping the cap in the pool to rinse. Next, I set the cap on the sidewall and bring the dosing cup to the bleach bottle, carefully fill the cup then pour it's contents into the pool. When the cup is empty, I dip it completely in the pool a couple times to rinse and return it to the wall. Lastly, I put the cap back on the bleach and push the whole bottle under a couple times to rinse.

This works fine for me as long as the pump / filter is running. Early this year, before I had the pump operating, I used an oar from a inflateable toy boat to stir the pool after dosing.

My process may seem a bit over the top careful but I've ruined several shirts over the last few years and don't want to lose any (many) more.

PS: Do buy the K-2006 it is (INMHO) much eaisier to use than other kits.
PPS: Why not try running the pool with bleach for a season then consider auto-dosing options after you have some experience and a feel for how much work could be saved?

[aylad]

I just pour mine into the return stream--if you pour slowly from something that has a spout (I use a plastic measuring cup) from just above the water level, it will reduce splashing. The water coming from the return will help disperse the bleach around the pool. I DO wear old clothes, though--no matter how careful you are, splashes will find a way to a new shirt!
Janet

[waterbear]

no matter how careful you are, splashes will find a way to a new shirt!

So true, so true!