Defective K-2006 Kit?

[droweye]

Is high CYA levels harmful for my SWCG? Manual tech specs suggests 60-80ppm.

[Watermom]

You need to follow your manual's suggested levels for CYA levels. I think 60-80 is pretty typical for most SWCGs.

[PoolDoc]

Hmm-mmh. I guess that would be a good idea, Watermom. But, is there any reason to think that high CYA will *hurt* his SWCG?

I was thinking, he could simply adjust chlorine levels upward, and let his CYA levels 'run down' over the season, unless he has a reason to do a partial drain and replace.

[PoolDoc]

Hey All;

I checked with all the moderators and contributors -- heard back from PoolSean with AutoPilot and Chem_Geek. They are both pretty sure high CYA is NOT a problem for SWCGs. So, I'm taking that as authoritative

Of course, all other conditions of high CYA still apply, primarily that you have to follow the levels shown in the Best Guess Chart, and you'll need a K2006 or other DPD-FAS kit to test.

[droweye]

Thank you for all the feedback! I guess for the time being, I'll run the pool as it is and maintain the best guess FC level. I'll let the CYA decrease on its own or drain a small portion for the summer to lower CH.

[PoolDoc]

That'll work.

Two cautions:

1. If you take your water to be tested by a pool store that can accurately measure either your FC or CYA levels, they will freak out, and give you dire warnings that you'll soon get hairy palms, that your great-grandmother and great-niece will surely die of instant cancer of the toenail and nasal hair, and that your garden plants will mutate and eat you. Ignore them.

2. If you get algae, you will either have raise your chlorine VERY high . . . and it will stay there for weeks OR you'll have to use a lot of polyquat ($$$) or you'll need to add a small amount of sodium bromide. Your best option: maintain circulation and chlorine and don't get algae. Second best: sodium bromide in as small amounts as possible. I'll cover this option before summer.

[droweye]

Will adding some Borates be a better alternative over sodium bromide and polyquat? I've been reading through the guides which suggests that bromine interferes with chlorine chemistry lowering its effectiveness and that "once a bromine pool always a bromine pool" until you drain and refill.

[waterbear]

2. If you get algae, you will either have raise your chlorine VERY high . . . and it will stay there for weeks OR you'll have to use a lot of polyquat ($$$) or you'll need to add a small amount of sodium bromide. Your best option: maintain circulation and chlorine and don't get algae. Second best: sodium bromide in as small amounts as possible. I'll cover this option before summer.

I would not recommend the sodium bromide. Some SWCG cells don't like it! Another option si 50 ppm borate.