Pool Nub

[PoolDoc]

You may want to push your CYA higher -- SWCG's run a bit better at the recommended 80 ppm CYA. But do NOT follow the mfg's 1-3 ppm FC recommendation; instead use the 5% rule (FC = 5% of CYA, or 4 ppm with CYA=80) as an ABSOLUTE minimum. Alabama is more like Chattanooga (the 5% rule was tested more on the West Coast in dry areas, where there wasn't algae in every puddle and on every leaf!), so you probably want to use my Best Guess chart, which is somewhat higher.

I wouldn't worry about the hardness (CH) - just use borax to raise your pH if needed and do not use bicarb or pH up (soda ash, sodium carbonate).

[Michaelam]

Since the 25th I've run my cleaner 2X and programmed my SWCG to not run between 10P & 6A & NOTHING else. Pool has been used every day by 3-6 people. Here's the latest as of tonight:

FC: 6
CC: none detectable
pH: 7.6
TA: 120
Hardness: 150

Couldn't test for CYA because I ran out of reagent - the K-2006 only came with enough to test CYA 6X. Need to order more. At any rate, water is crystal clear, looks and feels great. Can barely even tell it's salt water - & there is no Chlorine smell. Based on previous advice, I want to get CYA up a bit, but other than that, I'm down to what I hope to be my last couple of questions for a while. Is it now possible, chemistry-wise, for me to program my pump to shut down along with the SWCG (10PM - 6AM)? Anything special to consider for doing so?

Again, thanks for all the advice - it's been a great help!

[PoolDoc]

I can't think of a reason not to go ahead and shut down the pump, too. Just remember to run it a few minutes AFTER you shut down the SWCG, to clear the lines.