Start up super chlorination?

[gilbertpsk]

Good day. I'm back at it, starting the pool up again. This is only my second year with a pool, so lots of basic questions. Right now, I'm concerned with getting the pool going. I've been running the filter 24 hours a day are will do so for the first week. I've added the correct amount of salt and it's dispersed well. Now, I've got the SWCG running. What is the maximum amount of time that I should leave the SWCG at 100%?

[BigDave]

Is the water clear? What's your FC, CC, CYA, pH, TA? What type of pool, filter? Size of pool, filter and pump? This information will help you get answers you seek.

[gilbertpsk]

Because I just opened the pool on Monday, I haven't tested the water yet. Right now, the water just looks dirty. A little greenish hue with some dirt at the bottom making it a little foggy. I guess my question is really could leaving the SWCG at 100% for a few days straight cause damage to the cell?

Below are the specs:

16' x 36' IG - ~22K gallons
Vinyl liner (2010)
Filter: Pentair Clean and Clear Plus CCP420 420 Sq Ft (2008)
Pump: 1.5 hp Hayward Super Pump
Heater: Sta-Rite Max-e-therm
Chlorinator: Aqua Collection Turbo Cell

[aylad]

My understanding is that it can substantially reduce the cell life. We recommend that folks turn off the SWCG until the water is balanced, using bleach, dichlor, or cal-hypo for chlorination (depending on your pool's needs), and then using the SWCG for normal chlorination after the chemistry is right.

[JimK]

The owners manual for my SWCG (Aquarite) states the pool must be balanced before starting the SWCG. I use to use the "superchlorinate" feature (runs at 100%) to shock the pool, but when my first cell died after 4 seasons and I learned how much replacement cells are (ouch!), I decided to only use the SWCG to maintain chlorine levels. Since getting a new cell, I shock with cal hypo and turn the SWCG off when doing so. I expect this will extend the life of the cell.

[gilbertpsk]

Thanks for the advice. I should have posted here before I kept the superchlorinate on for the better part of a day. It makes sense to shock and balance the pool before running the SWCG. Thanks again!

[BigDave]

Remember - you need that CYA number so you can know what your chlorine targets are.