White residue on salt water chlorinator cell

[cdysthe]

Are you adding the bleach via the skimmer? If so, my guess is you may be precipitating calcium carbonate, and then trapping it on the filter. This is a GOOD thing.

Another way to check is to catch a bucket full of the backwash, and let it settle overnight. Pour off most of the water. Take a tablespoon of the white goop, and put it in a glass measuring cup. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar. If it bubbles -- it's at least partly calcium carbonate.

Yes, I have added the bleach to the skimmer since it's vinyl pool and I'm afraid of damage. I add it slowly thought for minimal damage to filter and pump. I did gather backwash last night and tested the goop with vinegar today. It bubbles. TA is now at 80 so I put the salt cell back in action, and guess what, no white residiue! PH is currently 7.0, but is rising because of evaporation and refill (Texas sun!). Thank you so much for all the advice. And btw, the water feels much nicer now also according to the kids who are able to sense every little difference in water quality simply because they are in there for hours every day. The best baby sitter ever!