Pool Calculator; useful?

[JimK]

Jim,

I don't think waterbear is telling you not to use the pool calculator, rather saying "proceed with caution." If you can reasonably estimate the volume of your pool (there is an estimating tool at the bottom of the calculator) and you know how the different chemicals react with one another (i.e. trichlor raises CYA and chlorine, but is acidic and lowers pH), it is a useful tool to use. I find myself mainly using the pool calculator for doses of bleach and borax.

I second what shifty wrote. I can't use the bleachcalc because it's a Windows executable and I run a Mac. The Pool Calc is HTML based and runs on any platform. Like you, I use it for bleach and Borax calculations and occasionally for "effects of adding xyz". It has never lead me wrong but I now have enough experience with my particular pool to know when I should question any results obtained. The caveat I follow is "add half now, test, add more later".

I started using the pool calculator this season. So far, so good. Have found it to be very helpful. Able to keep all levels where they should be. Pool is crystal clear.

Thanks. I appreciate the clarification and feedback.