Sustain from PPG - Should I switch

[PoolDoc]

The reason I'm asking is that I feel like I'm in the minority using this product and also that I may be paying a higher price for something that I could be getting for a more reasonable cost.

There's nothing wrong with Sustain, except the price. But I would STRONGLY encourage you NOT to switch till you have a clearly understood and workable plan in mind.

To start with, you'll need to learn to test your pool water accurately yourself -- see the test kit info page in my signature to get started.

Also, if you will complete our Pool Chart, it's much easier for us to answer your questions, when we have the details about your pool in one place. We often 'waste' the first few posts back and forth collecting information.

Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

One switch you can make right now, is to use 20 Mule Team borax from Walmart instead of Proteam Supreme. (Unless you are using the pH balanced product which blends borax and boric acid -- to replace THAT you have to use BOTH borax and muriatic acid.)

[UNITY520]

Last summer, I felt like I was loosing the battle to my pool.

I work during the week and wasn't able to properly treat the pool. This year I switched to sustain. Once a week I pop in the chlorine tablet and stabilizer and so far my pool has been crystal clear.

I have an AG 12x16 pool and use a cartridge filter. I run my filter 2-3 hours in the am and 2-3 hours at night. The best think I did was switch from the cheap hoses the pool store gave us to a flex pvc hose. My return water has been stronger this year then all of last year.

[PoolDoc]

Sounds like you've got it under control.

Why don't you master using the test kits this season, and then -- if you like -- switch to a cheaper source of chlorine next year.