Newbie with New 15'x48" Intex Pool

[dandelion]

OK I got the pink stuff and the culator is on the way. Have not used the pool yet only put algaecide in the pool to keep it from growing stuff. I have not chlorinated or done anything else to the pool. My question is do I put the pink stuff in first to keep the iron soluble. Then add the chlorine? I have ordered the Kem Tec 60% algaecide too.

Leona

[PoolDoc]

Right now, keep your pH low (6.8 - 7.2). Using algaecide at this point, instead of chlorine is a good idea, but next year, have the chemicals ready BEFORE you start filling.

Do NOT swim -- you won't be able to control the algae if you start adding people goo. Here's the order of things:

1. Keep the pH low.
2. Add HEDP (don't over dose!)
3. Add polyquat
4. Put CuLator in skimmer, under skimmer sock, OR hang it in front of the return, if you don't have a skimmer.
5. Begin adding chlorine SLOWLY. If you have a skimmer, add it via the skimmer. (Remove the sock and CuLator, while adding!).


Products for metal control and clean-up:

HEDP is a liquid phosphonate that is pretty chlorine stable, and very good at keeping dissolved metals IN the water, instead of ON your pool surfaces. It can lift recent stains, OR it can be used along with ascorbic acid, to keep the metals in the water, after the ascorbic acid is consumed by chlorine.

Jacks Magic The Pink Stuff 1qt (60% HEDP) @ Amazon
20% KemTek HEDP @ Amazon

Using polyquat during metal clean up accomplishes two things: it helps kill or prevent algae, letting you run lower chlorine levels, and it is a very good clarifier, that helps you filter out any small metal particles that may form.(Probably available from pool stores, and possibly some big box stores -- but you MUST learn to ID it correctly. See the polyquat page for more info.)

Kem-Tek 60% polyquat @ Amazon
Nava 60% polyquat @ Amazon

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) can be used to remove copper and iron stains from pool surfaces, and put the metal BACK into your pool water. If you don't have stains yet, you do NOT need ascorbic acid. (Not likely to be available locally, except as Vitamin pills.)

Ascorbic Acid Powder @ Amazon
Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Powder USP Pharma Grade 11 Lbs @ Amazon

The CuLator product is a special patented plastic material, contained in a bag that goes into the skimmer, that can slowly take metals OUT of your pool water. We think it works, and have some evidence that it does, but not proof yet. (Not likely to be available locally.)

1 ppm Culator @ Amazon
1.5 ppm Culator sold by Amazon, shipped from Periodic
4 ppm Culator sold by Amazon, shipped from Periodic
Poolmaster 16242 Poolmaster Skimmer Basket Liner @ Amazon (to protect CuLator from being damaged by scum)

[dandelion]

thank you I'll get started tomorrow morning It's 95+ outside right now. I'll let you know how the culator works for me too.

Leona

[aylad]

If I'm not mistaken, the Culator takes a long time to work. Please, when you're finished using it, take some pictures of it from the outside, and cut open, so we can see what it's doing on the inside, too!

Thanks

Janet

[dandelion]

Will do, I understand that it will need to be replaced in about a month if/when it turns colors. When it does work I will buy more I just wanted to try it first.

Leona

[PoolDoc]

Actually, I suspect it lasts indefinitely, as long as it's not gummed up with lotion and goop. The "every month" probably has more to do with CuLator's sales goals than anything else! Basically, in a pool contaminated with iron or copper, so long as the CuLator is not blue, orange or gummy with goo . . . it's probably still good.

[PoolDoc]

I'll let you know how the culator works for me too.

Thanks. Remember it works over weeks, not days. Also you can SEE it's working:


Also, note that discoloration of the BAG doesn't indicate it's working; it's discoloration of the beads, inside that is the indicator.