Quote Originally Posted by SnoopysGirl View Post
1. Comment: I will be using liquid chlorine at 10% - that is what is available at my local hardware store for the best $$
We'll need to verify that it IS 10%. It probably WAS 10% when it was bottled, but if it's not stored well, it may not be even 6%. We can roughly verify it using 2 bottles of 10%, 2 bottles of Walmart brand 6% and the K2006.

2. Based on the above, how much should I be adding to the pool?
I had to check the chart and pool dimensions; based on your dimensions, your correct volume is probably around 21,000 gallons, and your PF is 5.5. So, 1 gallons of 6% bleach would add about 2.7 ppm of chlorine to your pool.

What your level should be depends on
1. the decision you make about your direction
2. whether you want to remove the copper, or ignore it. (High chlorine makes stains more likely)
3. whether there is now any algae in your pool.

3. The HEDP & Culator products work together to remove the copper, is that correct?
Yes, the HEDP keeps it in a dissolved form, and the Culator removes dissolved metals.

4. Can copper cause a yellowish stain on the pool, or would it be greenish? I have some mild yellow staining on my liner and steps this year. I am thinking it is either from copper, calcium (since high hardness), or possibly some other chemical in the pool.
It's not copper. If it brushes off and then returns, it might be mustard algae - but that usually appears only where it's shaded and there is no foot traffic. It might be iron, in which case dropping a vitamin C tablet on a stained area will clear a small spot.

5. I have the BioGuard Algicide that is not polyquat - it is the other (I think it is termed as just quat?). What is the disadvantage with the product that I am currently using, other than foaming (which isn't really an issue in my pool)?
If there's not enough to foam, there's probably not enough to have any effect at all -- EXCEPT to use up chlorine and form chloramines.

6. Can I just add a bunch of bleach to increase my chlorine level?
Yes.

There are a lot of other chemicals listed above, and I'm wondering what the benefit is to having them/using them. Specifically, the borates and the bromide are what I am wondering about.
Each of those has specific purpose that will NOT be replaced by a bunch of bleach. This is where part of the mind bending comes. You need to re-read my post and try to understand WHY I recommend using each one. If you DON'T understand, it's likely you won't be able to follow through effectively . . . and I'd rather go more conventionally.

If you get all THESE items, and supply your own full diameter hose (no tiny kinking hoses!), you can drain and refill with no risk to your liner:
Defender 8-Year 35-Feet x 55-Feet Rectangular In-Ground Winter Cover @ Amazon
Little Giant 5-MSPR 1/6 Horsepower Permanently Lubricated Submersible Pump
Wellington G1008S0600 Solid Braid Nylon Rope, @ Amazon (yes, you will need that much rope!)
(2) Set of 12 Large 10" Galvanized Steel Tent Peg Stake @ Amazon
Yellow Jacket 2884 12/3 Heavy-Duty 15-Amp SJTW @ Amazon
(if you use your own, make sure it's big enough so the pump motor doesn't burn up)
Gilmour 10 Series 8 Ply Flexogen Hose 5/8 Inch x 60 Feet
(you'll need 1 hose to fill with, and 1 to drain with, since you'll be doing BOTH at the same time!)
for the cost of the water plus $200 - $300, depending on how much of the above you already have.