I'm back on Tri-Chlor tabs - I did BB(Acid) last year. I never had to add boarx, but was constantly adding acid to lower pH.
My Pool: 22,000 gal IG Vinyl
My Usage: 3/4 Gallon of bleach each day (7 days a week) while carrying about 50ppm of CYA in perfectly balanced water.
I was adding acid about once a week to lower the pH from the pH increasing effects of the Bleach.
At the time - it was economical for me - I could buy bleach in the 3/4 gallon bottle for $0.78, and that gave me the perfect single day dosage. I'd add the entire bottle each night after sundown.
Why did I stop? Well I have a trichlor feeder already, and the CYA levels have never presented a problem for me in the past. The feeder requires less maintenance (add a few pucks once a week), and we have a low bather load so consumption isn't too bad (other than the sun burning it out). I grew very tired of the Sunday night trip to the store to pickup 7 fresh bottls of bleach, and the Saturday trips to the recycling depot to drop off the empty bottles.
Finally - I quit using bleach for my main chlorine supply because of the cost. That same 3/4 gallon bottle of bleach is now selling for $1.28 (That's a 61% increase in cost). I can chlorinate with tricholor for less money - and less hassle.
Remember - everyone's pool is different, so your mileage may vary. Bleach may be a very good alternative for you. I would say you need at least 1 gallon a day, maybe less if you use your solar cover regularaly or have an automatic cover. To be sure do a search for the 'Bleach Calc' on the forum and use it to make your calculations.
Good luck - Stay Wet!
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