Quote Originally Posted by Winicott View Post
I am also open to throwing the Pool Frog into the nearest space time rift and make it the problem of some other part of the multiverse and move on to the BBB method (but not until next season since I spent like $200 on mineral pack and algicide)
If you have a conveniently located space-time rift, we definitely would recommend taking advantage of it, but we normally suggest just using the trash can for non-chemical debris . . . and "mineral cartridges".

Go ahead and use up your chlorine cartridges, however. You can't throw them away safely. However if you remove all the copper stuff, you can switch to BBB and simply allow the chlorine side of the Frog to feed whatever it can, while you treat the pool normally otherwise.

I'm sorry you've already spent $200 on mineral packs, but unless you can get a refund, that money is gone. Actually using the mineral packs will only make things worse.

Right now you need to get a copper test result . . . if your copper is high, dumping a bunch of chlorine in can leave stains all over the place.

Here's what's probably safest:

1. Get a copper test result from your local Frog dealer. If it's over 0.3 ppm, you definitely have the potential for stains. (Since the tests aren't accurate, you are STILL at risk even with a low result, but what can you do?)

2. Meanwhile, get a cheap local OTO/phenol red test kit. (yellow / red drops)

3. Start running your pump 24/7 if you aren't already doing so.

4. Adjust your pH, as needed to the LOW end of the scale (7.0 - 7.2)

5. Begin chlorinating with plain 8.25% household bleach, using multiple small (1/4 gallon) doses added via the skimmer. (NO tablets in the skimmer!!) Gradually raise your chlorine over 48 hours to the medium yellow range (2- 3 ppm) and hold there, with chlorine added 2x daily.

6. And (a) order a K2006, (b) read the Best Guess page, (c) read the muriatic acid page (all linked in my signature block) and the polyquat page (www.poolsolutions.com/polyquat.html). Polyquat is a way to control algae and clarify a pool, without raising chlorine very high, even if your stabilizer is high. Whether it will help you a lot depends on your stabilizer level.

8. Report K2006 results when you have them.