Using tablets as a supplement for granular?

[Racker]

I followed the instructions in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa8iq8htR-s


I did have a small algae problem about...one and a half weeks ago, I think. I let the DE filter (a Hayward Perflex) go too long without a backwash (since opening the pool in early June). I noticed some algae buildup beginning to accumulate on the bottom, and then noticed a slightly green cloud come from the return line after starting the pump one day.

I backwashed the filter, and the way I do it is I let the majority of the waste run out of the filter, then I disassemble the filter and clean out the tub and the filter 'fingers' completely with a gentle hosing. So when I put it back together it's entirely fresh DE in the filter (although the main reason I do this is because it causes less of a mess than blasting the dirty DE out via the back line, which is a problem because I have poor drainage in my yard). So I did that, vacuumed and the algae was gone within a day or so, but it was very slight to begin with.

The pool is currently pristine, although some people have complained that the water makes their eyes burn slightly. I've noticed it as well, though it is very slight and I don't know if it's out of the normal range for a pool. This has caused me some concern regarding CC levels.

That all said, my brother redid the test today, after not chlorinating yesterday. He found FC levels to be 2.5ppm and no CC.

[Racker]

Just an update, me and my brother re-did the test again today and found zero CC, so I suppose my original test result was in error, and there is no CC at the moment.

I suppose that means there's no reason to shock right now?

[Watermom]

Probably not tho it wouldn't hurt to shock. Just be sure you keep your chlorine in range per the Best Guess Chlorine chart in my signature. If it dips below the minimum required level, you risk an algae bloom.

[Racker]

Thanks again Watermom. Getting back to the tablet question, my brother voiced concern that the floating tablet dispenser could conceivably get stuck in the corner of the pool and, over time, bleach out the liner. Is there any reason to worry about that?

[Watermom]

It is possible.

[chem geek]

When I first had my pool before I found this forum, I used Trichlor pucks in a floating dispenser and it parked itself by stainless steel bars in my pool. The acidity and high chlorine levels form the pucks rusted the two mounts closest to the feeder and I still live with that rust to this day -- it's a reminder to me of the hazards of using Trichlor pucks near surfaces that are sensitive to acid or high chlorine levels. Vinyl liners are sensitive to acidic conditions in particular while the high chlorine level may bleach out the color.

[Racker]

Interesting. So, it could conceivably be better for the liner to keep the ph on the baser side of the normal range?