New to BBB

[TexasGolfer]

Oooops! I did some searching while I was waiting for a reply and several other threads said to just put it in the skimmer, so I already added about a pound and a half. I didn't see any warnings about cartridge filter systems. What will it do to my cartridges??? Do I need to shut down and clean them off immediately?

[Watermom]

Probably nothing but let me ask Ben about it. Sit tight.

[PoolDoc]

It won't hurt your cartridges . . . but do NOT add chlorine, especially cal hypo, to the skimmer for at least a week. Longer, if you're pump is on a timer.

[TexasGolfer]

Okay, I don't ever put chlorine in the skimmer. I currently have trichlor tabs in the auto chlorinator, and also in a floater in the pool. The floater does tend to congregate right at the skimmer opening. Is that okay?

[PoolDoc]

That's fine.

[TexasGolfer]

So is there something about concentrated chlorine coming into contact with CYA that can be a problem? Are we trying to avoid some type of reaction?

[PoolDoc]

You could say that -- it's possible to make a filter sound like a giant popcorn popper, and to end up with pinholes in your cartridge.

I tend to shy away from describing some of the more 'active' reactions, since as soon as I do someone's going to run out and try it, and possibly hurt themselves or someone else.

Simple rule? Never let any form of chlorine come into direct contact with any OTHER form of chlorine, or any other chemical. There are a few chemicals, like borax, that don't react badly in contact with various forms of chlorine, but it's safer to assume that EVERYTHING reacts badly.