BB Method (Instead of BBB)

[mfhache]

I'll have to see what their test comes up with. They usually give me a sheet printout when we're done.

If not then I suppose I'll have to get the $100 kit to start testing

[Watermom]

And, not only what their test comes up with, but how they do it. (Some pool stores have fancy-smancy computerized test readers that seem to give such accurate readings to two decimal places but..... in actuality they aren't too accurate, unfortunately.) Hopefully, they do the disappearing black dot test. Ask them.

[mfhache]

And, not only what their test comes up with, but how they do it. (Some pool stores have fancy-smancy computerized test readers that seem to give such accurate readings to two decimal places but..... in actuality they aren't too accurate, unfortunately.) Hopefully, they do the disappearing black dot test. Ask them.

Will do. Heading there after work to get a jug of Chlorine.

[mfhache]

So I got my test results from the Pool Shoppe this weekend. They are doing the tests manually now with vials instead of the computer readout. Also they used the fading black dot test.

Free Chlorine: 10PPM
Total Chlorine: 10PPM
pH: 7.4
Alkalinity: 101PPM
Cyanuric Acid: 80PPM

The water looks beautiful and should be good for swimming once the Chlorine comes down a bit. Thus far I've only shocked it with Chlorine.

So given these levels what would be the next step to adopt the BBB technique? Just keep the readings there and shock it every couple of days? I have some of the tabs left that I'd like to run out. Could I just use those up as long as my CYA levels stay in check?

[Watermom]

You can use those tabs but just realize they will continue to add CYA and yours is already pretty high at 80. It is your choice. But, whatever you decide to do, just make sure that you always keep your chlorine in the proper range per our "Best Guess Chlorine Chart." Read about it here: http://pool9.net/cl-cya/

By the way, it is not necessary to routinely shock a pool. As long as you make sure that your chlorine never drops below the minimum (from chart I linked), and you don't have more than 0.5ppm of CC, then you actually don't need to shock. Of course, if you have an excessively high swimmer load (like from a party) or have a bad storm that drops a lot of organic debris into your pool, then shocking is not a bad idea. Honestly, I seldom shock my pool. I monitor my chlorine levels consistently and thus don't need to.

[mfhache]

You can use those tabs but just realize they will continue to add CYA and yours is already pretty high at 80. It is your choice. But, whatever you decide to do, just make sure that you always keep your chlorine in the proper range per our "Best Guess Chlorine Chart." Read about it here: http://pool9.net/cl-cya/

By the way, it is not necessary to routinely shock a pool. As long as you make sure that your chlorine never drops below the minimum (from chart I linked), and you don't have more than 0.5ppm of CC, then you actually don't need to shock. Of course, if you have an excessively high swimmer load (like from a party) or have a bad storm that drops a lot of organic debris into your pool, then shocking is not a bad idea. Honestly, I seldom shock my pool. I monitor my chlorine levels consistently and thus don't need to.

Ok I think I'm understanding how this works. Since I have a CYA level of 80PPM I should keep my Free Chlorine anywhere between 5-10ppm? (Based on the Best Guess chart you listed?)

[Watermom]

You got it!

Personally, I wouldn't want my CYA higher than 80ppm and would not use any more tabs or dichlor (which also add CYA) but if you do, just adjust your chlorine level accordingly. One benefit to having a higher CYA pool is that you can usually go a little longer between having to add bleach. Take it up to the max per the chart and then, when it gets close to the minimum, it's time to dose with bleach again.

[mfhache]

You got it!

Personally, I wouldn't want my CYA higher than 80ppm and would not use any more tabs or dichlor (which also add CYA) but if you do, just adjust your chlorine level accordingly. One benefit to having a higher CYA pool is that you can usually go a little longer between having to add bleach. Take it up to the max per the chart and then, when it gets close to the minimum, it's time to dose with bleach again.

Excellent. Pretty straight forward once you get down to it. I take it the only way to lower your CYA is to add more fresh water correct? It will not evaporate over time?

[Watermom]

It will not evaporate over time. Really the only way to lower it is to do partial drains and refills which are a real pain and waste a lot of water. Much better to just make sure that your CYA doesn't get too high in the first place.

Some pools do lose their CYA over the winter. It biodegrades and causes a HUGE chlorine demand to get rid of all of the byproducts left behind. It isn't fun when this happens and takes a TON of bleach to clear it up. Unfortunately, there is no real way to know which pools will have this happen. Hopefully, you won't ever have to deal with it.

[mfhache]

It will not evaporate over time. Really the only way to lower it is to do partial drains and refills which are a real pain and waste a lot of water. Much better to just make sure that your CYA doesn't get too high in the first place.

Some pools do lose their CYA over the winter. It biodegrades and causes a HUGE chlorine demand to get rid of all of the byproducts left behind. It isn't fun when this happens and takes a TON of bleach to clear it up. Unfortunately, there is no real way to know which pools will have this happen. Hopefully, you won't ever have to deal with it.

Thanks. That's pretty much all I need to run this sucker. I'll forgo using the rest of my tablets. Probably only 10 left anyways. I'll see if I can find anyone else that uses them and donate them.