Quote Originally Posted by Whetstone613 View Post
Hmm... now I don't know whether to feel please w/myself for sticking it to da man or frustrated that I didn't work it out the first time I challenged them on the need for minerals in the first place! At least the last 2 seasons were only partial.
But I get the feeling that most of the other stuff they sell me is worthwhile. Could someone confirm or deny that:
-Balance Pak 100 for alkalinity
-Slow 'n' Go for pH
-Shock
-Chlorine pucks
-Algicide (this seems to only be when opening/closing the pool)
I guess that's it. There's not much getting around using those, is there?
Oh yes there is! There are cheaper alternatives to those pool store chemicals.

You can use:
-- baking soda to raise alk
-- 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle at Walmart) to raise pH
-- plain, unscented household bleach for daily chlorination and shocking if needed (and it isn't routinely needed, by the way)

It is ok to use Trichlor pucks for awhile. They will add chlorine and CYA if yours is low but after you get your CYA where you want it (around 50ppm is good for most pools), you'll want to discontinue using the pucks or else your CYA will get too high. We have people come here all the time who use the pucks for extended time periods who suddenly can't keep algae away. What they don't understand is that higher CYA levels cause you to need to run higher chlorine levels. Take a look at the chart in this link to see more about the connection between CYA and chlorine levels. http://pool9.net/cl-cya/

You don't ever actually have to use algaecide. I never do. But, if you do use one, only use 60% algaecide. Nothing else.

Do a lot of reading here on the forum, especially the stickied threads at the top of each subsection of the forum. Also, read over on our sister website www.poolsolutions.com.

Hope this helps!