How do I prep my pool for vacation?

[JimK]

Normally since I have a SWCG I wouldn't be asking this, but I've noticed lately I'm having to run my SWCG at a higher setting than usual; right now it's set at 80% with the pump running 12 hours a day to maintain 5-6ppm CL (CYA is at 70-80ppm).

Since I'm entering the 7th season with the same cell, I suspect it's showing it's age and may fail sometime this summer.

I'm concerned that my cell may fail while I'm away for a week and I'll come home to a green pool. Is there something I can do before I leave to assure this won't happen? Unfortunately I don't know anyone who can check on it while I'm gone.

I'm a bit hesitant to go ahead and buy a new cell since the warranty clock will start ticking and it's possible the old cell may hang in there all season.

I thought maybe bring CL up to shock level just before I leave while leaving the SWCG running at normal level while I'm gone? If I do that do I run the risk of coming home to a bleached out liner?

Another thought was to just add a quart of 60% polyquat before I leave and leave the CL level at normal (5-6ppm).

I appreciate any suggestions.

[PoolDoc]

How soon are you going on vacation, and how long will you be gone?

(OK, I see now -- a week.)

[JimK]

Yes, 1 week. I'm going later next month. I posted early to allow plenty of time to come up with a plan.

[PoolDoc]

OK:

I just finished a dosing guide: http://pool9.net/chart/vacation-dose/ ; there are links to the products in the chart.

[kelemvor]

Regarding the tablets in a floater, did you have something in mind other than a trichlor floater?

Nope, just that. Your list is obviously much more thought out

I thought polyquat increased chlorine demand? Wouldn't that be counter productive in this case?

[Watermom]

You add the polyquat, expect the chlorine to plummet, then bring the chlorine back up.

[PoolDoc]

And here is a semi-final list, which I need to expand:

• Prep levels for vacation
  • Chlorine to 20% of CYA
  • Salt topped off if you have an SWCG
  • pH maximized if you are using trichlor feeder / floater
• Use a feed system: SWCG, trichlor feeder, trichlor floater, etc.
• Raise borates to 60+ ppm
• Lower phosphates below 0.125 ppm
• Dose with 6 ppm polyquat
• Cover your pool with any cover that reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the water.
• Minimize water temperatures (turn off solar, cool the pool if you can, etc)
• Set up pre-measured doses of bleach, dichlor, or polyquat for your *TRAINED* neighbor / friend / relative
• Use the HiC2 method (CYA > 100 ppm, FC > 25 ppm)
  (Best with low phosphates + 60 ppm borates)
• Clean pool, pump, skimmer, filter
• Make sure your pump is in self-priming state
  (So your pump doesn't burn up or fail while you are a way)
• Increase circulation time
  (If you're using a feeder, increased circulation help. Also, a pump that runs 24/7 is less likely to lose prime)
• Turn your pump off
  (If you're using polyquat, it tends to be removed by filtration.)