Start Bleach/Borax towards the END of the season?

[Shari]

Hi, just found this forum while googling for help with my super green Intex. (SUPER GREEN. Like, it should have a cape.) I'm intrigued by the bleach/borax, instead of dropping hundreds of dollars at the pool store, but I've already dropped hundreds of dollars at the pool store. Is it safe to start this method, even though I've been using traditional measures to keep up with the pool? (Most recent pool store methods: alkaline rise, shock, algaecide. Pool's still green, btw. :/)

Thanks!

[Watermom]

Hi and welcome to the Pool Forum!

We'll need some additional info to be able to help.

1. What kind of pool is it? What is the volume?
2. What size pump and what kind and size of filter?
3. Exactly what all have you added to the pool, meaning ingredients and not just product names like 'shock.'
4. What does the water look like?
5. What is the source of your fill water --- a well or city water?
6. Do you have a drops-based test kit? If so, what kind? Post current numbers.

If you don't have a good drops-based test kit:
The test kit that we think is by far the best is the Taylor K2006 or 2006C (better buy). Not available locally but you can get it through this link that takes you to Amazon: http://pool9.net/tk/

But, in the meantime, go to Walmart and see if they have the HTH 6-Way drops-based kit (no test strips!) and get that. If they don't, get an OTO/Phenol Red kit (yellow and red drops) instead. Use it to test and then post your numbers. Also while you are at WallyWorld, get several jugs of their generic 8.25% bleach, a couple of boxes of 20 Mule Team Borax (laundry aisle) and a gallon of distilled water.

Repost with requested info and then someone here can try and help you.

(Until you registration is completed, you won't be able to see the rest of the forum while you are logged in. So, copy that link and then paste it into a browser window after you log out.)

[CarlD]

With the stuff Watermom told you to get, we can probably guide you to be able to clean up your pool so so you can get some swimming time now in August and early September. Otherwise, if it's not clean by mid-Sept, depending on the kind of Intex, draining may be an option (If it's an Intex EasySet donut pool, draining, deflating and storing somewhere warm and dry is the best thing for winter here in NJ. Frame pools are another story)