Clear, but no chlorine???

[mary jo]

Thanks for the pH explanation. I used 3:1 ratio because 2:1's results were difficult for me to read. At 3:1 dilution, pH =7.6

Yesterday: FC went from 32 (morning) to 29 (early evening), and CC stayed @ 2.0. So I added approx. 24 oz of bleach (I figured about 1/5 of a jug) to bring the FC back up. At 10:30pm FC=31 CC=2.0

This morning @ 6:30am FC=30 CC=2.0

I decided to use the 2 scoops of DPD. Glad FC is holding, but darned frustrated about CC not lowering. Rainy day here, but sun just came out. Can't think of anything else to clean!

[FormerBromineUser]

Filters cartridges? You didn't clean them because they were new but maybe now?

[CarlD]

Since your FC went, during the day, only from 32 to 29, I'm not seeing the point in adding still more bleach to get the CC down, which has dropped. You just need a sunny day or 2, I think.

[mary jo]

CarlD- I envy your optimism!
I actually had a question about the cartridges. So far I have been adding bleach to my pool by pouring it around the perimeter (slowly). I've never added any chemicals to the skimmers -was told not to by pool installers- I think because of the inline chlorinator being full of tricolor pucks. But the chlorinator has been emptied and cleaned out- as has the Nature2 vessel. (I just wiped both down again and they are clean. Water also flows through the empty vessel but I turned the chlorinator off so it gets just a trickle).

Does adding chemicals directly to the skimmer offer any benefits (i.e. getting full strength CL to the filters)? btw: filter pressure started at 10 and is only 11 1/2 now and very strong pressure.

[CarlD]

Personally, my favorite way to add it is to the return stream. The ONLY reason I don't like adding it through the skimmer is that sometimes the chlorine splashes onto the deck material and discolors it.

[FormerBromineUser]

...ANY cartridge or filter media is a potential reservoir of accumulated oxidizable 'goo'. 2. For the same reason, clean the filter cartridges. Be sure to do it correctly. Spraying them off (with the hose; NOT with a pressure washer!!) is a good intermediate cleaning, but a full cleaning, which should remove any oxidizable 'goo' that could create chlorine demand takes more. See http://pool9.net/cart-clean/

Still want you to do this..... Can't hurt and can only help.

[mary jo]

I did read the post by Pool Doc about cleaning cartridges- saw a couple videos as well. I already have a set of hosed-off filters awaiting a TSP soak.
I am reluctant to clean the recently added cartridges because they were added right before I started shocking, and were new and clean and the pressure has risen very little since then. Plus, honestly, I am still leary of doing this by myself- so I'll want my husband to "help" (maybe he'll get really good at this and it becomes his job-ha), but his availability is limited. BUT i hear you- it's the only thing left to re-check, right?
That's why I mentioned that perhaps pouring bleach directly into the skimmer could maybe help. I read that it helps clean the sand in sand-based systems, but have never read anything about cartridges.

[FormerBromineUser]

I am reluctant to clean the recently added cartridges because they were added right before I started shocking, and were new and clean and the pressure has risen very little since then... BUT i hear you- it's the only thing left to re-check, right?

Your pool has undergone a lot since you started shocking. Get the hubby on the job! Just my recommendation.

[BigDave]

The filters have been exposed to high level chlorine the entire time they've been in service, I don't think adding bleach to the skimmer would make any difference. I know it's frustrating but I think some more patience and sun will get you there.

[mary jo]

So keep up the testing and add bleach as needed to maintain FC 30?
Btw: my husband just got out of the pool- he's been in it several times now during the past few weeks, and for the first time he noticed that the water had a bitter "taste" to it- whereas in the past- even this Friday, it did not. (Not that he regularly drinks pool water). Ever heard of this before?