Borax

[fcfrey]

OK --- that sounds reasonable --- Perhaps I should start another thread for this question.

I have never seen a difference when I test for total chlorine. Using a DPD test kit --- Fresh reagents and careful attention to procedure. Free chlorine now is between 2 & 3 when I add the 5 drops of R0003 nothing changes. We shock regularly (once per month) and I really don't want to see any combined chlorine but I would think I should see something. Perhaps I shock too often??

[Watermom]

You shouldn't necessarily see any CC. I never do. It just means you are keeping your chlorine levels up adequately.

[fcfrey]

Thank you. We try. Our pool is always nice and the water has a good smell to it.

All this begs the question though --- What is the criteria for shocking the pool?

[Watermom]

You do not routinely need to shock the pool. I only shock if I see CC (which is practically never) or if we have had a really large number of swimmers or if there has been a lot of rain that put a lot of organic debris in the water. If you maintain your water chemistry, you really don't have to shock the pool. I don't think I have shocked at all this season. (Unless I did it once early in the season and have just forgotten.)