Softswim to Chlorine Conversion ??

[jma1_nemo]

If I remember correctly the last time I added softswim to the pool was last August 2005. Can anyone say what kind of life this stuff has?

[huenix]

I think you can test for PHMB, but I don't really see that it matters. I converted my pool last summer from Baq to Cl. It was just a matter of holding the CL at some very large number (25 or 30?) for days on end. You have to check and add more CL 2 or three times a day, run your pump 24/7 and backwash a LOT. You want to get your pool clear and clean and sparkly, but you also want it to hold residual CL for 48 hours.

[jma1_nemo]

Ok so I am still formulating my plan for this conversion but I have had a slight delay. We were blessed? (We are in the 5th year of a drought) with 72” of SNOW, yes that is 6 FEET of snow over the last week. 60” on Tue/Wed and another 12” on Sun. Talk about putting a damper on spring fever.
So back to the real Business.
While starting the conversion, I think the PH is probably important because that allows the bleach to work most efficiently. So as my first step should I focus on this element before adding bleach? How about total alkalinity?
Once I start adding bleach, should I only add when the sun is off the water or should I add through out the day?
I’m guessing I have 0 CYA at this point since I’ve only ever added the 3 Softswim chemicals. Should I be adding some CYA to stabilize the bleach during conversion or just using straight up bleach? As always , thanx in Advance.

[aylad]

As long as your pH stays between 70 and 8.0, I wouldn't really worry about it until after the conversion is over. And no, you don't have to wait until the sun is off the water to add the bleach....in fact, you really need to check it and add enough bleach to go back up to shock level 2-3 times per day--the more often you do this, the faster your conversion will go. I also wouldn't worry about CYA for right now, you need the chlorine to be as aggressive as possible. Wait and add the CYA after the conversion is complete.

Janet

[duraleigh]

Good morning,

First of all, Janet (and Huenix) has given you a really good synopsis of the conversion. I would like to add (or pose the question) about the timing of the bleach addition. First and foremost, remember, I am a cheapskate!!

I think it is prudent to add as much bleach as possible during the evening. That way, the sunlight destroys as little as possible. I would think something like this would be reasonable:

1 hour before sunset, bring your Cl up to around 16-20ppm...it'll start to drop immediately. Then shortly before you go to bed, retest and bring it back up to 16 - 20ppm. Try to get up an hour or so before sunrise, do it again.
Hopefully, you can come home at lunch and repeat.

Start the above process over just before sunset the next evening.

This way, you only have one bleach application exposed to the sun and will get the most bang for the buck from your Cl and you will still be getting four shock value applications in a 24 hou period.

And, as Janet said, you will probably lose most any Cya you add now so wait 'til your conversion is complete.

[jma1_nemo]

As I start the conversion, does it matter if I have my solar cover on the pool? Does a solar cover do anything do keep the sun from eating the CL?

[Watermom]

Cover off. High chlorine levels like you will need for conversion aren't good for solar covers.