Copper in water - ok to use bleach?

[mccato]

I have one more question - on the best guess CYA chart - what is the difference between FC and Shock FC? Should I aim for somewhere between min and max FC or Shock FC?

[Sully]

I have one more question - on the best guess CYA chart - what is the difference between FC and Shock FC? Should I aim for somewhere between min and max FC or Shock FC?

Min FC and MAX FC would be the levels at which you should maintain your pool.

Shock FC is what you need to be at to clear your pool.

But with you CYA as high as it is.........you might have a need to go above these levels.

[mccato]

I really appreciate your replies! I'm sorry to have so many questions, but I'm still trying to make this make sense. I've been brainwashed by the pool store for way too long. I've never had any problems with algae or CYA until now, so I'm a little overwhelmed. And I've never had to deal with copper, so I'm really trying to put this all together.

So I'll use enough bleach to reach 25ppm for my weekly shock, and I'll keep it between 8 and 15 daily, right? This is as long as my CYA is sky high? (BTW, I tested it with some strips and it shows between 50 and 100 - can I believe the ALEX system?) This is the only pool store with a computerized testing system in my area.

With the chlorine levels this high, does this mean no swimming until it can be at 3 ppm?

Do I need to worry about the copper level? Since my pool place can't tell me what the reading is, I don't know what to do about it. I know I can order a test kit, but in the meantime, the copper is still there (I guess). Does it eventually go away?

Thanks again for all your help!

[Sully]

You need to hold your Shock value (25 ppm) until the pool is crystal clear. Adding chlorine everyday, 2, or 3 times a day to maintain 25 ppm. After you pool is able to maintain chlorine level ( dropping 1 or 2 ppm a day is ok) you can let it drift down to 8 - 15 ppm and maintain it at the level, adding chlorine everyday as necessary. IF you maintain the pool at these levels, there is no need for a weekly shock.

You need to get a good drop-based test kit, (strips do not cut it) whether the 5 way HTH kit from Walmart or the kit through this site. 5 minutes a day for testing and adding bleach is all you will need.

[mccato]

OK, thanks for that explanation. I understand; except for one detail. My pool is crystal clear and has been all summer. I saw green algae on the skimmer last week, but I brush it every day and have not seen anymore since. I'll do as you say and keep a constant check on it.

Can we swim in a pool with 8-15 ppm chlorine?

Thanks again!

[aylad]

With a CYA that high, yes, you can swim in it--it would be the same as swimming in a pool with lower chlorine and CYA, proportionally.

Janet

[mccato]

Thanks, Janet! I wish the pool stores in my area had as good an understanding of CYA as you guys do. I appreciate the help!

[Simmons99]

So I'll use enough bleach to reach 25ppm for my weekly shock, and I'll keep it between 8 and 15 daily, right? This is as long as my CYA is sky high? (BTW, I tested it with some strips and it shows between 50 and 100 - can I believe the ALEX system?) This is the only pool store with a computerized testing system in my area.

The most reliable way to get good test results is to get a good test kit and do it yourself. You will always test the same way - can't always be sure about the pool store employees

With the chlorine levels this high, does this mean no swimming until it can be at 3 ppm?

You can swim at the maintenance level of chlorine - for your CYA would be between 8ppm-15ppm. CYA binds and stabilizes chlorine and it also makes it less effective at high levels - which is why it's okay to swim.

Do I need to worry about the copper level? Well if you have shocked your pool and the whole thing hasn't turned into green kool-aid - I would say that copper is nothing to worry about

Thanks again for all your help!

Go to the sister site http://www.poolsolutions.com and read all the articles - It will help you understand the process a little better.

BTW - all you really need is bleach, borax, baking soda - and MAYBE some polyquat - forget all that Bioguard stuff.