Copper in water - ok to use bleach?

[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.