Trying to Swim More and do less work

[szampino]

Are there any Pros/Cons as to when the filter runs?

I like the idea of running the filter a little after a bleach application, however I would like to run it overnight.

Are there any rules of thumb to use regarding when a filter should be run? Day vs Night?

[Watermom]

Mostly a matter of preference. Some places have peak hours where the rate is more expensive, others don't. If you have solar panels, you want to be circulating water during peak sun hours for maximum heating benefit. If you have solar panels and your pool is too hot, you can run the water through the panels at night to cool the water down. As long as you run your pump long enough to turn the water over at least once per day, you will be fine. Some people do 24/7 which is really unnecessary and wastes electricity. Some people do a couple of different sessions per day -- each about 4 hours. Some turn it on when they get up in the morning and off when they go to bed. I do 12-8 to maximize heat gain from my solar panels. There is no one right answer.

[szampino]

Hopefully my last post to this thread.

Man vs pool =
Week 1 - Pool
Week 2 - Man

FC = 2.5
CC = 0
TC = 0
PH = 7.0
ALK = 110
CYA = (Still adjusting with Stabalizer) targeting 10-15

I am happy to announce that I think I've trained my pool or perhaps my pool has trained me. Through a little POP, the support from all on this forum, and a little give and take with the pool. We have come to a position of mutual respect. All I need to do is be sensitive to the pools needs, don't make any drastic changes, be careful how I introduce those changes, and in return, the pool will give me crystal clear water. I wonder if pools get moody once a month because this relationship sounds very familliar.....

Once again, thanks to all.

Q. How important is the ALK number? If my PH is stable, do I need to mess with ALK?

[Watermom]

Very clever post! Had to laugh out loud when I read the "this relationship sounds very familiar" part!

Your alk is fine at 110. Watch the ph and don't let it drop any lower than 7.0. Also, FC + CC = TC, so if your FC and CC are correct above, then your TC (total cl) is also 2.5. Targeting 10-15 on stabilizer is fine, but you may find it difficult to maintain chlorine throughout the day especially when it is really hot and sunny. If so, you can always bump the cya level up some. As you said above, you'll learn what your pool needs in time. All of your statements about no drastic changes, etc. are right on.

Glad we could help. Keep us posted how things are going and if you have more questions, we'll still be here willing and able!

By the way, glad the 'man' won. That is usually the case when you have POP!

[mbar]

Especially at those "once a month times"

[aylad]

Especially at those "once a month times"

HA!!



Just a comment to add to the question about running the pump day or night. I run mine primarily during the day in the spring and fall, because it's easier for me to keep an eye on what's in the skimmer. In the heat of the summer, I often run it at night with a fountain to cool off my water. In Lousiana, at a certain point, pool water begins to feel like bath water!! Also, during the winter, I run it at night anytime the temp is going to get below the mid 20's or so to keep my pipes from freezing. Basically, when you run your pump really is geared toward your needs.

Janet

[szampino]

I was asked to update the post with my progress so here it it is.

My name is szampino and I am a pool owner. I have been crystal clear for the past 3 days and owe this success to my forum sponsors. I know the road ahead will be challenging but I know with the support and guidance from this group, I will remain crystal clear for the rest of the summer. I've read a few posts recently with people batteling their own problems and have one thing to say which is solely based on my own issues. Patience, Patience, Patience, Patience. Make one change at a time and wait, wait, wait, wait. You need a good test kit. You need a forum reccomended test kit. I have been at my breaking point and wanted to dump 4 boxes of Borax just to see a change. It is very hard to take action without seeing immediate results, you need patience. I have the luxury of working from home so I can attend to my pool multiple times a day, this must be very hard for those that work because you have to cram your treatments into small chunks of time.

Water seems so simple, but put it in a confined environment and is becomes a complex beast with attitude. Think of some of the destruction water has done through history. *Have you seen the Grand Canyon Lately. Treat it with respect and you will have a better chance of finding a balance.