Leslies sales tactics

[chem geek]

poolaris,

If Leslie's had sold you the PhosFree with 500 ppb of phosphates, then I'd agree they were just pushing product. At 2500 ppb, you *might* be getting closer to the edge of where a higher FC/CYA ratio is needed to prevent algae growth. There are so few pools with really high phosphate levels that it is hard to tell, but even for such pools the solution is the same: shock the pool (with chlorinating liquid or unscented bleach) to get rid of any nascent algae growth and then run the SWG slightly longer such that the FC is somewhat higher. If it turns out that there is indeed algae growth and you wanted to lower the SWG on-time to lower the rate of pH rise, then Borates can be used as another alternative.

The "normal" FC level for an SWG to prevent green algae growth is about 4.5% (say, 5%) of the CYA level compared to the minimum for manually dosed pools which is roughly 7.5% of the CYA level. However, as one approaches 3000-4000 ppb it seems that *maybe* a higher level might be required. So since your pool is one that is getting close to the "edge" (assuming Leslie's number is accurate), it would be an excellent case for figuring this out in more detail. Can you post your normal pH, FC, CYA numbers? Also, did you increase your SWG on-time prior to seeing the increase in acid demand?

Richard

[Skillset]

Leslies won't take back pool chemicals, but they need to make the return policy more clear. After I switched to BBB, I tried to return unopened pucks and could not.

[waste]

Skillset, I hear you! It is against the law in Ct to take back chems... I assume that it's because the person who bought them may have tampered with them, so they are no longer "pure'.