Chlorine and calcium low

[waterbear]

Why are you adding bromine to your pool - not only does Cl and Br interact with each other, Br breaks down to worthless bromides quite quickly.

Sodium bromide is an effective way to kill algae (usually mustard algae) caused when CYA levels get too high. By converting the pool to bromine temporarily it takes the CYA out of the equation. However, once the pool converts back to chlorine the high CYA levels tend to create problems once again so unless there is also a water change to lower the CYA the use use of sodium bromide based products are only a band aid and not a cure!

[CarlD]

If memory serves, if you use a bromine to clear algae from a chlorine pool, you need to add lots of chlorine to get rid of the bromine.

So you either add lots of chlorine to get rid of the algae, or lots of chlorine to get rid of the bromine that got rid of the algae....

[mrszaff]

Thanks everyone, I added the bromine to get rid of the ugly algae last week, which wasn't reacting to the polyquot 6o or the gallons of liquid shock and bleach I was pouring in. It did clear up the pool so we could swim so I can't complain. BUT, you are right I am still dumping bleach in every day. I found it at Walgreens today for only $1.99 for the store brand large jug. I am also noticing that the supply of bleach is very low every where I go here in my long island town, not a coincidence I am sure. I haven't been able to go to Leslies yet after a long day at work for a test kit or water analysis. I will look at the online sights you recommend. We are getting a thunderstorm now so I will wait till tomorrow and keep you posted. THANKS for all the input, it is much appreciated, and I still have a good looking pool, which makes me happy!!!

[Watermom]

Just an FYI -- Polyquat 60 is a much better preventative than it is for treating an existing algae bloom.

[nthach]

Is the Walgreens brand bleach 5.25% or more of sodium hypochlorite? Some store brands are between 2-4% NaOCl, caveat emptor.

[mrszaff]

I finished it up so I don't know, but the IGA brand I used today was 5.25 sodium hypochlorite, is that ok? I put in 3 gallons.waiting till payday to get my kit, but the test strips show dark purple in the am and white in the pm for chlorine so I know it's not holding yet.

[nthach]

The IGA stuff should be fine. I'd add in your Cl at night and take measures of day/night Cl usage.