Pool stored!

[CarlD]

I'm not the expert on SWGs Anna, but what little I know you are mostly correct on all counts, except the copper (it does turn blond hair green). You must also add a salt test, but the SWGs usually have that tester built in.

Two unnecessary liners. Totally.

However the world is FULL of people who know more than us about pools and pool maintenance. People with green pools and people who shut their pools down because it was too much trouble.

I used to go to a dentist who had a sign in his office that read "There is nothing the doctor can do that the patient cannot undo..."

Or as the old joke: How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

If your friend persists in her reluctance DESPITE seeing how beautiful your pool is and how little you do to maintain it, give up and have her come swim at YOUR house! (at least you'll always know your water is sanitary! )

[AnnaK]

Hahaha! Thanks for putting up with me, Carl, and for understanding.

Ok, so the copper thing is not correct? I did wonder about that. The cell uses NaCl to make Cl, so why would it need copper added?

Not all of my pool friends are this . . . uh . . . resistant. A couple of years ago Jane bought a house with a pool. She sent me an e-mail: "Tell me how to take care of it." I talked to her about getting a test kit, about BBB, about using pool stores for hardware and the grocery store for chems. Went to visit for the house-warming, her pool was perfect. Jane's comment was: "I've seen your pool, I've watched you care for it. You know what you're doing and I wanted a piece of that."

It's very gratifying when that happens. It would be nice if my Virginia friend would see the light but I'm not going to hold my breath.

[chem geek]

Copper is not needed in any pool, let alone one with a SWCG. They are probably suggesting that to prevent algae growth since they are unlikely to suggest a proper FC for the CYA level in their pool.

As for proper water balance for SWCG pools, the following post has info on that:

Water Balance for SWG Pools

The main issue in SWCG pools is that they tend to rise in pH. This is primarily caused by the SWCG system increasing aeration so outgassing of carbon dioxide and possibly by some outgassing of undissolved chlorine gas as well. So turning down the SWCG on-time helps reduce the rate of pH rise.

There are two ways to get the SWCG on-time to be lower which basically means lowering the chlorine demand/usage. One is to use a higher CYA level in the 60-80 ppm range, usually 70-80 ppm. This reduces the loss of chlorine from sunlight even if one uses a minimum FC level of 4 ppm which is recommended at this CYA level for SWCG pools. The other technique is to add 50 ppm Borates to the pool since that acts as a mild algaecide so cuts down on the amount of chlorine that could be fighting nascent algae growth. The Borates also act as a pH buffer. It is also important to lower the TA level dramatically, at least down to 70 ppm if not lower. This reduces the rate of carbon dioxide outgassing (not necessary if one has a pool cover).

[AnnaK]

Thanks a lot, Richard.

The borates may not be possible because her pool, like mine, is used by dogs and 50 ppm may be too high.

I'll read the article in Pool School and learn what I can.

I've talked to her about pH testing and adjusting and CYA but in truth, her eyes get all glassy and she shuts down. Still, I'll keep at it, can't help myself.

[CarlD]

It's very gratifying when that happens. It would be nice if my Virginia friend would see the light but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Yeah, it's like they say: Don't marry someone intending to change them!

[Watermom]

What?? You mean the "husband training" doesn't work???

[CarlD]

What?? You mean the "husband training" doesn't work???

Oh, let's not go there....

[Watermom]

chuckle, chuckle, chuckle