How much do pool chemicals cost, monthly?

[chem geek]

It varies by pool size. A typical 2 ppm FC per day for 23,000 gallons would require around 3/4-gallon (so a 96-ounce jug) of 6% bleach per day. Prices vary but are usually in the neighborhood of $1.30, sometimes less. So that would be about $40 per month for your pool. Chlorine usage varies, but is usually in the 1.5 to 2.5 ppm FC per day range. If your pool is exposed to a lot of sunlight and you are seeing higher chlorine demand well above 2 ppm FC per day, then a higher CYA level (with a higher proportionate FC level) can lower your chlorine usage (or perhaps you need to shock your pool to get rid of nascent algae growth). Use of a mostly opaque pool cover really cuts down usage which is why in my pool the usage is less than 1 ppm FC per day which for 16,000 gallons comes to around $15 per month with the pool used (open) for 1-2 hours every day.

[CarlD]

I estimate I'm spending about $40/month on LC this season--but that's due to needing an opening cleanup. I expect it to go down in July and August to about $25-$30--1/2 gallon of 12.5% every other day=15 days/month = 7.5 gallons /month. LC is costing about $3.40/gallon (equiv to $1.70/gal for bleach) so that's about $25.

Add in a couple of pounds of stabilizer (?), 1 quart of Polyquat over the whole season ($19), and a couple of boxes of Borax and one of Washing Soda (12# @ $.80/# = $9.60). That's it!

Carl

[CoolHandLuke]

All,

Thanks for the responses! I'm not as far off as I thought I was. Right now my CYA is between 45 and 50 and I'm thinking of going up on that a little bit (maybe to 60) just to cut down on the LC a little bit. Right now I'm using 182oz of 6% bleach almost every day ($2.54 at Target). I had a couple of fights with algae in June which is why my chemical costs were a lot more than expected.

I'm in Alabama, 90 degrees and full sun on the pool most days.

[Watermom]

You can try a little higher CYA and see if that helps any. But, in a 23K gallon pool, I don't think your chlorine usage is excessive. My pool is 13K gallons and I typically add 2 quarts of bleach per evening.