have read several post regarding water testing and chlorine but in regards to the old saying "knowledge is power" has ultimately led to confusion.
Let me start with the basics: I live in NW PA which has a relatively short swimming period. I purchased a pool last year that is a 24' x 54" pool running a Hayward Powerflow Matrix 1hp combined with a Hayward Perflex Extended Cycle DE filter. I had originally used Chlorinating granules but had decided to switch to a chlorine feeder and Trichlor tablets because I thought it would provide a stable chlorine level (and I wouldn't have to mess around with the solar cover when adding the granules). This sound good in my head but this is where the problems started. I could never get the chloine feeder adjusted properly it seems like the chlorine levels would drop (using my cheap test kit which I will be purchasing the recommended Taylor) and the feeder would be plugged? Then the algae started which took 2 months to control and with numerous trips to the pool store and countless recommended products got me to close the pool for the winter and forget about it for a while.
My CYA level from the pool store computerized test was 80ppm but I never added any and used 8 Trichlor tabs before I switched back to the granules.
So I guess my question is: What is the best route for chlorine - Trichlor, granules, or liquid? The pool store told me to only use their brand of chlorine instead of Sams club. They told me that is why the feeder was plugging? So I am at a loss and was ready to sell the pool last year. I would appreciate any help from somebody who just wants to sell me products.
I actually have another question. How long should the pump run per day? I originally ran it 24 hours a day which in turn killed my electric bill. Installed a timer and ran the pump 2 hours a day 4 times a day. This I believe helped contribute to my algae problem. So what is a happy medium? I guess I would rather ay the electric bill then deal with algae.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Greg