Still no chlorine and sometimes high ph

[mimidjets]

I was under the impression that using the SWG, I didn't have to do the stabilizer. I went with the SWG to keep from having all of these problems, but so much for that! I don't understand why the SWG doesn't fix the chlorine. Isn't that supposed to take the salt and turn it in to chlorine?

[aylad]

The SWCG takes the salt and turns it into chlorine for the pool. However, the sun quickly uses up the chlorine in the pool unless you have stabilizer in it. Think of stabilizer (CYA) as "sunscreen" for your chlorine. Without it, the sun will consume all the chlorine your SWCG put out within an hour or two. With CYA, that chlorine is left in the pool to combat algae and bacteria, and safe from the sun. So you do need to add the CYA--but you need to check your owner's manual to see what CYA level they specify for your particular unit. Not only will the CYA protect your chlorine from the sun, but it also will help your SWCG operate at its most efficient, which will in turn prolong the life of your cell. Each unit calls for its own optimal CYA level, but most want you to run it between 60-80 ppm.

The good news is that once you get your CYA where you want it, you shouldn't have to add any more for the remainder of the swim season, unless you have a tremendous amount of splashout or frequent filter cleanings.

[Watermom]

Ben is suggesting using dichlor for awhile in your pool which will add the CYA you need as well as chlorine. (It will also help lower your pH which is too high.) You'll need to test your CYA every few weeks while using the dichlor and when it is at the level recommended by your SWCG manual, then you'll want to stop using it.