Want To Switch To BBB; Shock Question

[Snowymoon]

Oh Gods. I just went to Wal-Mart and bought about 5 jugs of the large ultra bleach there (over 1 gallon size). When I got back home and tested the water, there was only about 1 to 2 TC in there, and the old stick was gone (I had turned the skimmer back on). With my CYA, that is no good. I used the bleach calc, and poured the recommended amount of bleach slowly into the skimmer to raise the level up to 6 to 7. I then proceeded to aerate the pool by making a large ruckus. I can already see a difference! It is a bit more sparkly.

While swimming, I also noticed some patches of brown stuff on the bottom that looked like supa fine dirt bits together. I had just vacuumed this morning. I would swish it about, and it would disappear only to reappear when I would return to that part of the pool later (I was the only one swimming). Could I have had the beginnings of an algea? Even while using the ankyl-something algea preventative?

And may I ask why only poly-quat algeacide? Do I even need an algeacide? (Sorry so many questions, this is my first year ever having a pool.)

Going to shock up to 20 ppm with regular bleach this evening.

I have another question. If the pool is clear but CC is high, do you only have to raise the chlorine up to shock level overnight and then let it drift back down by next day?

[aylad]

If your CC is high, you need to raise the chlorine up to shock level until the CC goes to zero, then let it drift back down.

You shouldn't need an algaecide if you properly chlorinate your pool, and a lot of them cause foaming problems, as well as add copper to your water that causes staining and green hair, so it's best not to add any of it if you don't need it.....a lot of our forum members only add it when closing...I never add it at all. Bleach is the only algaecide you really need. If you do add algaecide, we recommend polyquat because it doesn't cause the problems I mentioned above.


Janet

[Snowymoon]

Thank you Janet. I think I am on the right track.

[Snowymoon]

I don't think my CC reading is accurate. The only way I have to test it is with AquaChem test strips, and when I shocked the pool, the CC went way up along with the FC. (???) I need a better test kit, but is it wise to buy one now, or just wait until spring?

I shocked to 20 ppm with ultra bleach last night, and the level is still holding well this morning. Pool looks pretty darn good and is clearing up.

[aylad]

It's never too early to get a good test kit, and it's vital if you want to keep a clean, clear pool!

Janet

[Snowymoon]

Will the reagents and other kit stuff last through the year and be usable next year?

I posted pictures of the water today here. Looks really good! This site is the best.

[Snowymoon]

Wow. The TC level took about a day and a half to come down to around 10 to 12 from 20. Level of 10 is what I needed to be able to swim again at my CYA level. I guess that means my pool did not have much to shock out. Is this the reason y'all suggest not to shock unless it absolutely needs it?

I wonder if I could figure CC by using the TC reading versus free chlorine reading via the strips until they are gone? Is CC figured TC minus FC?