Adding Bleach with Solar Cover On

[jrv331]

Heres why I asked the question in the first place. Im on my 4th solar cover in 10 years which is about par. I switched to the BBB method a few years ago and had always been adding the bleach/borax by dribbling it arount the pool with the cover off. This year I started adding everythig throught the skimmer. This is the second year for this solar cover and when I go to take it off the pool it actually tears where ever I grab it, the bubbles pop at the slightest touch. This is the first time anything like this has happened. It was not like this when I put it on at the start of the season. The only thing different this year than the last is adding chemicals through the skimmer and leaving the cover on.

I'll also admitt that this year I leave the cover on when I shock as well - which may be some of the problem.

Any one know who has the best deals on solar covers? 24AG,
Thanks
John

[Poconos]

I've been dumping all chemicals into the skimmer for I believe 7 seasons and no problems. Seals, O-rings, and other components should be made of materials that are resistant to pool chemicals. Solar covers are not. CarlD started another thread somewhere about his cover that bit the dust and I posted that one cover I had stated the warranty was void for chlorine levels over 1.5 ppm. I also asked how many pools run as low as 1.5. Without any great chemistry knowledge my guess is the combination of high chlorine levels, heat, and sunlight kill covers prematurely. When you pour in front of a return or around a perimeter there is no guarantee dilution will quickly occur. Pouring in the skimmer you are. Basically fresh water is sucked in, mixed with the added chemicals, then shot out the returns. Each person does what works best. If one is having problems that may be attributed to one technique, change techniques. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. However, many engineers will say, if it ain't broke, design it better anyhow. The skimmer works for me.
Al

[DeYoung9]

Damage done by low concentrations of Cl over a period of weeks or months will be equal to the damage done by high concentrations of Cl for a short time. Exactly what concentration/time ratios are equivalent depends on the materials being affected and usually requires testing to figure out.

- DeYoung9

[shadowman]

I feel compelled to offer the same warning that was offered to me on this forum. Never add bleach through the skimmer if you are using pucks in a chlorine injector. When I was in the process of switching to the BBB method, I started using the skimmer. The same day I was given this warning I ran out, shut off the pump and opened my injector. It still had small pieces of pucks in it and it was bubbling furiously. I also took a hit of chlorine gas that nearly knocked me over. It could have caused an explosion if I had let it go.