Do you still need to add calcium and and alkalinity increaser and all to the pool or do you just use this and shock your pool a couple times a week
1831042
Yes you still have to balance the water chemistry.. this device only adds to low level chlorine sanitizing with another additional microorganism eliminator/reducer.
1831043
I just float chlorine in a floater and my pool stays clear all summer. I will shock sometimes in really hot weather if the pool gets cloudy. Love this product!
1831044
You need to keep the pool water balanced and the chlorine above 0.5 PPM. I don't shock the pool except to start up the nature 2 before installation. I have noticed that it does not last fully a half year as stated in the manual. When it runs out, the algae returns.
1831045
All i have done is shocked the pool and use the 3.5 inch tabs since installing.
230464
If you get the phosphate level down in your pool and keep your chlorine levels good you shouldn't need to shock your pool. Phosphates are fertilizer that feed the algae. It's a good idea to check the water you use to fill and top up your pool that is the usual source of phosphates. Good luck !
2213987
We have a large in-ground pool (35,000 gallons). I did a lot of research last year on this topic of alkalinity because it is difficult to maintain the proper balance in our pool. At the opening of the pool for the season we get the pool where it needs to be using stronger methods (shock, boxes of baking soda). Then we use these tablets and chlorine tablets for maintenance. We put them in the skimmer basket. The baking soda tablets dissolve more quickly than the chlorine tablets. I check the skimmer probably every two days and if they are dissolved I put two more in. This method keeps our pool balanced all summer. I don't understand why these aren't more readily available in stores. We have a large in-ground pool (35,000 gallons). I did a lot of research last year on this topic of alkalinity because it is difficult to maintain the proper balance in our pool. At the opening of the pool for the season we get the pool where it needs to be using stronger methods (shock, boxes of baking soda). Then we use these tablets and chlorine tablets for maintenance. We put them in the skimmer basket. The baking soda tablets dissolve more quickly than the chlorine tablets. I check the skimmer probably every two days and if they are dissolved I put two more in. This method keeps our... » Read More We have a large in-ground pool (35,000 gallons). I did a lot of research last year on this topic of alkalinity because it is difficult to maintain the proper balance in our pool. At the opening of the pool for the season we get the pool where it needs to be using stronger methods (shock, boxes of baking soda). Then we use these tablets and chlorine tablets for maintenance. We put them in the skimmer basket. The baking soda tablets dissolve more quickly than the chlorine tablets. I check the skimmer probably every two days and if they are dissolved I put two more in. This method keeps our pool balanced all summer. I don't understand why these aren't more readily available in stores. « Show Less
1395222
I only used salt when I opened our pool. It took 3 40 lb bags for a 16' X 48" pool and the level was perfect. We did have a long weekend a couple of weeks ago where our GFC in the pump got tripped and came home to algae. To fix it we added 10 oz of algaecide and 3 lbs of shock, cleared it up in a couple of days and allowed the saltwater system to catch up. Still very pleased with the system.
2264258
You add it at the start, leave it for a week or two, water change add more as it instructs and you can add your fish. You still condition the water throughout this process. You can continue adding the safestart in additional water changes.
2064537
i just have a more powerful filter/pump attached which keeps the water agitated but for adding a ramp & a pump for current? I don't believe thats a good idea. Top inflatable ring needs a air replenishment every week or so to keep it semi rigid. Pool is fine for a few kids or just floating on a air mattress
1665674
it is baking soda, and if you want you can add it to a salt water pool, but it will raise you pH
566028
This is the second summer we use our saltwater system and have not encountered any problems. Make sure your calculating the amount of salt needed to the size of pool you have. We have a 12' round pool and add 1 1/2 bags of pool salt. We also clean the copper plates with vinegar every other month to avoid calcium build up.
1346880
I have used it for years and have not used it for the last to years and have seen no difference. But of coarse every pool supply store says it is a must but to that I say that for years I took water samples to them for many years and spend hundreds of dollars doing and buying what they said ... was a waste of time and money for me and it never fixed anything. Now all I do is super shock it when needed and run it the appropriate amount of time and to date have had no problems whatsoever with the pool or any who swim in it. Hope this helps.
1419860
my ionizer is the best thing i have bought for my pool....it does not let you understand how or why it works but the main thing is it does....no other chem. needed..maybe a little shock after a rain.
2157540
I just use normal tap water, which does result in some calcium build up, but at least the water is free. I go through about 2 gallons a day.
1148839
Interesting question. I didn't know, but I suspected a slight increase. I tested tap and filtered water this evening with my color comparison pool test kit. Results in my area are, from the tap, 7.5 Ph, from the filter 8.2 Ph. When my pool gets that high, I add acid to bring the Ph down, it's better for keeping the calcium in suspension (we have hard water in Riverside, Ca). To be honest, I didn't expect this large of change in Ph. Thanks for pointing that out.
1518991
Yes but first make sure you get your chlorine high - because high chlorine helps kill everything. Add algicide and more isn't better - follow instructions. Run filter almost 24/7 - backwash frequently, scrub the walls down and shock again - it will take a couple days for a clear pool but be patient (something I am not good at). It will become clear and enjoyable! Remember although it doesn't look pretty if your chemicals are in order the pool is safe to swim in.
1095324
No Shauna, The clorine will mess up and counter the good you do with the salt. You really need to empty and start fresh with your bags of salt. Your pool will stay cleaner longer and is so much more economical and easier on the skin than chlorine. Just protect the digital display on your salt pump with a basket or something as the sun will destroy the read-out and you won't be able to program it. This was my mistake. Patti
1774511
We set our pool up in May, 2014 and it is now July, 2014. We have not had to add any salt. It is my understanding that the "low salt" light will come on if needed. Very happy to say our pool has tested perfect each week and we haven't had to do anything except the usual Regular Filter changes. Absolutely nothing with the saltwater filter!
376762
It is my understanding that this shock has the same function as liquid shock. I use this instead of liquid shock. Love it! Are you adding chlorine as well? Hth has home algae control stuff that comes in a gallon that you measure out and pour in depending on the size of your pool. You could try that. Maybe take some of your water to a local pool dealer and have it tested. They could tell you exactly what to do. Good luck.
30023
It raises it, but not like sodium carbonate does because it also contributes hydrogen ions. Use baking soda to lift the total alkalinity of the pool. In combination with HCL it will buffer the pool against ph bounce. To just lift the pH quickly use sodium carbonate. I'm using the baking soda to adjust Total Alkalinity on a newly filled pool and the ten pound bag is an ideal way to buy for this sort of use.