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Inground pool - best salt for chlorine generator

Posted on 7/13/16 at 8:09 pm
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 8:09 pm
So, we finally made the switch to a salt water chlorine generator, and it has made life so much better in keeping up our chemical levels in our pool. My question is, should I purchase the $50 40lb bag of salt the pool store is pushing, or does the soft water salt pellets bought at Home Depot work just as well?

Thoughts?
This post was edited on 7/13/16 at 8:11 pm
Posted by PrivatePublic
Member since Nov 2012
17848 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 8:25 pm to
buy the expensive stuff. The world needs suckers.
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 8:48 pm to
quote:

buy the expensive stuff. The world needs suckers.


I'm already married with kids, haven't I paid enough of the stupid tax?


Just kidding, I love my kids
Posted by deltaland
Member since Mar 2011
100618 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 8:54 pm to
Just do what I used to do and buy a 50 lb bag of copper sulfate crystals for 75 bucks and toss a few cups in it each week. Just wait a day or so before swimming in the pool.

It'll be crystal clear free of algae and that bag will last forever
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 9:08 pm to
quote:

50 lb bag of copper sulfate crystals
very interesting! I've not heard of this! I have loaded my pool with Boric Acid (Borates), and I've not had any problems with algae at all this year (this could also be attributed to a constant source of chlorine)

Thanks
Posted by kgturner
36695
Member since Oct 2013
139 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 9:27 pm to
The pool store only exists to separate money from people too lazy to learn how to maintain a pool on their own.

LINK

Read it all. Then read it again.

I would advise against adding copper sulfates to your water as an algaecide. Properly balancing and chlorinating your water should be enough. Plus, people spend a lot of time and money trying to get metals out of their water. The metal will eventually stain your liner, walls, and/or steps.

Kevin T
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 9:30 pm to
Posted by PrivatePublic
Member since Nov 2012
17848 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 9:32 pm to
quote:

I have loaded my pool with Boric Acid (Borates), and I've not had any problems with algae at all this year (this could also be attributed to a constant source of chlorine)


The chlorine is the answer. Keep it at a steady enough level, which is easy to do with a saltwater chlorinator, and occasionally superchlorinate, and you will have no algae problems.

As far as salt goes, the $6 bag at Wal Mart is just as effective as the expensive stuff. It may dissolve a little slower, but that's a hell of a lot of money to save for a little time sweeping some salt around.
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 9:48 pm to
quote:

As far as salt goes, the $6 bag at Wal Mart is just as effective as the expensive stuff. It may dissolve a little slower, but that's a hell of a lot of money to save for a little time sweeping some salt around

And THAT'S exactly what I'm trying to determine. 40 lbs of salt really shouldn't cost that much! It's salt!!!
Posted by kgturner
36695
Member since Oct 2013
139 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 10:02 pm to
Out of curiosity, what SWG did you go with? I'm hoping to eventually convert my pool to salt water. I've been eyeing the AutoPilot units.

Kevin T
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 10:26 pm to
I went with the Pentair IC40, and have it running through the Pentair EasyTouch, using the ScreenLogic software. The automation is AWESOME!!! I could set my VS Pump speeds, and chlorine generation amount while on vacation for two weeks.

It is an absolute lifesaver when I'm out of town since I can control everything from my phone. Unfortunately though, when I backwash, I lose salt. It looks like I need to add some more. My EasyTouch emailed me to tell me my levels are getting low.
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/13/16 at 10:32 pm to
quote:

kgturner

Oh, and BTW, welcome to the SEC OT-B, and the SECr

Glad to have you
Posted by CtotheVrzrbck
WeWaCo
Member since Dec 2007
37538 posts
Posted on 7/14/16 at 12:46 am to
NaCl is NaCl


eta: If you're in NWA I've got about 6-7 extra 40# bags on hand you can have em cheap if you want.
This post was edited on 7/14/16 at 12:48 am
Posted by CtotheVrzrbck
WeWaCo
Member since Dec 2007
37538 posts
Posted on 7/14/16 at 12:48 am to
quote:

$50 40lb bag of salt


That is absolutely insane. My cost is around $5 a bag and I don't get a great price.
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/14/16 at 11:25 am to
I appreciate it, but I'm a couple of hours away. Thanks


Seriously, thanks for the information. That just saved me serious bank on 3 bags of salt! I had to brush it around a bit to get it dissolved, but well worth the $$
This post was edited on 7/16/16 at 1:42 pm
Posted by CtotheVrzrbck
WeWaCo
Member since Dec 2007
37538 posts
Posted on 7/17/16 at 2:19 pm to
What pool store had their salt priced that high?

It might be worth it to set up for a month or two during the opening season next spring. If they're close together and I'm hustling I can open and clean 5-7 pools a day.
Posted by blacknblu
Member since Nov 2011
10276 posts
Posted on 7/17/16 at 5:35 pm to
www.intheswim.com
Posted by CtotheVrzrbck
WeWaCo
Member since Dec 2007
37538 posts
Posted on 7/17/16 at 7:57 pm to
ahhh, they must add $25 a bag for shipping or something. Craziness.

As long as you keep it dry the salt won't go bad. Look for deals at the end of the swim season and stock up.
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