Mid-Baquacil CDX to chlorine conversion, base touch!

[cherrysun237]

Hello!
I'm touching base here to make sure I'm still on the right path with our Baquacil CDX conversion.
I started the conversion on 5/22 and am attaching a photo from 5/23 (gross!) and a photo from today (yay!). Our pump died shortly after we started the process, so I had to improvise with a sump pump recirculating water from one end to the other. The pump was replaced last Saturday and the water was crystal clear 2 days later.
I feel like I should be close to the OCLT, but I'm still losing 6ppm overnight, CC seems to be holding steady at 0.5. I'm using 4-5 gallons of 10% chlorine each day, which is getting spendy! I'm at 55 gallons so far. The process was slowed by the lack of filtration when the pump was out and I've been traveling for work, so I have to rely on someone to add chlorine each night (nothing during the day). Does all of this sound like I'm still on track? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! The water looks so nice, I'm dying to jump in!!
Forgot to mention pH was 7.2 when I started and now it's around 6.8. When would I start to bring that back up?

 

[ffdemoss]

I just went through this and didn't pass my OCLT until I changed my sand because it was so contaminated. Others on here recommended it was ok to change the sand as long as my water was clear and I was holding some chlorine overnight. 2 days later I passed my OCLT.

 

[Newdude]

I have to rely on someone to add chlorine each night (nothing during the day)

If you were there you'd be adding frequently to keep the FC topped off. It is what it is and you're still making progress, just a little slower.

+1 to replacing the sand.

Forgot to mention pH was 7.2 when I started and now it's around 6.8. When would I start to bring that back up?

Anytime the FC is below 10. The test gets wonky with higher FC.

 

[cherrysun237]

I just went through this and didn't pass my OCLT until I changed my sand because it was so contaminated. Others on here recommended it was ok to change the sand as long as my water was clear and I was holding some chlorine overnight. 2 days later I passed my OCLT.

I read your posts last night and concluded that might be my next step. Nothing better to do on a beautiful Saturday than change the sand in the filter. Here we go!!

 

[cherrysun237]

I wanted to verify that I should wait to add CYA until after I pass the OCLT or should I add it right after I change the sand?

 

[Newdude]

No CYA until you pass the OCLT.

 

[cherrysun237]

Ok, got the sand changed yesterday and it was pretty gross on top.
I’ve been desperately trying to get to FC to 15 but no matter how often I check the readings after adding the Pool Math recommended amount of 10% liquid chlorine, I cannot get FC above 6.5. I started to try and raise it after the sand change last night up until 11pm and could only get to 6.5. Today I started at 3.5, it’s overcast outside and I’m checking every 1 hour to 1-1/2 hour and I cannot get it above 4.5.
The amount of chlorine I’m adding is getting quite rough on the pocketbook. I added 10 gallons yesterday and 7 so far today (as of 10:30am). Am I better off detaining out some water to dilute? I’m on a well and it will take quite awhile to refill any water I remove. Could I do 1/4 of the water every few days or is there a better method?
I’m leaving town again for most of next week (Tues-Fri) but then I’m home again with no travel for several weeks.

 

[Newdude]

Could I do 1/4 of the water every few days or is there a better method?

Multiple drains remove good water with the bad and lose efficiency with each round. It still works, but takes more volume. 50% and 50% is 75%, not 100%. (For example).

On the next dose, test 10 mins later to see how close you're getting to your target. Holding chlorine for 1.5 hours and hitting your target are 2 different things. The UV is going to shred the FC with no CYA.

I would relax a little during peak hours and hit it hard early and late day.

 

[cherrysun237]

OK. It’s raining right now so I will just try and maintain until after the sun would be off the water this evening and take a reading 10 mins after adding recommended amount of chlorine.
Thanks for all your help with this! Your expertise is greatly appreciated!!

 

[ffdemoss]

I did all my hard hits after 6:00PM and early morning. I was waking up at 4:00AM trying to take advantage of no sun for a few hours. It ultimately still took close to 50 gallons of liquid Chlorine before I passed my first OCLT.

Also, vacuum and scrubbing help a lot. You get all that goo stirred up and caught in your basket sick filter. And, nothing should be left in the pool. I pulled my stairs as they were holding goo. Also, filter socks on my robot helped get even more goo of the floor and walls. I was cleaning my robot every 30 mins and it really helped having filter socks on the basket.

 

[cherrysun237]

Started hitting it at 8pm and I can’t get a reading above 12.0. I am noticing a slight green hue and slight chloramine smell.
I’m attaching a photo of the last set of readings and chlorine additions. I’m wondering if the chlorine I’m using isn’t giving me 10%. It’s dated 1/27/2024. I’m currently at 85 gallons since starting the conversion.

 

[cherrysun237]

I did all my hard hits after 6:00PM and early morning. I was waking up at 4:00AM trying to take advantage of no sun for a few hours. It ultimately still took close to 50 gallons of liquid Chlorine before I passed my first OCLT.

Also, vacuum and scrubbing help a lot. You get all that goo stirred up and caught in your basket sick filter. And, nothing should be left in the pool. I pulled my stairs as they were holding goo. Also, filter socks on my robot helped get even more goo of the floor and walls. I was cleaning my robot every 30 mins and it really helped having filter socks on the basket.

I appreciate you sharing what worked for you! I’m feeling pretty defeated. So far this year, we had to replace the pump and robot vacuum but at least those items will last for several years.
I haven’t put in the ladder or rail yet and I’ve been vacuuming frequently for 1-1/2 hours each time. I only have tomorrow before I have to leave for the week.