Dosing chlorine daily vs just shocking it once a week

Started by swamp_tyler · · 3 replies
Back to the forum
Reply
#1
been going back and forth on this since i got the swamp cleared up. right now i just dump liquid chlorine in every couple days whenever it dips, but i keep seeing people talk about picking one big dose day and letting it ride down all week instead.

math wise i get that total chlorine used is basically the same either way, just wondering if anyone's actually compared how it affects algae risk or CYA creep over a season. my levels swing a good bit in the afternoon heat here so more frequent small doses feels safer but it's also more annoying with a manual vac already eating my weekends.

anyone run both ways long enough to have an opinion, or is it just whatever fits your schedule at that point

3 Replies

#2
Frequent small doses wins on algae risk in my experience, big weekly dumps mean you're riding a huge FC swing and the low end right before your next dose is when algae actually gets a foothold. CYA creep is the same either way though since that's about liquid chlorine's own dilution not dosing frequency, mine's been flat at 45 all season regardless of how I split doses.
#3
Priya's right about the low end being the danger zone, that's exactly why frequent wins in 110 degree afternoons. Chlorine burns off fast here regardless, big dose Monday means you're basically unprotected by Thursday and still swimming in it.
#4
yeah that low end thing makes sense, but priya how low were you actually letting it dip before the algae showed up. like is there an actual FC number where you'd panic or is it more a feel thing at this point. asking cause my afternoon dips have gotten down to like 1-2 ppm before and nothing bloomed but maybe i just got lucky before it could take hold.