How do I convert my Baquacil or Softswim pool to a mineral pool?
Converting your pool to a mineral ion system from Baquacil, SoftSwim or other biguanide system can be time-consuming. It is important that all steps are followed to ensure your transition to the ClearBlue mineral pool ionizer is easy.
- Adjust the pH between 7.2 and 7.6.
 - Shock your pool with a pH buffered, potassium monopersulfate oxidizer.
 - Filter continuously for 48 hours. The water may become green at this point. This is normal.
 - After 48 hours of filtration, re-adjust the pH to between 7.2 and 7.6 and maintain this level throughout the remainder of the conversion process.
 - Backwash the filter or clean the cartridge.
 - Shock daily with chlorine, using 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons until the water is clear. It is preferable to shock in the evening to prevent dissipation of chlorine by sunlight.
 - Filter continuously during this process. Shocking may be needed for 2 weeks or longer to restore water clarity.
 - Vacuum pool to taste.
 - Change the filter media. This step is important because biguanide residue may remain.
 - Shock with 2 pounds of chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water. If any discoloration occurs on the pool surface or water becomes hazy or tinted, repeat steps 5 through 7.
 - RE-BALANCE pH IF NECESSARY AND OPERATE POOL ON CHLORINE FOR 2 WEEKS.
 - If the water is clear without discoloration after 2 weeks of chlorine operation, follow the steps below to perform a “bucket test”. If the water is cloudy or discolored, return to step 5.
 
To ensure biguanide residual is zero perform a “bucket test” following these steps in order:
- Fill a clean, white, 5 gallon bucket half full with pool water.
 - Add 2 tablespoons of granular chlorine.
 - If the water turns muddy or green, there is still biguanide residue in the pool system.
 - Continue shocking daily with chlorine and repeat the “bucket test”.
 - Complete step 1-4 until the results of the bucket test is clear water.
 
After concluding all the steps in the biguanide conversion, operate pool on chlorine for
2 weeks before turning on the ClearBlue Ionizer.


