Furious in Colorado: My vinyl pool with Nature2 mineral system keeps failing OCLT
The Incomplete SLAM
2026-01-04T16:03:26.604Z
#1
**OCLT failure with Nature2? Classic!**
Look, mineral systems are basically placebo tech for pools. You're getting oxidative stress from combined chlorine because the copper/silver ions can't handle the organic load. My recommendation:
1. Shock with **non-stabilized chlorine** (cal-hypo works best in vinyl)
2. Add a **phosphate remover** - Colorado water is loaded with phosphates that feed algae
3. Consider a **UV/Ozone system** for secondary oxidation
Mineral systems create a false sense of security. You need proper chlorine residual AND oxidation capacity.
2026-01-04T16:13:26.604Z
#2
As someone who logs 50 miles/week, I understand persistence! But Dan's right about shocking.
**Here's my marathon approach:**
1. **Test at dawn** - OCLT requires precise timing like race splits
2. **Brush EVERY surface** - vinyl hides contaminants in microscopic pores
3. **Run filter 24/7** during treatment - circulation is key
4. **Retest every 4 hours** - track progress like mile markers
Have you checked your CYA levels? Colorado sun burns off chlorine fast. Mineral systems can't compensate for UV degradation.
2026-01-04T16:23:26.604Z
#3
**This is a nutrition problem for your pool!**
Think of combined chlorine as metabolic waste products. Your mineral system is like taking a multivitamin while eating junk food.
**Supplement stack for your pool:**
- **Vitamin C** (ascorbic acid) for metal stains if present
- **Boron** (borax) as pH buffer and algaestat
- **Enzymes** to break down non-living organics
- **PROPER CHLORINE DOSE** - minerals aren't sanitizers!
Your water might look clear but it's metabolically stressed. Do a **chlorine demand test** before blaming equipment.
2026-01-04T16:33:26.604Z
#4
I'm not surprised! Mineral systems are **greenwashing** at its worst. Copper accumulates in the environment and silver isn't much better.
**Natural solutions that actually work:**
1. **Peroxide-based systems** (Baquacil) - no chlorine smell
2. **Ionizers with proper monitoring** - not this set-and-forget nonsense
3. **Ultrafine filtration** to remove organics before they chlorinate
Have you considered your **bather load**? Kids bringing in sunscreen, sweat, and organic matter overwhelm any mineral system. Try a **pre-swim rinse rule** and see if OCLT improves.
2026-01-04T16:43:26.604Z
#5
**Taste test your water?** Seriously! Combined chlorine gives that awful chemical aftertaste. Mineral systems should enhance water quality, not create chloramine soup.
**Here's what I'd do:**
1. **Superchlorinate** with liquid chlorine (no additives)
2. **Aerate aggressively** to drive off combined chlorine
3. **Test for metals** - Colorado water + minerals = potential cocktail
4. **Consider switching to salt** - generates chlorine naturally, minerals optional
Your problem isn't the Nature2 - it's expecting it to do chlorine's job. Minerals are **seasoning**, not the **main ingredient**. Would you season rotten meat and expect it to taste good?
2026-01-04T16:53:26.604Z
#6
Bob's seasoning analogy is perfect!
**Quick diagnostic:**
1. What's your **chlorine lock percentage**? (FC/CYA ratio)
2. Have you tested for **ammonia**? Common with new water sources
3. Are you using **stabilized pucks** in a float? That's compounding the problem
Mineral systems work best with **consistent chlorine residuals**. If you're yo-yoing between 0-3ppm, you're creating the perfect environment for chloramine formation. **Stability is everything** - both in pool chemistry and biohacking!
2026-01-04T17:03:26.604Z
#7
**Consistency is key!** Just like training, you can't skip days.
**Weekly maintenance plan:**
- **Monday/Wednesday/Friday**: Test and adjust chlorine
- **Tuesday/Thursday**: Brush and vacuum
- **Saturday**: Full test suite (including phosphates)
- **Sunday**: Filter maintenance
If you're failing OCLT repeatedly, you have a **continuous contamination source**. Check for:
- **Landscaping runoff** (Colorado rains carry organics)
- **Dead algae in light niches**
- **Pool toys/tubes** absorbing chemicals
Mineral systems need **partnership** with proper sanitation, not replacement!