Recent content by gbod

Just curious if you tested the CH and TA of your fill water. I know Arizona water is high CH, but it may be higher from the previous owner "shocking" with Cal-Hypo.

Looks great! Just curious- which method did you use to add the borates?

Saw this on a news feed somewhere: http://preventdisease.com/news/14/062614_The-Most-Natural-Organic-Pool-You-Can-Build-Yourself.shtml No need for SLAMing, it's supposed to look that way! :mrgreen:

I have the same kit and used it before I got the FAS-DPD test. It does, in theory, work up to 25 ppm on the chlorine scale using a the dilution/multiplier method. (The 10, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 on right side the scale is for Bromine!). That being said, dilution and color matching is much more...

DE is usually used with DE filters. You have a sand filter, so to keep things simple for now, I wouldn't concern yourself with using it for now. That being said, you CAN use it with a sand filter, and it does enhance filtration for the smallest of particles. At the stage you are at now...

Re: 100's of Questions - Pool School Extended 10) Diatomaceous earth is not normally used in a sand filter, but it can be uses as a filtering aid. I would not worry using DE until you get to the end of your SLAM process, and only when your pool already mostly clear. It helps get the very fine...

The active ingredient in grocery store "bleach" is Sodium Hypochlorite. The active ingredient in pool store "liquid chorine" is Sodium Hypochlorite. Its the same stuff! (the only difference is concentration) Around here "bleach" and "chlorine" are sometimes used interchangaebly. Dichlor...

Actually, if you read through the thread, you will find that the O.P. does not yet have a test kit, as it was ordered on the 13th. Uhh... chlorine is an algecide. Using the TFP method, algecides are usually only recommended for winterization, as the are better at preventing algae than...

Congratulations on taking the first step to take control of your pool! While you are waiting for your kit to arrive, keep scooping out the crud! Start looking for a good supply of bleach. You will want to look for plain, unscented bleach with no thickeners, perfumes or additives. You will...

Welcome to TFP. I am a relatively new pool owner myself, but I can tell you that methods you will learn here are based on sound science and chemistry. The first step in taking control of your pool is reliable testing. If you don't know what your water chemistry is, nobody can help...

They even have easy to use "chlorinating liquid!" http://cloroxpool.com/product/chlorinating-liquid/ I wonder how much they charge for this bottle of bleach?

Just wanted to say this thread, photos and humor are awesome! Thanks for taking the time to post your story for everyone's benefit!

Thanks for the replies. Using the calculator, I see now that the current TA and CH levels are keeping the CSI fairly close to zero. I'll keep an eye on them for the time being and see where they are in a month or two.

Greetings Trouble Free Poolers- First post here. I am a new pool owner (just finished and filled 3 weeks ago), and I am glad I found this site! My pool builder gave me a Taylor K-2005 kit, and I also added a Taylor K-1515 to add the FAS-DPD test, so I am good to go! I have already benefited...