Tired of not using the pool

[reluctantchemist]

My husband & son have been responsible for pool maintanence, to whatever extent, for 14 years, while I've stayed blissfully ignorant. Big mistake. For the past several years they've not bothered to cover & winterize. We therefore have the oft-mentioned swamp in the spring, which they spend the whole summer trying to clean. I've been trying to explain to them that you can't work like mad for a few days then sit playing Angry Birds while the algae regains control. Yesterday I decided I needed to get some answers. I took a sample to the local pool guys. This is what I got.."Everything is fine except you have no chlorine." Based on these readings:
FC - 0
TC - 0
PH - 7.4
Cal - 180
TA - 100
CYA - 0
Not being satisfied I investigated online & found you guys. After reading everything, I now realize everything is not fine. We've taken stock in Chlorox at B.J.s and have spent the day testing, though only HTH test strips while waiting for TF110 to arrive, and adding Chlorine. I've also added Stabilizer via sock method. I've managed to raise the FC to 5. My question is do I continue adding chlorine while waiting for the CYA to come up? All advice & suggestions gratefully accepted!

 

[reluctantchemist]

Forgot to add that the water is cloudy sea foam green, has lightened at bit since started to add chlorine.

 

[Bama Rambler]

You keep the FC at shock level as often as you can, and 24 hours after adding CYA assume it's there and up your FC to shock level for what you aimed for. That way you don't lose ground till your kit gets there.

 

[reluctantchemist]

Will do, Thanks. Have browbeaten hubby into getting in to clean. Guess what he found? Skimming leaves off the top doesn't work. Found a large pad of leaves in he middle that he wasn't getting to. Hopefully if I manage the chemicals & he takes care of cleaning, between the two of us we'll be able to be in it before the temperature drops!

 

[Suziqzer]

Kuddos to you for stepping in and making a difference... You will soon be glad you found this board because you'll actually get to swim in the pool the rest of the season w/o any fuss. Plus.. if they fail to cover it again this winter, you'll know exactly what to do come spring to make it all beautiful again. You'll be the of a sparkling pool ... and they should bring you drinks and bon bons for taking their pool problems away

 

[reluctantchemist]

Oh, there will be a winterized covered pool this winter! They don't call me She who must be obeyed for nothin'. I've avoided saying I told you so, though I'd really like to. I would like the bon bons though

 

[anonapersona]

You must make them get all the debris off the bottom of the pool.

What CYA level have you calculated you will get from what you have added so far?

 

[reluctantchemist]

Per Pool Calculator should have added 72oz for a target CYA of 40. I had a 4 pound container which I added, which isn't quite enough, but should be better than nothing until we pick up more tomorrow. #1 son will continue the assault tomorrow.

 

[Richard320]

Per Pool Calculator should have added 72oz for a target CYA of 40. I had a 4 pound container which I added, which isn't quite enough, but should be better than nothing until we pick up more tomorrow. #1 son will continue the assault tomorrow.

You did good!

We advise underdosing on CYA; it's easy enough to add more, but hard to remove it. And if you'll be shocking, 30ish is ideal. Once the water is clear and you pass the other tests, then you can raise CYA if needed. Hold on to the new CYA.

 

[reluctantchemist]

Thanks for the pat on the back. Slow going, still have some organic material in the very center, but alas, our bosses wouldn't understand our staying home to vanquish the algae & sludge! FC staying between 3-5, no sun today to eat the chlorine TF100 should be here tomorrow.

 

[Suziqzer]

Sounds like you'll be swimming soon... Good for you! You should be the first to get to jump in!

Your test kit will help you get everything else settled. Enjoy!

 

[reluctantchemist]

Update: Still don't have my test kit , still using HTH test strips , At this point FC staying between 3-5, can't seem to get it higher, pH= 7.5, appear to have some CYA, maybe 30-50, hard to tell, not much color difference between 0 & 30-50. CYA dissolving nicely in sock so I assume there is some in the water. TA=80. TH=100. Water cloudy gray w/foamy bubbles. I'm continuing to add chlorine. How am I doing? Headed in the right direction I hope.

 

[reluctantchemist]

Feel as though this post should be elsewhere in the forum, as it's not really an intro. Not sure how to move it...if it's possible?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Feel as though this post should be elsewhere in the forum, as it's not really an intro. Not sure how to move it...if it's possible?

Your wish is my command.

 

[reluctantchemist]

Arghhhh...! Making headway, overflowed when adding water today, then have had torrential rain off & on all afternoon & evening. Test Kit still hasn't arrived, afraid of what I'll find in the morning

 

[Suziqzer]

Hang in there! Keep on adding the chlorine as you feel it's needed. You likely have some cya in there, but if there's still some in the sock I'd take hold of it and give it a good shaking to stir it up... I don't have the patience to let it dissolve and disperse on it's own

Hopefully your test will be there soon and you'll be able to more accurately monitor your water levels. Crossing my fingers it will be there tomorrow!

 

[reluctantchemist]

OK, the morning after has come. 7:15am, I love waking up to a challenge. Here are the numbers such as they appear on these test strips: FC=2-3, CYA=50-100, pH=7.8-8.4, TA=100, TH=100-200. Water cloudy gray/green, foam appears to have resolved. Hubby just added 3gal Chlorine. CYA not totally dissolved, should I remove the socks so value doesn't climb further? Glad I'm off for the next 2 days to continue the good fight! Have a BBQ 8/21, hoping to have all in order by then, preferably before. Thanks for all your advice & words of encouragement, lfk

 

[mynewpool]

Once you get that test kit things will become easier. If you did not get one with your kit, I would recommend a speed stir as well.

 

[reluctantchemist]

Yeah, test kit has arrived, here are the numbers: FC=18.5, CC=3.5,TC=22.0, pH=7.5, T/A=130, CYA=25. 12:30pm, sunny day, water still cloudy grey/green. Still stabilizer to be dissolved. Will test again this evening & tomorrow morning to see how everything fares. Now need to beat the son into submission...brush & vac. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks all, will keep you updated. Smiling in NY

 

[anonapersona]

Posted: July 27th, 2011, 5:38 am test strips: FC=2-3, CYA=50-100, pH=7.8-8.4, TA=100, TH=100-200.

Posted: July 27th, 2011, 11:01 am test kit has arrived, here are the numbers: FC=18.5, CC=3.5,TC=22.0, pH=7.5, T/A=130, CYA=25.

And THAT is why we do not like test strips.