Very first tests with TF-100 . Very high CYA, CA and FC

[ceo_nikka]

We recently became owner of a 15K gallon pool (guesstimate based upon volume). And in process of learning to maintain it.

Last week the pool started turning green for second time in one month. Last time this happened we called the pool services. This time we thought of fighting it ourselves. The first thing we noticed that it was out of Chlorine tablets and we used tablets we bought from Costco. Then we used Leslie's testing services and "shock" advice. Algae started going away but pool was not really clear.

Then I discovered troublefreepool and did following
-Shock using Great Value bleach 8.25 (45 ounce based upon 60 CYA reading by Leslie).
-Washed the cartridge and
-Cleared clogging from Polaris 360, so it started moving again.

The pool improved overnight. Leslie's reading suggested:
FC = 5 ppm
pH = 7.5
TA = 90
CYA = 60

Today I got TF-100 kit and here are the results:

• 
  FC = 12 ppm
  TC = 14 ppm
  TA = 110
  pH = 7.5
  CH = 800 ppm
  CYA = 100

I repeated FC and CYA tests but got same results.
Pls advice as to whats going on. And what should be next step for us?

JFYI,The pool is used approximately used 2-3 times a week.

Also from pool school I understood high CYA is caused because of CL tablets. Should we even be using Chlorine tablets at all?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Welcome to TFP.

You've already done the best thing you can do. Starting to read pool school and getting the TF-100.

Unfortunately you need to drain about half of the water to begin with.
Once you do that SLAMing the pool will be much easier.

 

[ceo_nikka]

May be dump question.
Any howtos on how to drain the pool? I see lots of levers but not sure which way to pull. I can go always trial-and-error path.

 

[UN1017]

Welcome aboard.

Just like Bama said, you are on your way to a Trouble Free Pool. Do the drain and refill and report back. Oh....stock up on some more of that Great Value bleach.

Should we even be using Chlorine tablets at all?

A resounding no. I know.... seems like a waste of the tablet feeder.

As you've learned from Pool School thus far...the trade off for solid chlorine products is either upping CYA or CH, neither of which do your current levels allow for more of.

 

[UN1017]

Not a dumb question.

The best (and probably your only) way is to rent, borrow or buy a submersible pump.

 

[Jeetyet]

Do cartridge filter setups not have a way to vacuum to waste?

 

[UN1017]

Do cartridge filter setups not have a way to vacuum to waste?

Unfortunately, they don't. Since backwashing is not a function of cartridge filters, they are not installed that way.

Some (including mine) have a small hose bib installed to the plumbing after the pump.... but that can be a very long process to drain a pool with a garden hose.

 

[Jeetyet]

Thanks! I learn something new every day at this place.

 

[techguy]

Home Depot rents trash pumps that will take care of the drain in about three hours.

I have done some drains with garden hose siphons where you place the end in the pool and at the hose bib you turn on the water and when the hose is full of water, you turn off the bib and then hake the hose off the bib and it will siphon the water out of the pool. If you start two to here hoses, it will drain the amount need in a day or so but watch how much you take out.

 

[ceo_nikka]

Thanks Guys!!

Next task is to call the city and ask for estimated water bill for 7500+ gallons.
And of course start draining...

 

[duraleigh]

Next task is to call the city and ask for estimated water bill for 7500+ gallons.

Probably less than you think. Water costs nationally seem to average between 5-8 dollars per 1000 gallons.

 

[ceo_nikka]

Well the news is that the Stage 3 water restriction are in place. Hence we cannot drain and refill the pool.
I have to wait till end of this month.

Is there anything else we can do in the interim?

 

[Mr_Matthew_L]

ceo_nikka
Posted: August 30th, 2013, 10:13 pm
May be dump question.
Any howtos on how to drain the pool? I see lots of levers but not sure which way to pull. I can go always trial-and-error path.

If you try the. "Trial and Error" method, you should turn off your pump between lever moves. You want to make sure that you don't cause too much pressure build up. You can cause damage to the plastics.

 

[RobbieH]

With a pool of that size, a partial drain and refill probably won't send up any red flags. I use way more than that on a monthly basis.

 

[ceo_nikka]

Finally, able to find spend some time and drain half of the pool.

Latest reading

FC = 1.5
CC = 0
CYA > 100
PH = 8.2
TA = 120

What should be next step? Fill the pool or add 120 oz liquid chlorine first?

 

[scott.MI]

Both.

You need chlorine in there to keep bad stuff from happening. Since it's partially drained? I assume you cannot run your pump so should stir it up somehow. (Brushing, someone swimming, anything)

Need to get it filled back up to dilute the CYA down and get your filter running again.


Once you get it filled back up and filter running, check you PH and lower it if still high.

 

[Seanhan]

I would drain it anyway !!! Despite any water restrictions..
Tell them if you dont you will have a green mosquito infested west nile generator !!!

 

[ceo_nikka]

Both.

You need chlorine in there to keep bad stuff from happening. Since it's partially drained? I assume you cannot run your pump so should stir it up somehow. (Brushing, someone swimming, anything)

Need to get it filled back up to dilute the CYA down and get your filter running again.


Once you get it filled back up and filter running, check you PH and lower it if still high.

Oops. I had pump running. Didn't realize it should be off? Just did that.

 

[scott.MI]

Oops. I had pump running. Didn't realize it should be off?

I'm not familiar with your pool, so that comment was based on an assumption. I was assuming your returns would be above the water line and the pump would be off. All pools are different so if you can safely run the pump, that's good.


With that in mind, if you can still filter/circulate water. Get chlorine in there before it starts going green on you. Lower your PH. Unless your waiting for the end of the month still, fill er' up.