TF100 Test Kit - First Result

[Styxbb]

I just opened my pool yesterday, mesh cover, and vacuumed the junk to waste. Mostly worms. Pool is cloudy, I can barely see the main drain in deep end. Water was high, almost to edge of liner. Is that why TA is so low?

FC 2.5
CC 2.5
TC 5
CH 150 ppm (How blue is blue?)
TA 180
CYA 70ish??

Anything seem odd? What's the newb's next step?

Thanks

 

[jblizzle]

What makes you think a TA of 180ppm is low? That is pretty high.
What is the pH?

Since the pool is not clear, you need to follow the SLAM Process. You CYA is a bit high and the SLAM would be a little easier if you replace some of the water, but this is not required at this point.

All the tests are done until the last drop does not cause a color change (and don't count the last drop).

 

[Styxbb]

Sorry, meant the CH is low.

 

[Styxbb]

pH is between 7.2-7.5

 

[pwrstrk]

If your PH is close to 7.2 then your good to go with that. The lower PH makes the chlorine more effective for the SLAM process.
Make sure you review the SLAM process and follow it to the T.
The lowering of CYA is your call. It will make the SLAM easier by using less bleach to reach the SLAM level. Also a lower CYA will make keeping your FC in range for the CYA level when the SLAM is done easier.
How have you been chlorinating your pool ?

 

[Styxbb]

I had one bag of smart shock left over from last year and added a gallon of liquid chlorine. Last year, smart shock and 3 inch sticks.

 

[pwrstrk]

Ok. This year your not going to be using powdered shock or chlorine sticks. Your going to switch over to liquid chlorine. You won't have any bad side effects form bleach like you will from the pool store chem's.
With all that said let's get focused on SLAMming the pool and get that over with. Then we can get you set up with chlorinating your pool the TFPC way.
When you have questions don't hesitate to ask ! ?

 

[Styxbb]

How long should I wait after adding chlorine for the SLAM to test FC?

 

[pwrstrk]

You can test after 30 min's. Make sure pump is running to mix chlorine.

 

[Styxbb]

I added 4 gallons of 12.5% chlorine. It only raised my FC from 2.5 to 4????

 

[pwrstrk]

Maybe your pool volume is off or the chlorine isn't 12.5% anymore and could be a little less than 12.5%.

 

[jblizzle]

What are your CC results?

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

How blue is blue - like a powdered light blue, with a slight pale lavender tone. Purple endpoint is something different - see the extended test kit directions in Pool School.

 

[Styxbb]

Last test, convinced the bleach is junk.

FC 4.0
CC 15??

 

[jblizzle]

With high CC, seems like you may be another victim of ammonia in the water. Just keep adding bleach until the FC starts to hold and CC drop.

 

[pwrstrk]

Yep if it's ammonia it will consume your chlorine very quickly.

 

[Styxbb]

My AM reading.
FC 1.5
CC 4.5

Off to the store to get more bleach.

 

[pwrstrk]

Keep dumping the bleach to it ! It's going to eat up the chlorine quickly till the CC's come down. ?

 

[Styxbb]

Any guesses on how many gallons to add? Cloudy, rainy day so I'm gonna hit it at lunchtime.

 

[pwrstrk]

What ever the amount is to get it to SLAM level or a little higher. Use pool math. ?