Hi you all,
After struggling with the decision if I want to handle the pool versus let the pool guy do it, I think I'm ready to at least try it for a month or two. I'm getting a good deal for pool service, as it's only $50/month and he handles my chemicals weekly, empties my baskets, and Polaris. So, I think it actually may cost me more in chemicals or be roughly approximately $40 to 50/mo., based on what I read at this site from others w/ a 19,000 gallon pool.
Anyhow, I want to try it as I stated for a month or two. Am going to order my TF 100 kit. Couple questions though:
1) From what I have been told, my CYA is over 100, I will have to drain 50 to 70% of the pool. This is complicated because of the fact that the plaster is old and delaminated in an area w/ approx a 1 foot diameter spot. Is the drain & refill process going to dry out my plaster and make a crack and delaminate more? I don't want to trade one thing, out of balance chemicals, for more problems with the plaster. I have gotten quotes for resurfacing as far as both an aggregate and with plaster, and whatever surface I go with I have thought about postponing it until the fall/non-swim season. Therefore, I want to get as much usage out of this current plaster as possible.
2) Do I really need a pool thermometer? I see the pool Calculator asks for temperature, but is that really necessary? Can I use the calculator, which I've played with already, without temperature?
3) I was reading Jason Lion's "TFPC for beginners." It is a great post summing up much of what the pool school discusses. Found it here: http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/4935-TFPC-for-Beginners.
The question revolves around the mixing of chemicals after they have been added to the pool. It discusses that the pump should be run for an hour with the addition of liquids, 3 to 4 hours for powders, a week for CYA. Do I really run the pump for one entire week 24 hours a day with the addition of CYA?
4) I am a little concerned about keeping muriatic acid at our home as we have two little ones (actually, I am concerned about keeping all these chemicals here). I have thought about using dry acid instead. Opinions? Is muriatic acidu much more preferable?
5) After I do the partial drain and fill, do I need to add a metal sequestrant? I have read different posts that discuss this, where as I don't recall reading it at pool school, if I'm correct.
Thanks a bunch for all the help and this site. You all are awesome! I will post the details of my equipment in my tag line when I have a chance.
After struggling with the decision if I want to handle the pool versus let the pool guy do it, I think I'm ready to at least try it for a month or two. I'm getting a good deal for pool service, as it's only $50/month and he handles my chemicals weekly, empties my baskets, and Polaris. So, I think it actually may cost me more in chemicals or be roughly approximately $40 to 50/mo., based on what I read at this site from others w/ a 19,000 gallon pool.
Anyhow, I want to try it as I stated for a month or two. Am going to order my TF 100 kit. Couple questions though:
1) From what I have been told, my CYA is over 100, I will have to drain 50 to 70% of the pool. This is complicated because of the fact that the plaster is old and delaminated in an area w/ approx a 1 foot diameter spot. Is the drain & refill process going to dry out my plaster and make a crack and delaminate more? I don't want to trade one thing, out of balance chemicals, for more problems with the plaster. I have gotten quotes for resurfacing as far as both an aggregate and with plaster, and whatever surface I go with I have thought about postponing it until the fall/non-swim season. Therefore, I want to get as much usage out of this current plaster as possible.
2) Do I really need a pool thermometer? I see the pool Calculator asks for temperature, but is that really necessary? Can I use the calculator, which I've played with already, without temperature?
3) I was reading Jason Lion's "TFPC for beginners." It is a great post summing up much of what the pool school discusses. Found it here: http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/4935-TFPC-for-Beginners.
The question revolves around the mixing of chemicals after they have been added to the pool. It discusses that the pump should be run for an hour with the addition of liquids, 3 to 4 hours for powders, a week for CYA. Do I really run the pump for one entire week 24 hours a day with the addition of CYA?
4) I am a little concerned about keeping muriatic acid at our home as we have two little ones (actually, I am concerned about keeping all these chemicals here). I have thought about using dry acid instead. Opinions? Is muriatic acidu much more preferable?
5) After I do the partial drain and fill, do I need to add a metal sequestrant? I have read different posts that discuss this, where as I don't recall reading it at pool school, if I'm correct.
Thanks a bunch for all the help and this site. You all are awesome! I will post the details of my equipment in my tag line when I have a chance.