Finally filling the pool tomorrow - startup questions

[jmcdtucson]

The ground is level, the pavers are flush, now it's time to set up and fill the pool.

Here's my question:

I have Intex sand pump and SWG and the following supplies:

200 lbs. of salt
Muriatic acid (our water is 7.8 PH)
CYA
#20 silica sand

#1 is there anything else I need?
#2 It sounds like my first job is to adjust the PH and add the salt. Does this sound right?

It's supposed to be 109 degrees by Tuesday so I'm a little excited to get this project done!!!!!

 

[Casey]

I would order a test kit here :lookhere: Test Kit Comparison. You are going to need one!!! The TF100 is the best kit for the money as you will get more reagents than the K2006 offers. It will last you a few seasons if you store it right and keep it out of the sun.

I would also recommend you reading ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and if you have any questions, just ask! We will help you!

 

[jmcdtucson]

Thanks! I have the TF100 test kit. I will read the Water Chemistry page.

 

[Casey]

The test kit is great! There are a few links in Pool School that you could benefit from. Just go down the list and read them and you'll be golden. If you need a question asked, we're open 24/7!

 

[Richard320]

You need bleach. The salt is supposed to dissolve for 24 hours before you can start the SWG.

I suggest you hold Diamond Day. Get everything balanced as a bleach pool, and then add the salt. Post #5 explains it.

 

[jmcdtucson]

Thanks. That makes sense and is so helpful. So can you explain how much bleach I should add?

 

[Casey]

PoolMath

 

[jmcdtucson]

Poolmath says to add 0 oz. of bleach

 

[smforte]

You have to put in your gallons and goals....play around with pool math

 

[Casey]

You have a NOW column and a Target column. Your now, is what your FC is now and the TARGET is where you want it to be.

 

[jmcdtucson]

Duh, yes, sorry for the stupid comment. I'm starting to get it.
Hats off to the creator of POOL MATH and the people who answer all the newbie question.

So I have a couple of questions now:

#1 I'm curious why we add bleach first when the SWG will produce chlorine. Is it to get the chlorine up faster to reduce the chance of trouble?

#2 Do these steps look somewhat right?

1. Turn on pump. SWG stays off
2. Dissolve salt (210 lbs. is recommended, test my water first and use pool math to get to 3000)
3. Put in CYA per manufacturer reccomendation (2.1 lbs. recommended n the SWG manual - 2.1 lbs. but test and use pool math)
4. Add bleach to get to target FC using the chart here:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/128-chlorine-cya-chart-slam-shock
5. Test and if necessary adjust PH to approx. 7.5-7.8
6. After 24 hrs., turn on SWG after salt is right and run pump/SWG at recommended intervals

Finally, test everything and adjust to recommended levels:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/134-recommended-levels

Again, thanks!

 

[jmcdtucson]

You need bleach. The salt is supposed to dissolve for 24 hours before you can start the SWG.

I suggest you hold Diamond Day. Get everything balanced as a bleach pool, and then add the salt. Post #5 explains it.

We did this. The kids had a blast and dissolved all my salt for me.

 

[mrodgers]

So I have a couple of questions now:

#1 I'm curious why we add bleach first when the SWG will produce chlorine. Is it to get the chlorine up faster to reduce the chance of trouble?

A few days late to the party, you probably already have it up and going, but.... You add bleach first because the SWG is designed to maintain the Cl level, not bring it up from 0 or bring it up and large amount.

#2 Do these steps look somewhat right?

1. Turn on pump. SWG stays off
2. Dissolve salt (210 lbs. is recommended, test my water first and use pool math to get to 3000)
3. Put in CYA per manufacturer reccomendation (2.1 lbs. recommended n the SWG manual - 2.1 lbs. but test and use pool math)
4. Add bleach to get to target FC using the chart here:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/128-chlorine-cya-chart-slam-shock
5. Test and if necessary adjust PH to approx. 7.5-7.8
6. After 24 hrs., turn on SWG after salt is right and run pump/SWG at recommended intervals

Finally, test everything and adjust to recommended levels:
http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/134-recommended-levels

Again, thanks!

If you did all that, I'm sure all is well. How is it?