Hey guys, I am from the Chesapeake, VA area. I have an 18ft Above ground Pool with a Sand filter. I have had a pool for about 7 years and have exclusively used the Pool Shops to handle testing and buying my chemicals. I always spend an arm and a leg every year and it seems that my pool never gets to the point I would like. I ran across this forum doing a search for pool parts and started reading the post and have realized that it is very likely that my Pool store, (I use 3 different places to test my water because I have never trusted just 1), has been jerking me around to sell their chemicals. I am ordering my test kit this week and can't wait to get started with the BBB method. Right now my pool is semi-cloudy, I can see the bottom but only if I look straight down.there are a lot of particles floating in the pool. Added Ultra-Brite to try to get the particles to filter better. losing a lot of chlorine daily. I will post pictures this afternoon when I get home.
Dave
- Thread starter rdavecook
- Start date
Hi Dave!
welcome to TFP!
you made a great decision by ordering our own test kit and firing the pool store. When your kit comes in, test your water and post up your test results.
We'll help you get it crystal clear in no time, and you'll be able to keep it that way. And for way cheap too!
While you're waiting on your test kit, read up on how to SLAM and pool.
Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain
And what is hte FC/CYA chart
Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain
And what is PoolMath
http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html
and after your pool is clear, at what levels to maintain it.
Pool School - Recommended Levels
welcome to TFP!
you made a great decision by ordering our own test kit and firing the pool store. When your kit comes in, test your water and post up your test results.
We'll help you get it crystal clear in no time, and you'll be able to keep it that way. And for way cheap too!
While you're waiting on your test kit, read up on how to SLAM and pool.
Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain
And what is hte FC/CYA chart
Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain
And what is PoolMath
http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html
and after your pool is clear, at what levels to maintain it.
Pool School - Recommended Levels
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,752
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome Dave. You made the right choice for your pool, your sanity, and your pocketbook. 
I am so glad you found us! We are going to be able to save you SO much money! Your pool will look like a jewel when we are through with it!
One other thing you can do while you are waiting for your test kit is find YOUR best source for bleach/chlorine. Some find Walmart's Greater value plain, unscented bleach is their best buy. I use my local ACE Hardware's liquid chlorine is my best buy. Others say Sam's 3 pack of bleach is their best buy. Others use their pool stores chlorine (that is the only thing they buy there now LOL).
You will want to make sure the store has a high turn over of the bleach as age and heat can degrade it over time. Is the store easy for you to get to about once a week? Just something to think about.
So what will you spend all of your extra money on now???? LOL
Kim
One other thing you can do while you are waiting for your test kit is find YOUR best source for bleach/chlorine. Some find Walmart's Greater value plain, unscented bleach is their best buy. I use my local ACE Hardware's liquid chlorine is my best buy. Others say Sam's 3 pack of bleach is their best buy. Others use their pool stores chlorine (that is the only thing they buy there now LOL).
You will want to make sure the store has a high turn over of the bleach as age and heat can degrade it over time. Is the store easy for you to get to about once a week? Just something to think about.
So what will you spend all of your extra money on now???? LOL
Kim
You've already been given good advice, so I won't pile on. But I will give you a hearty welcome to TFP!
Ok here are my latest numbers from the pool guys (Leslie's )
FAC = 0
TAC= 0
CH= 120
CYA=30
TA=60
pH=7.2
Copper=0
Iron=0
TDS=700
Phosphates=0
18ft round above ground vinyl. 9500 gallons sand filtration
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
FAC = 0
TAC= 0
CH= 120
CYA=30
TA=60
pH=7.2
Copper=0
Iron=0
TDS=700
Phosphates=0
18ft round above ground vinyl. 9500 gallons sand filtration
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Look at that blue water!
Wait until you see what it will look like when you get YOUR test kit!
Just a FYI-your PH will go up with all of that rolling water. That is one of the ways we add PH to our water for cheap.
You need to get some FC in there to keep it clear until your test kits comes in.
Kim
Wait until you see what it will look like when you get YOUR test kit!
Just a FYI-your PH will go up with all of that rolling water. That is one of the ways we add PH to our water for cheap.
You need to get some FC in there to keep it clear until your test kits comes in.
Kim
Your water looks a little cloudy, so you will want to get some bleach in there asap. Use PoolMath to determine how much you need. You may also want to point the return down so it is not churning up the water. Your pH is currently 7.2 but it will rise if you keep aerating the water. Otherwise things look ok. Once your kit comes in you can do an overnight chlorine loss test to see if you need to complete the SLAM process .
I put a pound of clorox pool shock in it, i already paid for it, but bleach after it is gone
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Welcome, Dave! 
Try not to hurt yourself when you kick yourself in a couple weeks after your pool is clearer than the day you first filled it and you realize just how darn easy it is.
Order the TF100. I suggest the XL option because that particular reagent is nearly impossible to find in stores although the other ones are relatively common just in case you run out unexpectedly. And no one who has a speedstir regrets buying one.
Then send out the invitations for Fourth of July at your house because you'll want to show off your pool. Just tell everyone you use Sodium Hypochlorite Shock liquid instead of "bleach" so they don't freak out.
Try not to hurt yourself when you kick yourself in a couple weeks after your pool is clearer than the day you first filled it and you realize just how darn easy it is.
Order the TF100. I suggest the XL option because that particular reagent is nearly impossible to find in stores although the other ones are relatively common just in case you run out unexpectedly. And no one who has a speedstir regrets buying one.
Then send out the invitations for Fourth of July at your house because you'll want to show off your pool. Just tell everyone you use Sodium Hypochlorite Shock liquid instead of "bleach" so they don't freak out.