OK, I now have the TF-100 test kit and my initial numbers CYA 40, FC 0.5 PH 8.2 TA 230 CC 0.5 on 7/5/15 (this was after adding at least 28 jugs of 121 oz 8.25 chlorine bleach and 6 containers of stabilizer. The initial CYA was 0)
I added 726 oz of 8.25 chlorine bleach and 56 oz. of Muriatic Acid on 7/5/15
I added 605 oz. of 8.25 chlorine bleach on 7/6; new reading is PH. 7.9 FC is 0.5; added another 605 oz. bleach.
today the PH is 7.9 and the CYA is 30, CC is 2, FC 7, TC 9, TA 220
Added 410 oz bleach, 32 oz Muriatic Acid and 41 oz. stabilizer.
I am a little confused. When I read the slamming instructions, it says to make sure the CYA is between 30 and 50 for outdoor pools and not to backwash or clean the filter for a week after stabilizing. But it also says to clean the pool of debris, how can I do that without back washing? Just scoop out what I can? Our pool has a 3 ft. shallow end and 9.5 ft. deep end. It is hard to get the leaves and debris from the deep end without vacuming because we can't see the bottom of the pool.
Also, our filter (stand pipe cracked) and pushed some sand into the pool and caused the pump motor to seize. We got another sand filter and pump (used on craigslist); it was working until more sand got in the pump motor and we have to keep taking it apart and cleaning it to get the sand out. When I say "we" I mean my husband.
So am I supposed to vacuum and backwash 1st, then adjust the PH, then the CYA, then the chlorine? HELP!!!
This is our first year using TFP method; normally my husband goes to the pool store with a sample and we spend oooddles of money buying this that and the other until it eventually works. He wants to go to the pool store; I want to use TFP; Happy Wife Happy Life....LOL
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Also, since we have the sand filter and such a mess on our hands should we add DE to the filter?