We have had multiple problems this summer getting our pool up and running. We've only been able to use it 3 days this summer, and after many trips to the pool store, we're still not there.
Where to begin?
Our chemistry was basically right a few weeks ago, but the water was very cloudy. Then suddenly our free chlorine went to 0. After researching, I found out that SWG cells only last about 3-5 years, and since this was our 7th summer, I came to the conclusion that our cell must have died. So I replaced it, we changed the sand in the filter, the water cleared up, I added salt, and our TC finally came up to 3 after a couple of days. But out FC was 0. Our stabilizer was less than minimal, so I added 10# stabilizer Thursday and then the TC started dropping and the FC was still 0. So then I found this website...which is awesome...and added 1 gal. of bleach Thursday night as the calculator told me to. Then my TC went to 0, and my FC is still 0. The good news is my stabilizer is between 50-100.
On a side note, we also battle the good ol' metal stain, which we've had for about 3 yrs. I know how to treat it, but I also know that if I don't get some chlorine in there prior to treating it, I'll have algae the next day. It's a terrible vicious cycle.
Also, I have ordered the test kit everyone speaks highly of on here, but for now I'm using basic test strips.
Here's this morning's results:
FC: 0
TC: 0
pH: 7.0
TA: 120
TH: 250
CYA: around 75
Thanks so much!
Where to begin?
Our chemistry was basically right a few weeks ago, but the water was very cloudy. Then suddenly our free chlorine went to 0. After researching, I found out that SWG cells only last about 3-5 years, and since this was our 7th summer, I came to the conclusion that our cell must have died. So I replaced it, we changed the sand in the filter, the water cleared up, I added salt, and our TC finally came up to 3 after a couple of days. But out FC was 0. Our stabilizer was less than minimal, so I added 10# stabilizer Thursday and then the TC started dropping and the FC was still 0. So then I found this website...which is awesome...and added 1 gal. of bleach Thursday night as the calculator told me to. Then my TC went to 0, and my FC is still 0. The good news is my stabilizer is between 50-100.
On a side note, we also battle the good ol' metal stain, which we've had for about 3 yrs. I know how to treat it, but I also know that if I don't get some chlorine in there prior to treating it, I'll have algae the next day. It's a terrible vicious cycle.
Also, I have ordered the test kit everyone speaks highly of on here, but for now I'm using basic test strips.
Here's this morning's results:
FC: 0
TC: 0
pH: 7.0
TA: 120
TH: 250
CYA: around 75
Thanks so much!