First off, I am merging a similar thread I started yesterday into this thread as I was just reading that this is the preferred method of posting.
Topics merged. JasonLion
Next, thanks to you guys, I was able to make some great progress today, which was mostly overcast and great for shocking a pool! Got the pump humming and the filter, well, doing what filters do by 11 this morning. Followed "The Pool Calculator's" guidance (thank you Jason!) to get my pH down to 7.4 and started in with the good 'ol Clorox. Once I started with the bleach, I was able to recheck the FC almost every hour. As expected I was loosing a fair amount of FC every hour, but by the time I performed my last test this evening, my FC was 12 and my CC was only 1.5. I will recheck at dawn before the sun is up and will post the results in the AM, as well as the conversion pictures which were a tad on the disappointing side seeing how I had drained and refilled the pool.
Now for the questions:
1) When I started the conversion, there was no need to run the full set of chemistry test, correct? I brought my pH down to 7.4 and then started hammering on the bleach. Hope I didn't need any levels pre-shock!
2) I had to add some water after backwashing a handful of times and now it is raining here. What effect, in any, will this new water have on the process? Since I am unable to get a realiable pH with such high FC levels, should I add any muriatic acid assuming the water I added, as well as the rain raised my pH?
3) In regards to the overnight test, is this the correct order of events: a. sundown, check FC level; b. add appropriate bleach via The Pool Calculator to bring FC up to 15; c. recheck FC to ensure you know the exact amount after adding bleach; d. recheck before sunrise. I am assuming C. is a necessary step in order to verify your FC level?
4) Once I have a CC < .5, pass the overnight FC test, and change my sand, I should start worrying about the other levels such as TA, CYA, etc? After reading through MANY threads throughout this forum, I would like to eventually add borates as I have had substantial algae problems d/t an uneven pool bottom that makes it hard to get all the crevices clean with conventional vacums and brushes It sounds like borates could substantially help with this problem. It sounds like I need to make sure my TA is in order before I should take on this task. Is this a reasonable thought or would you guys recommend getting the basics down first?
Thanks again for all your guidance! It is greatly appreciated...
Matt
Topics merged. JasonLion
Next, thanks to you guys, I was able to make some great progress today, which was mostly overcast and great for shocking a pool! Got the pump humming and the filter, well, doing what filters do by 11 this morning. Followed "The Pool Calculator's" guidance (thank you Jason!) to get my pH down to 7.4 and started in with the good 'ol Clorox. Once I started with the bleach, I was able to recheck the FC almost every hour. As expected I was loosing a fair amount of FC every hour, but by the time I performed my last test this evening, my FC was 12 and my CC was only 1.5. I will recheck at dawn before the sun is up and will post the results in the AM, as well as the conversion pictures which were a tad on the disappointing side seeing how I had drained and refilled the pool.
Now for the questions:
1) When I started the conversion, there was no need to run the full set of chemistry test, correct? I brought my pH down to 7.4 and then started hammering on the bleach. Hope I didn't need any levels pre-shock!
2) I had to add some water after backwashing a handful of times and now it is raining here. What effect, in any, will this new water have on the process? Since I am unable to get a realiable pH with such high FC levels, should I add any muriatic acid assuming the water I added, as well as the rain raised my pH?
3) In regards to the overnight test, is this the correct order of events: a. sundown, check FC level; b. add appropriate bleach via The Pool Calculator to bring FC up to 15; c. recheck FC to ensure you know the exact amount after adding bleach; d. recheck before sunrise. I am assuming C. is a necessary step in order to verify your FC level?
4) Once I have a CC < .5, pass the overnight FC test, and change my sand, I should start worrying about the other levels such as TA, CYA, etc? After reading through MANY threads throughout this forum, I would like to eventually add borates as I have had substantial algae problems d/t an uneven pool bottom that makes it hard to get all the crevices clean with conventional vacums and brushes It sounds like borates could substantially help with this problem. It sounds like I need to make sure my TA is in order before I should take on this task. Is this a reasonable thought or would you guys recommend getting the basics down first?
Thanks again for all your guidance! It is greatly appreciated...
Matt