Fill Water Test

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J

jmoore312

0
Jul 5, 2016
40
DFW
After a couple months of ground water weeping, we are finally getting plaster this week! Tested my fill water this weekend and the results are:

PH - 8.2
TA - 110
CH - 110
Chlorine - .5

Anything I should be aware of based on these numbers? I know I'll need some muriatic acid to lower the TA so will this also lower the PH? Looking at the manufacturers instructions it says "pH should be reduced to 7.2 to 7.6 adding pre-diluted2 Muriatic Acid if the alkalinity is already 80-100 ppm1"
 
Actually, what you just did is simply good practice. Your numbers aren't too crazy compared to other parts of the country. But yes, you'll want an ample amount of muriatic acid on-hand once the pool is filled. Not so much for the TA, but more for the pH as it will climb quickly as the plaster cures. With continuous treatments upon the pH, the TA should begin to fall as well. But the pH is most critical because it impacts the plaster the fastest.

I always tell new pool owners to watch and record what the builder puts in your water on opening day. Write-down product type, name, and dosage amounts if you can. Review the TFP Pool School - Start-up New Plaster page in advance so you can understand and compare these notes to what your builder has to say. Of course your builder's opening instructions take priority to honor your warranty, but it's good info to know in advance. Opening day can be overwhelming.

Use typically recommend muriatic acid (20 Baume @ 31.45% strength). You can get it at your local pool store or hardware store. You know you'll need to maintain a reasonable chlorine level to prevent algae from growing, so make sure to ask your builder if they have any concerns about managing your FC level with liquid chlorine (aka - regular bleach).

Congrats on the new pool! Ask us any questions you may have, and don't forget to post a pic or two once you get all filled-up. :swim:
 
Texas Splash said:
Actually, what you just did is simply good practice. Your numbers aren't too crazy compared to other parts of the country. But yes, you'll want an ample amount of muriatic acid on-hand once the pool is filled. Not so much for the TA, but more for the pH as it will climb quickly as the plaster cures. With continuous treatments upon the pH, the TA should begin to fall as well. But the pH is most critical because it impacts the plaster the fastest.

I always tell new pool owners to watch and record what the builder puts in your water on opening day. Write-down product type, name, and dosage amounts if you can. Review the TFP Pool School - Start-up New Plaster page in advance so you can understand and compare these notes to what your builder has to say. Of course your builder's opening instructions take priority to honor your warranty, but it's good info to know in advance. Opening day can be overwhelming.

Use typically recommend muriatic acid (20 Baume @ 31.45% strength). You can get it at your local pool store or hardware store. You know you'll need to maintain a reasonable chlorine level to prevent algae from growing, so make sure to ask your builder if they have any concerns about managing your FC level with liquid chlorine (aka - regular bleach).

Congrats on the new pool! Ask us any questions you may have, and don't forget to post a pic or two once you get all filled-up. :swim:
Click to expand...

Appreciate the info! I am OB so it's all on me. As far as pH, how many times should I be checking this each day? I work out of the house so it's not an issue but I didn't know if those numbers could change a few times a day or if checking once a day is enough.
 
Texas Splash said:
In a new pool, I'd check the pH once a day for the first month or so, then slowly space it out as acid usage appears to settle. You'll see a pattern of pH increase and usage that will help dictate how often you need to test pH.
Click to expand...

Thanks again! In reading through pool school, I see there are a few different start up processes. Do you recommend one? I noticed the acid startup says to pour in 3.5 gallons acid per 10,000 gallons and don't turn circulation system on until pH reaches 7.2 or higher. Traditional mentions starting equipment right away but no mention of acid. We are going with Micro Fusion Pebble so am I correct in going with an acid start-up?
 
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