New Pool, still struggling a little.

[Nefid]

Hey all,

Thanks for all the advice so far. This is what I am currently testing at:

pH 8.0 (it keeps staying about here, whats the best way to get it lower, I know SWG pools tend to go up over time)
FC 8.2
CC 0
TA 70
CYA 40 (Dumped a whole lot in previously and it doesn't seem to have moved much, maybe it was just near zero to begin with? Added more today after seeing this)

Having an housewarming party next weekend, I'd love to get this into top shape before then! I'd love any suggestions on what I might be doing wrong or best way to get things under control.

I read hardness wasn't important in vinyl lined pools, but mine was very low when I initially tested it.

Thanks!

 

[jblizzle]

Low CH does not matter for vinyl, high can cause issues.

Add muriatic acid to lower the pH.

Are you using PoolMath to calculate your dosages? "Dumping a whole lot in" does not instill confidence in your methods

 

[calstar]

The only thing I have for you for sure is to not add any more CYA, you go over 50 and you'll need to continuously need to add more and more chlorine to sanitize effectively. I'll take a guess regarding the pH, but wait for other input from folks more knowledgeable than I : add enough muriatic acid to lower the pH to 7.2(use pool math), then check the TA and add baking soda to raise it(the acid will lower the TA) back up to where you want it to be(baking soda will raise the pH a little but not significantly). I'd add the baking soda slowly over the course of a couple of days because once I just dumped the estimated amount from pool math and it jacked up my TA to 140(not good for my plaster pool), then I had to juggle aeration and pH to get it back where I wanted it. Regarding aeration, I assembled a pvc T shaped aerator that I connected to my return outlets in the pool, the raised T had 1/4" holes drilled in it, lots of high pressure bubbles resulted when the water hit the pool from 18" above the water. Its very similar to this one and very effective: My DIY aerator...

good luck, Brian

 

[harleysilo]

Concentrate on keeping pH inline and your chlorine levels. Don't worry about your TA right now.

 

[jblizzle]

No need to lower the pH to 7.2 (and doing so would not have much impact on TA). Just keep the pH in the 7s. And I agree, do not worry about the TA.

 

[Nefid]

I threw out the bottle I used to add CYA, but it should have increased it by around 30 I think. I'LL have to buy some acid, was using some pH reducer the previous owner left around. Doesn't seem to be doing the trick

 

[jblizzle]

So are you using PoolMath or not?

 

[SpringPool]

I threw out the bottle I used to add CYA, but it should have increased it by around 30 I think. I'LL have to buy some acid, was using some pH reducer the previous owner left around. Doesn't seem to be doing the trick

What test kit are you using? And I would reread pool school. I read it about 10 times now and know that only 3-4 chemicals should only be going into the pool.