“Best guess” Chart vs pool math

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Racer

Racer

Active member
Mar 29, 2019
25
Lubbock, TX
I am brand new to pool ownership, got water 3 weeks ago. After researching for two weeks while the builder maintained the pool. I’ve decided to go with the TFP system.
I have lots of questions, but the first one is what should I use for target FC levels?
The chart shows levels considerably higher than the app’s recommendation.

Not sure these are necessary, but here they are just in case.
Based on testing at Leslie’s (Tuesday) and sticks this afternoon:
FC was ~1.5 (using bleach since Tuesday)
CYA ~ 60
TA was ~90.
PH was ~8.0 today. Used acid per the app to lower it.
Water is very clear and looks better every day.

I got my new test kit today, so I’ll run the full battery of tests on Sunday (trying to get a routine).

Anyway, what’s the best range to shoot for, and what should I use for my guide?
 
Thank you.
I’m sorry I thougt I had a signature, but I guess I didn’t put it the right place. Here is the info:

Brand new pool owner as of 3/10
20,000 gallon - IG Plaster
Flotec pump - single speed 1.5 HP motor
Sand filter / no SWG

I guess that’s really my concern a FC level of 7-9 is extremely high, according to pool math (the app tells me 3ppm should be my target).
As you say 7-9 is the correct target based on the chart. Maybe I’m not using the app correctly, and that’s causing the disparity. I have read a good deal of pool school, still more to read for sure, but I understand the concept of CYA and Chlorine levels begin depedant on each other.
 
I just went back and played with the app. I wasn’t putting the info in correctly to give the whole picture to the app.
I figured it out, and now the chart and app are aligned.
Thanks for the help everyone.
 
Racer said:
I just went back and played with the app. I wasn’t putting the info in correctly to give the whole picture to the app.
I figured it out, and now the chart and app are aligned.
Thanks for the help everyone.
Click to expand...
That was going to be my question, were you adjusting the "target" levels :)

Glad you got that squared away!
 
ajw22 said:
Check your CYA with your own test kit. CYA 60 is very high for new plaster in the first 28 days. Guidelines usually say to keep CYA to 30 and FC 1-3 ppm for first 28 days. See https://www.nptpool.com/pdf/npc_swimmingpoolstart-upprocedures.pdf
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the help. It was great to see that article. Some of that info was not relayed to be buy the builder.

I tested this morning got a CYA between 30-40, I have the FC at 5. I’ll let them come down and try to hold them and try to hold around 3 for the next 2 weeks.

PB was using pucks as he managed chemicals for first 2 weeks, I have discarded them, and gone to bleach. I should be able to manage the CYA levels from increasing.

One question regarding the start up.... My PH has increased to 8 or higher this week, and I have not been able to bring it down with MA additions based on pool math’s suggestions for the last 3 days. Any reason behind that, and suggestion to get it back to normal?
 

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Racer said:
One question regarding the start up.... My PH has increased to 8 or higher this week, and I have not been able to bring it down with MA additions based on pool math’s suggestions for the last 3 days. Any reason behind that, and suggestion to get it back to normal?
Click to expand...
You have a thread on that all ready -- pH won't reduce
 
I didn't see in this thread what test kit are you using? The TF-100? Suffice it to say, you need a proper test kit, Leslie's is not it. The entire TFP method is based on accurate testing.

How did CYA get into your water? Did you add it? Builders typically know very little about the TFP method of keeping a pool clean so I would not pay any attention at all to what your builder told you as far as water parameters. Leslie's of course simply want to sell you stuff.
 
Racer said:
Sorry, I do have the TF100. Used it for the first time yesterday to get the readings.

CYA came from pucks that the PB was using during startup. They have been removed.
Click to expand...

I don't see how your CYA could be at 60 with just 3 weeks of pucks.
 
Well, to my knowledge he didn't add any additional stabilizer. Also, it may have been a poor test that gave me that #, when I did my own testing yesterday it came back between 30-40. Hopefully that test was correct, and I am in a good range.
 
Racer said:
Well, to my knowledge he didn't add any additional stabilizer. Also, it may have been a poor test that gave me that #, when I did my own testing yesterday it came back between 30-40. Hopefully that test was correct, and I am in a good range.
Click to expand...

I'd suggest testing again and make sure the water sample is room temperature.
 
I tested again with room temperature water, and 90 minutes after adding Acid. My PH is back down to 7.6. Thanks so much.
Should I always test with room temperature water? I didn't see that in the instructions for the test kit, but I can start if that is a best practice.
 

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