First time opening pool

[Caracbeara]

So first time pool owner/ first time opening.
I made a rookie mistake and didn’t adjust PH before starting our SLAM. PH was hot pink over 8?).
We started this yesterday

Levels before SLAM:
0 FC
0CYA
During first day (added bleach and CYA, chlorine kept dropping):
FC 5
CC 1.5
CYA 30ish
PH hot pink -over 8??
CH 130


Today upon wake up:
FC 8.5
CYA 30ish
There’s noticeable improvement in the pool. Should we just focus on FC and CYA for now and balance everything else afterwards? The CH is also concerning.

Attached is a picture from yesterday morning and one from this morning.

 

[mknauss]

With your FC below 10, test your pH and TA now and adjust the pH to low 7's. Then resume SLAM based on CYA of 30. CH can be managed once the pool is clear.

 

[Caracbeara]

With your FC below 10, test your pH and TA now and adjust the pH to low 7's. Then resume SLAM based on CYA of 30. CH can be managed once the pool is clear.

Thank you!

 

[Caracbeara]

So FC was at 6 yesterday so I added muriatic acid. PH tested at 7.6 later in the day. I also added chlorine (not at the same time) and FC was 8 when I tested.
This morning PH is 8 and FC is 6. Is that normal for PH is rise again so quickly?
I just want to keep SLAMing!

 

[mknauss]

I have not seen a TA listed in your data. You are entering the result of your TA test into Poolmath to determine how much acid to use, correct?

Your main focus is the SLAM. Maintain your FC at SLAM level.

 

[Caracbeara]

I have not seen a TA listed in your data. You are entering the result of your TA test into Poolmath to determine how much acid to use, correct?

Your main focus is the SLAM. Maintain your FC at SLAM level.

Yes, definitely using pool math. TA is 40.

 

[mknauss]

Your TA is at the point you may need to add baking soda. I would be very careful adding any more acid.

Just go to SLAM. No need to test pH anymore until you pass the three criteria.

 

[Caracbeara]

I just added more chlorine. I’ll check the numbers later. The acid was lowering the TA, right? Should I add the baking soda?

 

[Caracbeara]

Also it says I would need 16 lbs of baking soda. Where would I find that?

 

[mknauss]

The acid was lowering the TA.
You can get large bags of baking soda at big box store, Walmart, etc.
Once SLAM is complete, check TA and adjust to 70 ppm.

 

[Caracbeara]

The acid was lowering the TA.
You can get large bags of baking soda at big box store, Walmart, etc.
Once SLAM is complete, check TA and adjust to 70 ppm.

Thank you!!!

 

[mariane]

SLAM needs to be maintained at 12 FC or higher.

 

[Caracbeara]

SLAM needs to be maintained at 12 FC or higher.

I’m trying!! We’ve been through 14 bottles of liquid chlorine in the past 3 days...

 

[mknauss]

Big pool, big swamp, lots of chlorine!!!!

 

[Caracbeara]

We are at 12 FC and .5 CC this morning and the level stayed the same two hours later! Things are happening people!! ????

 

[Caracbeara]

Also do you recommend staying away from clarifiers and algaecides?

It looks like the algae left some staining. What should I use for that?

 

[mknauss]

Clarifiers are glue. Not good. Algaecides are unnecessary with FC/CYA ratios and also can bring unwanted items (copper, ammonia).

Non-Recommended Pool Chemicals

These pool chemicals should not be added to your pool. Save your money and frustration and avoid these chemicals!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Caracbeara]

If the PH is still high...will the water still clear up to indicate that the SLAM is done? Does a high PH cause cloudy water? Here’s today’s pic.

 

[mknauss]

A high pH can cause a dull look to the water, but not cloudy. When you are at full TFP water, it sparkles in the sun.

 

[mknauss]

TFP Clear in North Dallas - there is water in there