Can’t get Chlorine to increase

[mithrandir2398]

We just got our new pool filled on 11/23. We have a SWG but it won’t work in the winter, so the pool company said to use a floater. They said to add conditioner and then the floater, which I did. Chlorine levels just haven’t been higher than 0.41. I checked the floater and the tab is still there. My levels are below. Any suggestions?

FCL - 0.12
TCL - 0.18
PH - 7.6
TA - 63
CH - 173
CYA - 32

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
Use liquid chlorine to raise your FC to target level based on the FC/CYA Levels. Use the non-SWCG chart as your SWCG is not generating.
Test FC every other day or so and maintain the FC in target range.

I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[Dtkokay]

Congrats on the new pool! A couple of initial notes: you aren’t supposed to add salt to a new pool for the first 30 days, so you shouldn’t be using the SWG anyways for now. Hopefully you haven’t already added the salt.

Your calcium hardness is low.

While chlorine use isn’t high in winter, your chlorine level is almost nonexistent. Once algae gets a foothold in your pool, it’s A LOT of work to get rid of it, so you’re smart to address this now.

Now onto your issue: I suspect your tablet isn’t dissolving very fast because the water is cold, and there isn’t any water moving through the floater. Add more tablets and find a way to keep it in front of a return jet for water movement.

The better, easier way to manage chlorine (until you can use your SWG) is to use liquid chlorine. You can find this at Home Depot or Walmart. One quart of 10% liquid chlorine will increase your chlorine level by around 2 ppm. I would go this route because it has an immediate effect, unlike the slow nature of tablets.

As a heads up, when the weather gets warm, you’ll want to increase your CYA level to around 70 to help protect your chlorine. Your 30 is fine for now.

And finally, you should get your own test kit rather than rely on a pool store. Their readings are notoriously inaccurate, on top of giving terrible advice.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome! I would also recommend you bookmark the link below. It has a ton of info to help.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[HermanTX]

Congrats on the new pool! A couple of initial notes: you aren’t supposed to add salt to a new pool for the first 30 days, so you shouldn’t be using the SWG anyways for now. Hopefully you haven’t already added the salt.

Your calcium hardness is low.

While chlorine use isn’t high in winter, your chlorine level is almost nonexistent. Once algae gets a foothold in your pool, it’s A LOT of work to get rid of it, so you’re smart to address this now.

Now onto your issue: I suspect your tablet isn’t dissolving very fast because the water is cold, and there isn’t any water moving through the floater. Add more tablets and find a way to keep it in front of a return jet for water movement.

The better, easier way to manage chlorine (until you can use your SWG) is to use liquid chlorine. You can find this at Home Depot or Walmart. One quart of 10% liquid chlorine will increase your chlorine level by around 2 ppm. I would go this route because it has an immediate effect, unlike the slow nature of tablets.

As a heads up, when the weather gets warm, you’ll want to increase your CYA level to around 70 to help protect your chlorine. Your 30 is fine for now.

And finally, you should get your own test kit rather than rely on a pool store. Their readings are notoriously inaccurate, on top of giving terrible advice.

Agree with everything said above and add that pucks in a floater are best for maintenance of FC once you reach the desired level as you need to keep circulation to disperse the chlorine.

@mithrandir2398 doesn't state where in Texas but pool stores such as Leslie's, Pinch A Penny carry liquid chlorine as does Home Depot.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

The ColorQ is renowned for being inaccurate on Calcium Hardness tests. Please obtain this test to augment your kit-
Taylor K-1770 Calcium Hardness test kit
This will give you a better read on that new plaster you need to take care of.

Maddie

 

[mithrandir2398]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I talked to the pool company for their thoughts, and then consulted the chart, and had to do a di-chlor shock, but its at 3 ppm right now for the 2nd day in a row.

 

[ciaka]

I am new on here too, but folks here are just great with help.
One thing that is super useful for me, is the Pool Math app. If you dont have it, I suggest you get it. I got the premium version (not free one), for I think 7 bucks/year.
Once you have it, you can create your pool profile, add all the details and track your testing and chemicals additions.
The tool has a great feature where you can find out what will happen if you add a chemical. I found it to be super useful and super accurate with what I do.
For your FC, like they said, use liquid chlorine, while your pump is running to get it all mixed quick. I turn on my water features for a good mix, for about half hour or so. After couple hours, seems to be mixed well.
I used water testing videos to which they gave me a link - you should watch them to ensure you are testing accurately. Good luck.