New to pools and salt - what could go wrong...

[mknauss]

Also, I doubt your Salt test is very accurate. Most have an issue with TDS in a pool that is not salt related.
I suggest you get a Taylor K1766 salinity test kit.

 

[Opasan45]

Also, I doubt your Salt test is very accurate. Most have an issue with TDS in a pool that is not salt related.
I suggest you get a Taylor K1766 salinity test kit.

Yup - it's on its way - this was quick shipping since the K1766 was ordered late and won't be here until next week. Still better than going to the pool store

 

[Opasan45]

You guys are amazing - I hope this helps someone else in their journey to the best pool water! Pump ran for 4 hours and mixed everything perfectly. Here are my current numbers as of 10mins ago. I am happy happy happy!!

Ph = 7.7
Salt = 2750
FC = 13ppm
CC = 0.5ppm
CH = 475ppm
TA = 90ppm
CYA = 75

And you were 100% correct - it was iron in the water. Put a magic eraser in the skimmer and it turned brown. The pool water is getting clearer and clearer by the hour. Put 2 of them in the skimmer to get as much as possible.

 

[mknauss]

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[zea3]

You should be able to squeeze out the magic erasers in a bucket of clean water and toss them back in the skimmer. Usually we recommend lightly stuffing the skimmer basket with poly-fil, like you find in pillows. It can also be rinsed and reused.

 

[wireform]

You guys are amazing - I hope this helps someone else in their journey to the best pool water! Pump ran for 4 hours and mixed everything perfectly. Here are my current numbers as of 10mins ago. I am happy happy happy!!

Ph = 7.7
Salt = 2750
FC = 13ppm
CC = 0.5ppm
CH = 475ppm
TA = 90ppm
CYA = 75

And you were 100% correct - it was iron in the water. Put a magic eraser in the skimmer and it turned brown. The pool water is getting clearer and clearer by the hour. Put 2 of them in the skimmer to get as much as possible.

Great work, just FYI ph isn't accurate when the FC is above 10ppm

 

[Opasan45]

Great work, just FYI ph isn't accurate when the FC is above 10ppm

Thanks - that's good to know. Have the SWG off all day - was pretty sunny today so hopefully it'll knock off a few ppm of FC. Looking now to see if I can map out how long to run the SWG each day per FC / CYA and temperature...

 

[wireform]

Don't try to figure it out perfectly. Better a point or two high because a point or 2 below will cause problems. I'm not a believer of shutting off the SWCG to get the FC to drop. Just run it low where it's not enough to replace what gets burnt off by the sun.

 

[mguzzy]

Great story.. can you post a pic when you;ve got your water blue again.. we love before and after pics

 

[Opasan45]

Great story.. can you post a pic when you;ve got your water blue again.. we love before and after pics

Thanks - it's been a frustrating process for sure but thanks to all you guys I'm almost there - 90% still have some "particles" I see in the water floating around. But it's nice and green blue - I haven't seen many salt water pools that are true blue blue but look like this. Not sure if it will get blue blue or stay like this. Either way I'm happy i learned how to do this process.

 

[wireform]

You've definitely have the TFP crystal water. Blue is depen on pool finish.

 

[CrystalRiver]

Magic Erasers and chlorine don't mix. That is, they do mix, too well, and they release a toxic substance. Don't leave magic erasers in pool water.

 

[Opasan45]

Magic Erasers and chlorine don't mix. That is, they do mix, too well, and they release a toxic substance. Don't leave magic erasers in pool water.

Thanks for the info - I saw a bit of cloud in the water and took them out. Water is getting bluer by the day. Not much iron left in there after 2 days. No need for it anymore. Levels are on point and the WAF is finally above 7 added 4 more solar panels today as well. This season will be amazing with min maintenance. Last year it was shocking like crazy every week. No more green!!!!!!!!

 

[Opasan45]

And there she is - 100% TFP processed out! This is the blue I remember from a month ago. Crazy how you never thought that it would be so easy - nothing other than muratic acid and salt balancing act.

So what's the lesson learned here - don't use anything in the pool that's not chlorine or pure salt or items to lower or increase pH. To not be afraid to drain / refill when CYA levels get way too high. Control pH to get rid of metals with pillow stuffing and magic erasers in the skimmer box.

Couldn't have gotten this far without TFP! Now onto the next project, light replacement as it burnt out last night...

 

[wireform]

And there she is - 100% TFP processed out! This is the blue I remember from a month ago. Crazy how you never thought that it would be so easy - nothing other than muratic acid and salt balancing act.

So what's the lesson learned here - don't use anything in the pool that's not chlorine or pure salt or items to lower or increase pH. To not be afraid to drain / refill when CYA levels get way too high. Control pH to get rid of metals with pillow stuffing and magic erasers in the skimmer box.

Couldn't have gotten this far without TFP! Now onto the next project, light replacement as it burnt out last night...

One last step is becoming a supporting member. Thanks in advance.