Free chlorine baseline

[Jennybird]

Happy Monday everyone!
so it’s probably going to be at least a month until we actually swim in the pool and I’m just wondering where about should I keep my free chlorine daily? And even though we’re not using the pool yet should I still be checking my other levels routinely or less often? Thank you!

 

[Texas Splash]

You'll want to test your free chlorine (FC) daily and compare to the FC/CYA Levels to ensure you have the proper FC level based on your current CYA (stabilizer). You can test pH every 2-3 days, TA weekly, and CYA probably once a month unless you exchange water. CH is "N/A" for you with vinyl. More in the link below.

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

 

[Jennybird]

You'll want to test your free chlorine (FC) daily and compare to the FC/CYA Levels to ensure you have the proper FC level based on your current CYA (stabilizer). You can test pH every 2-3 days, TA weekly, and CYA probably once a month unless you exchange water. CH is "N/A" for you with vinyl. More in the link below.

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

Thank you! I also just read that it’s best to check the chlorine in the evening, is that right? I always check my in first thing in the morning but have I been doing it wrong all this time

 

[Newdude]

Nope. Not at all. You know what the daily loss was recently and you plan ahead for today's loss, to still be in range after it happens. Whether that's this morning or tonight, is half a dozen or six.

You are one with your pool now. You know how it behaves at any point in the season and act accordingly.

 

[Jennybird]

Nope. Not at all. You know what the daily loss was recently and you plan ahead for today's loss, to still be in range after it happens. Whether that's this morning or tonight, is half a dozen or six.

You are one with your pool now. You know how it behaves at any point in the season and act accordingly.

I’m not sure I’m one with the pool yet, but we are getting serious

 

[Texas Splash]

 

[Newdude]

I’m not sure I’m one with the pool yet, but we are getting serious

You're a skootch rusty after the long winter. It will come back to you quickly. By day 3 or 4 seeing what FC you are losing per day....... well....... that's what you are losing per day right now. It will increase slowly until mid season, and then fall back down equally as slowly until its time to close again.


Here. I drew you a chart. Check daily or every other day to ensure you are matching the daily loss.





If you get alot of rain or need to add water a due to evaporation/splash out, you'll add some CYA to remain in target. Maybe one or two times in the wet spring and again mid summer.

The Ph will give you a pattern as well. Maybe you need a small adjustment every 4 days, maybe 10. But you'll see it and listen when the pool says it's time.

The TA will behave nicely because you're managing the PH.

Calcium doesn't matter for you.

Boom. Trouble free pool all summer.

 

[Jennybird]

You're a skootch rusty after the long winter. It will come back to you quickly. By day 3 or 4 seeing what FC you are losing per day....... well....... that's what you are losing per day right now. It will increase slowly until mid season, and then fall back down equally as slowly until its time to close again.


Here. I drew you a chart. Check daily or every other day to ensure you are matching the daily loss.

View attachment 403959



If you get alot of rain or need to add water a due to evaporation/splash out, you'll add some CYA to remain in target. Maybe one or two times in the wet spring and again mid summer.

The Ph will give you a pattern as well. Maybe you need a small adjustment every 4 days, maybe 10. But you'll see it and listen when the pool says it's time.

The TA will behave nicely because you're managing the PH.

Calcium doesn't matter for you.

Boom. Trouble free pool all summer.

Perfect! I was surprised my chlorine was down to 5 today after it was 8 yesterday but it was a warm day, and we had a rain storm in the morning, so maybe that diluted the chlorine a bit I’m not sure? But I did add a bit just to bring it up to 6. The pH was still fine, though.

 

[Jennybird]

Perfect! I was surprised my chlorine was down to 5 today after it was 8 yesterday but it was a warm day, and we had a rain storm in the morning, so maybe that diluted the chlorine a bit I’m not sure? But I did add a bit just to bring it up to 6. The pH was still fine, though.

Should I always check the CYA if we get rain?

 

[Texas Splash]

Should I always check the CYA if we get rain?

No. Only if there is a significant water exchange.

 

[Jennybird]

No. Only if there is a significant water exchange.

Ok thanks!