Brand new… overwhelmed

[RhondaW]

Single Mom… always have had people come and maintain my pool but over the last 15 plus years I’m so done with it. Wanting to do this on my own but haven’t got a clue where to start. I have an in ground 4.5 foot pebble tech pool here in southern AZ. Not sure how many gallons but I’m heading to Leslie’s to get my print out since I’ve tested my water there in the past.
What test kit do I need?
Chemicals to have on hand?
What do I need to do routinely?
Brushes, nets etc. that are the best.
How to backwash, etc.
Please help a Momma out I need all the basic advice I can get. I’m a total Rookie.

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP. You have come to the best forum to get help and take over your pool.
The first thing is to get a test kit - see Test Kits Compared.
You can read up on some basics at Pool Care Basics

Don’t buy any test kits from Leslies or additional chemicals. My assumption is you should convert to using liquid chlorine which can be purchased at Walmart. However, it would be best to post a picture of your pool and then also several shots of your pool equipment from different angles Including any panels you have hanging on a wall that have wires going to the pool equipment. The forum members can help identify what you have and then guide you on your next steps.
We are here to help.

 

[RhondaW]

Trying but my photos won’t upload.

 

[HermanTX]

Trying but my photos won’t upload.

Use ”attach files” when you post. Then when the photo is there you will see “insert thumbnail” or full image. I always use Insert Thumbnail.

 

[RhondaW]

Use ”attach files” when you post. Then when the photo is there you will see “insert thumbnail” or full image. I always use Insert Thumbnail.

Thanks I did try that but it says my files are too large.

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks I did try that but it says my files are too large.

Not sure what phone you are using but on iPhone, I turn off “Live” so it is just a standard picture.

Asking @Leebo to provide any guidance on photos being added to thread.

 

[HermanTX]

Oh. BTW - just load 1 photo at a time - not a whole group.

 

[RhondaW]

error

 

[RhondaW]

View attachment 452601The guy at Leslie’s actually seemed decent. I got a couple of bags of shock for now. He suggested draining my pool??

 

[RhondaW]

 

[RhondaW]

View attachment 452610View attachment 452609

 

[mknauss]

Add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine each day with the pump running. When you get your test kit, post a full set of test results.

 

[HermanTX]

error

Granular shock is exactly what you do NOT need. You need to purchase Liquid Chlorine.
Pool store test results can be very erratic but clearly my thought was that your CYA is super high which is why the pool store guy said to drain your pool.
But you really need to get a test kit Before you drain your pool.

 

[RhondaW]

Add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine each day with the pump running. When you get your test kit, post a full set of test results.

Granular shock is exactly what you do NOT need. You need to purchase Liquid Chlorine.
Pool store test results can be very erratic but clearly my thought was that your CYA is super high which is why the pool store guy said to drain your pool.
But you really need to get a test kit Before you drain your pool.

I just ordered the TF-Pro kit. So this is no good.

 

[mknauss]

Its cal hypo. Adds calcium to your water. Should be illegal to sell in our area as our fill water has 250 ppm Calcium Hardness to start with.

Up to you. Sounds like you may be draining any way. But never buy that product again.

 

[RhondaW]

Ok folks got my TF- pro kit today. Did the full testing. Here are the results. Tried to put it in the pool math but I’m a little confused. What do I gotta do???

FC. 4.5
CC 0
TC 4.5
CH 1125
TA 90
CYA > 100 about 125

CL 5 10
Ph 7.2

 

[HermanTX]

In PM app, you click on bottom + sign and Log Test Results
put in FC, then CC
followed by pH, TA, and CH
Then put in CYA and Water Temperature
Then you should be able to read the CSI calculation at the bottom.

Your CYA and CH indicates you will need to drain water from your pool to get it to more manageable levels.

 

[RhondaW]

So with it being close to the end of the pool season for us would it be ok to drain some of the water and manage the chlorine and ph and then drain it fully before the start of next season?

 

[RhondaW]

In PM app, you click on bottom + sign and Log Test Results
put in FC, then CC
followed by pH, TA, and CH
Then put in CYA and Water Temperature
Then you should be able to read the CSI calculation at the bottom.

Your CYA and CH indicates you will need to drain water from your pool to get it to more manageable levels.

Thanks SO that was so easy when you spelled it out!!!

 

[HermanTX]

So with it being close to the end of the pool season for us would it be ok to drain some of the water and manage the chlorine and ph and then drain it fully before the start of next season?

As Marty said above, do not use anymore CAL HYPO as it is just adding to your already high CH.
I would definitely drain to lower the CYA to a more manageable level then use the FC/CYA Levels for proper FC levels. You want to avoid algae even in the cooler months.

You do need to be careful with draining and exposing your plaster to too much sun.
Please read

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com