Just Opened pool and first time user (what test to perform and in what order)

[JeffSlaton12]

So unfortunately the wind opened my pool early this year. Ordered and received the TF-pro with Smart-Stir. I have performed some test but not sure what order to test in and what order to add chemicals in.
CYA=90
pH=~6.8
TA=70
CH=500
couldn't register any FC or CC

Do I really have to replace a bunch of water to get CYA up? Really do not want to do that since its at the correct level. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Jeff and Welcome !!!

Do I really have to replace a bunch of water to get CYA up?

*down. And it depends. Fill out your Signature. If you have a SWG, letting it ride at 90 wont be terrible. For liquid chlorine/ bleach, you'll be adding a ton of spendy gallons.

The other numbers look great for now.

*edit. Get your FC in range, like yesterday.

** PH testing wont be valid at 10+ FC. Let it drift below 10 for PH tests.

Ordered and received the TF-pro with Smart-Stir

It NICE, right ? Armed with that or a k2006 it's like we are standing besides you cuz we know what to do with your results. We help people around the world on the daily when we're all on the same testing page.

 

[Newdude]

The How : Pool Care Basics

The Why : How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[rcs29]

Everything New Dude said and as far as what order to test in that is completely up to you as long as you collect all the data. Me personally I always go in this order:
FC, CC, PH, CYA, TA and CH. You'll find that CYA, TA and CH won't change as frequently so you don't have to test those as frequently. I test FC/CC at least every other day but I'm also a bit OCD.

 

[V___25]

The first summer we lived in this house, I survived it with a higher CYA - it was around 90 I think. I wanted to let it come down without doing a drain and fill - we have well water and I was concerned about iron. It was an expensive summer with lots and lots of liquid chlorine.
By the following spring it was down to 80 and came down to 70 in the summer.

Trust me, if you have to buy LC and don't have a SWG, save yourself the hassle and money and do the drain/refill now.

 

[JeffSlaton12]

So I put all of that data in the "PoolMath" app and all is says is to add 32 oz of borax. How do I know how much 10% liquid bleach to add? Honestly since I am new I may not be using the app correctly. After looking at it, i assume I click on say the FC tab, input data, it tells me what to add, the click "Log addition", is this correct. Sorry for all the questions, i promise I will get the hang of it.

 

[Newdude]

Sorry for all the questions, i promise I will get the hang of it.

We got you and we were all there once. Please ask anytime you're unsure.

After looking at it, i assume I click on say the FC tab, input data, it tells me what to add, the click "Log addition",

Exactly that. Each tab brings up that parameter. Enter the current value and the target. Fill in anything else relevant..... 10% gallon jugs of bleach or 31% MA for example, then scroll to the bottom to see how much to add.

 

[rcs29]

So I put all of that data in the "PoolMath" app and all is says is to add 32 oz of borax. How do I know how much 10% liquid bleach to add? Honestly since I am new I may not be using the app correctly. After looking at it, i assume I click on say the FC tab, input data, it tells me what to add, the click "Log addition", is this correct. Sorry for all the questions, i promise I will get the hang of it.

Should ask what kind of sanitizer you're using I believe. Then you'll select 10% bleach/chlorine. Once you do that it'll tell you the addition amount. Based on your results I'd say only adding chlorine is correct. You don't want anymore CYA and nothing to add, chemical wise, to raise PH. Your other results seem to be in line.

 

[JeffSlaton12]

THANKS A BUNCH. i WILL ADD THE CHLORING TONIGHT AND TEST AGAIN TOMORROW NIGHT, APPRECIATE IT.!

 

[JeffSlaton12]

Added Chlorine the other night, this is the test from last night. I am thinking that I do not need to add anything. Is that correct? Should I be checking anything else? And how often?

 

[PoolStored]

Added Chlorine the other night, this is the test from last night. I am thinking that I do not need to add anything. Is that correct? Should I be checking anything else? And how often?

Fire up the smart stir and post a full set of results. Make sure to test FC and CC with the FAS/DPD test (the one with powder). Test CH, TA, CYA and post those.

Having a full set of results will provide us the information to guide you.

 

[JeffSlaton12]

Will do tonight and post in the morning. Thank you!

 

[JeffSlaton12]

CH=375, TA=60, CYA=60, FC=3, CC=0
What you think? Water is clear and pool "looks" good overall.

 

[Newdude]

What you think?

Dancing the line at minimum never ends well. I suggest all folks learning gift themselves some safety net above target, so when the daily FC loss happens from UV, they fall back into target range, staying free and clear above min before the next dose tomorrow. Once you know your pool in and out, and how it's responding to this point in the season, you can cut it as close as you wish. But also, once you see how well the safety net works, many of us kept running hot.

 

[JeffSlaton12]

Fire up the smart stir and post a full set of results. Make sure to test FC and CC with the FAS/DPD test (the one with powder). Test CH, TA, CYA and post those.

Having a full set of results will provide us the information to guide you.

CH=375, TA=60, CYA=60, FC=3, CC=0
What you think? Water is clear and pool "looks" good overall.

 

[PoolStored]

CH=375, TA=60, CYA=60, FC=3, CC=0
What you think? Water is clear and pool "looks" good overall.

Those are fine, except the FC. You should get your FC up to 7-9, keep it there, and NEVER below 5. That is when you get algae and bad bugs.

Always follow this...Link-->FC/CYA Levels

I would recommend that you do this test tonight...Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

That test will tell us if you have algae, even if you can't see it.

 

[JeffSlaton12]

Those are fine, except the FC. You should get your FC up to 7-9, keep it there, and NEVER below 5. That is when you get algae and bad bugs.

Always follow this...Link-->FC/CYA Levels

I would recommend that you do this test tonight...Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

That test will tell us if you have algae, even if you can't see it.

Will do overnight test tonight, thanks.

 

[PoolStored]

Will do overnight test tonight, thanks.

Print it out, read it three times...should be good to go!

 

[JeffSlaton12]

Print it out, read it three times...should be good to go!

I added liquid chlorine per the pool math when I got home, waited until 9pm, tested water, FC=7, CC=0. Early this morning tested again and FC=7, CC=0. So no algae, correct? Is there anything else I need to do? Should I be concerned with no "CC"? If I am fine at this point how often should I be testing and testing what?
Thanks for all the help!

 

[PoolStored]

I added liquid chlorine per the pool math when I got home, waited until 9pm, tested water, FC=7, CC=0. Early this morning tested again and FC=7, CC=0. So no algae, correct? Is there anything else I need to do? Should I be concerned with no "CC"? If I am fine at this point how often should I be testing and testing what?
Thanks for all the help!

Perfecto!!!! No Algae! You are good to go!

CC=0 is GREAT!

Keep your FC in range using this...Link-->FC/CYA Levels Stay away from minimum FC. Minimum is Lava.

Your CH is fine. Do NOT add more on purpose as CH is not necessary in vinyl pool. Your TA is super. Your CYA is at the top of recommended, do not add more, until it comes down (CYA degrades about 5-10 a month). Always follow this...--Link-->What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Here is a basic pool care schedule...

Basic Pool Care Schedule

This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Regular pool maintenance will keep your water sparkling!

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