Cya newbie

[SoCalTFP]

Should we raise CYA if it’s low? I have a Taylor K-2006 and the CYA didn’t even register so I’m just going with 30 since it’s the lowest. Should I raise it?

Yes probably. I’d use the Pool Math app to dose to get to your target range. Shoot for the lower end or split in two doses if your not sure on pool size 100%. You can always add more but the only way to get rid of it is drain. Especially since your unsure of your current level go slow.

Add to a sock and stick in skimmer basket or in front of the return is the recommended method. I’ve also just dumped it in the skimmer basket without any negative issues, although I’m sure that would be frowned upon.

Takes a couple of days but ideally wait a week to trust new test results. It takes time to dissolve.

The main reason you’d want to run CYA lower than recommended is if you need to SLAM since it will increase the Chlorine SLAM level.

 

[Newdude]

sorry what do you mean by lava?

Don't touch it. Don't get too close to it. Stay daily away.

what is the peoples opinion on non stablized cal hypo shock

It's fine when you can use the calcium it's also adding. But as said above, it's likely more expensive. Also make sure it never says blue or extra blue anywhere on the box. Blue is industry code for copper. I was at Home Depot yesterday and there must have been a dozen 'blue' this or that's.

Something like this

That one seems fine.

I'm a believer of better to look dumb and ask,

You're only dumb if you don't ask. So please always ask. if you do something you're unsure of, then we'll likely have a few things to fix. Don't worry, we'll help with those too, but it's preferable for all parties to only have one issue to work on.

 

[Tocoolforpool]

Don't touch it. Don't get too close to it. Stay daily away.

It's fine when you can use the calcium it's also adding. But as said above, it's likely more expensive. Also make sure it never says blue or extra blue anywhere on the box. Blue is industry code for copper. I was at Home Depot yesterday and there must have been a dozen 'blue' this or that's.

That one seems fine.

You're only dumb if you don't ask. So please always ask. if you do something you're unsure of, then we'll likely have a few things to fix. Don't worry, we'll help with those too, but it's preferable for all parties to only have one issue to work on.

as in dont get to the minimum on the FC for my specs?

also during my testing today I noticed some algae forming slightly.. its no surprise considering we are currently experiencing 103-108 high temps.. I assume my plan of attack should be to crank the FC to 7-9,, brush and vacuum?

 

[SoCalTFP]

as in dont get to the minimum on the FC for my specs?

also during my testing today I noticed some algae forming slightly.. its no surprise considering we are currently experiencing 103-108 high temps.. I assume my plan of attack should be to crank the FC to 7-9,, brush and vacuum?

Remember that lava we were talking about? You may have just stepped in it unfortunately.

Start by performing an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. Measure FC after sunset, then measure again before sunrise (or at least direct sunlight on pool). If the numbers have dropped less than 1ppm you pass. If not you have something living in the pool consuming the chlorine because the only way chlorine drops is sunlight or breaking down organic matter.

From here is it’s 1ppm or more lost we can walk you through a SLAM. It’s relatively involved but not rocket science. Aside from clearing any algae it will ensure any other bacteria/organics are killed off, which is the bigger health concern.

That said just start with the Overnight test and we can go from there.

 

[Tocoolforpool]

Remember that lava we were talking about? You may have just stepped in it unfortunately.

Start by performing an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. Measure FC after sunset, then measure again before sunrise (or at least direct sunlight on pool). If the numbers have dropped less than 1ppm you pass. If not you have something living in the pool consuming the chlorine because the only way chlorine drops is sunlight or breaking down organic matter.

From here is it’s 1ppm or more lost we can walk you through a SLAM. It’s relatively involved but not rocket science. Aside from clearing any algae it will ensure any other bacteria/organics are killed off, which is the bigger health concern.

That said just start with the Overnight test and we can go from there.

unfortunately a overnight test isnt an option till this coming Tues due to my work schedule, iam up and out of the house by 4am

 

[SoCalTFP]

unfortunately a overnight test isnt an option till this coming Tues due to my work schedule, iam up and out of the house by 4am

Can you test before you leave for work? I’d assume 3-3:30 would be alright. Sunrise is pretty early this time of year.

If not I’d dose FC at least to the max of recommended range until you can. You could start dosing to SLAM level now but I’d personally wait to confirm with the OCLT first to make sure it’s algae/organics before wasting that much chlorine. Might want to see what others say on that though because it could also be a little insurance to minimize growth in the interim.

 

[SoCalTFP]

Also a side note. I’m sure you might be feeling a bit over your head at this point and thinking hiring a pool service or heading to the pool store sounds a heck of a lot easier than all this. I know I was when my pool was green a couple of months back and my wife was questioning if I knew what I was doing.

I want to reassure you though that you’re in the hardest part of all this right now. In a couple of weeks your pool will be clear and nearly maintenance free though.

My pool is so trouble free in such a short period of time that now I’m bored with it and want to help other people with theirs haha.

 

[Newdude]

unfortunately a overnight test isnt an option till this coming Tues due to my work schedule, iam up and out of the house by 4am

You can squeeze almost 8 hours in and that's good enough.

You could start dosing to SLAM level now but I’d personally wait to confirm with the OCLT first to make sure it’s algae/organics before wasting that much chlorine

This one could go either way. Visible algae is an automatic 'clear water' fail, requiring a slam. But OPs report of 'some algae forming slightly' isn't exactly definitive.

Might want to see what others say on that though because it could also be a little insurance to minimize growth in the interim

With reasonable suspicion, I'm personally a SLAM first, ask questions later kinda guy. Most of the extra FC added will remain if one jumps the gun, so there's really no downside.

 

[Tocoolforpool]

Also a side note. I’m sure you might be feeling a bit over your head at this point and thinking hiring a pool service or heading to the pool store sounds a heck of a lot easier than all this. I know I was when my pool was green a couple of months back and my wife was questioning if I knew what I was doing.

I want to reassure you though that you’re in the hardest part of all this right now. In a couple of weeks your pool will be clear and nearly maintenance free though.

My pool is so trouble free in such a short period of time that now I’m bored with it and want to help other people with theirs haha.

pool is super clear just some spots started to appear if i brush it, it falls off no problem, i gotta assume its from being so low on FC while I did the drain and fill to lower CYA..

 

[SoCalTFP]

pool is super clear just some spots started to appear if i brush it, it falls off no problem, i gotta assume its from being so low on FC while I did the drain and fill to lower CYA..

I’d follow newdude’s lead here (he’s being doing this longer than me) and SLAM first ask questions later. 24 FC for 60 CYA, keep it there until you can OCLT and let us know what that comes back with!

 

[Tocoolforpool]

You can squeeze almost 8 hours in and that's good enough.

This one could go either way. Visible algae is an automatic 'clear water' fail, requiring a slam. But OPs report of 'some algae forming slightly' isn't exactly definitive.

With reasonable suspicion, I'm personally a SLAM first, ask questions later kinda guy. Most of the extra FC added will remain if one jumps the gun, so there's really no downside.

I can see green spots here and there so I can almost certainly confirm algae just small traces of it.. would it still warrant a overnight test?

 

[Tocoolforpool]

You can squeeze almost 8 hours in and that's good enough.

This one could go either way. Visible algae is an automatic 'clear water' fail, requiring a slam. But OPs report of 'some algae forming slightly' isn't exactly definitive.

With reasonable suspicion, I'm personally a SLAM first, ask questions later kinda guy. Most of the extra FC added will remain if one jumps the gun, so there's really no downside.

with my CYA at 60 the pool math shows my target FC level is 7-9 thats my shock level?

 

[Newdude]

so I can almost certainly confirm algae just small traces of it.. would it still warrant a overnight test?

Ok then that's an automatic fail for clear water and a free trip to SLAMville. Skip the OCLT this time.

with my CYA at 60 the pool math shows my target FC level is 7-9 thats my shock level?

60 CYA is a SLAM target of 24.

 

[Tocoolforpool]

Ok then that's an automatic fail for clear water and a free trip to SLAMville. Skip the OCLT this time.


60 CYA is a SLAM target of 24.

View attachment 506726

its unfortunately too late for me to get started on this tonight,, would it be best to start tomorrow during the day or wait till i get home roughly between 3-5pm,, i can have my wife add the Muriatic Acid to lower the ph and then after some mixing add the liquid chlorine

 

[Newdude]

would it be best to start tomorrow during the day or wait till i get home roughly between 3-5pm,,

It's your call. Sooner is always better. If you wait, ensure you are no less than target range for the day.

i can have my wife add the Muriatic Acid to lower the ph and then after some mixing add the liquid chlorine

We then there you go !!! She can start and you can relieve her later.

 

[SoCalTFP]

I didn't see these linked anywhere in this thread but thought they both might be helpful if you haven't read them already. Covers the SLAM process and OCLT in more depth.

In general I'd recommend reading all of the Pool School articles, maybe skipping some of the equipment stuff until you're more familiar with what you have in place. Again, assuming you're not already.

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)

The Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tells if the SLAM is finished or if you need to start a SLAM. This article says how to do the OCLT.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Tocoolforpool]

I didn't see these linked anywhere in this thread but thought they both might be helpful if you haven't read them already. Covers the SLAM process and OCLT in more depth.

In general I'd recommend reading all of the Pool School articles, maybe skipping some of the equipment stuff until you're more familiar with what you have in place. Again, assuming you're not already.

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)

The Overnight Chlorine Loss Test tells if the SLAM is finished or if you need to start a SLAM. This article says how to do the OCLT.

www.troublefreepool.com

Slam in progress let's see how it goes

 

[SoCalTFP]

Slam in progress let's see how it goes

Good luck! Let us know if you have any questions about the process at all and we can help. I'd suggest FC testing/additions as well as brush/vac as frequently as you can, that should speed up the whole process. When I did mine I also tried to stay extremely consistent about dosing Chlorine after sunset figuring that would be when most of the progress would be made without UV burning it up. Not sure if that is actually the case but it made me feel better.

Looking forward to seeing you getting this all cleared up in hopefully a few days and settling into the uneventful Trouble Free Pool life!

 

[Newdude]

When I did mine I also tried to stay extremely consistent about dosing Chlorine after sunset figuring that would be when most of the progress would be made without UV burning it up. Not sure if that is actually the case but it made me feel better.

There's 2 seperate FC losses going on during SLAM.

1) typical daily UV loss
2) algae.

Hitting it often with the sun low/gone means all your FC goes to killing algae. It can be a good way to make up progress for those unable to check it every 2 hours during the day for the first day or two.

 

[Tocoolforpool]

There's 2 seperate FC losses going on during SLAM.

1) typical daily UV loss
2) algae.

Hitting it often with the sun low/gone means all your FC goes to killing algae. It can be a good way to make up progress for those unable to check it every 2 hours during the day for the first day or two.

Today when I get home I'll be giving my wife a class on fc testing so she can keep an eye on it during the day.. I took that snap shot on the ring at 10:30 am and its already 95 deg


The sun is definitely going to fight me with the FC