New construction

2/3 of the dirt is gone
I lost 1/3 of the mountain each day, but only because it blew into the pool. So then I'd vac it to waste, which made a new mountain. 🤦‍♂️

It was a long 2 months. The newness of having a pool back there helped distract me a little, but not alot. Lol.
 
  • Like
Reactions: newbie919
We can't overemphasize the important of a proper test kit. You should have either a TF-100 or Taylor K-2006C test kit. I recommend the TF-100, link in my signature. Also keep very good notes about any chemicals they add to the pool once it's filled and the system operational. You will refer back to those notes when you have to move-forward and add your own chemicals later. I don't want to get too far ahead of everything since this is a construction thread. Jus remember to have one of those test kits and we can help with that later.
Ok, I'll bite. I'm noticing that the modern pool industry is so complicated and overkill oriented. What's wrong with a basic test kit like this: Amazon.com
Back in the day, I used to own a really large service company that maintained hundreds of pools, even many commercial pools, in top notch shape, in So Cal where the need was 24/7/365. Never had a single issue. I mean free chlorine and pH are really all you need on a regular basis...TDS and all that are a couple times a year thing...

So although I'm sure the $200 kits are technically 'better', why should I really get one? Especially for a little backyard pool? You sure you guys aren't just into the expensive toys...? Which I completely understand by the way... :) Flame away...
 
There are many options available to care for a pool. One should do their due diligence and find out what makes the most sense for their situation.

The methods (and test kits) used here make sense to me, are easy to comprehend, are affordable, and, most importantly, they work. Pools cared for the TFP way are sanitary, crystal clear, and sparkle (just ask @Newdude ).

Jeez we even made a believer out of monty.
 
There are many options available to care for a pool. One should do their due diligence and find out what makes the most sense for their situation.

The methods (and test kits) used here make sense to me, are easy to comprehend, are affordable, and, most importantly, they work. Pools cared for the TFP way are sanitary, crystal clear, and sparkle (just ask @Newdude ).

Jeez we even made a believer out of monty.
Pool builder was here. Cleaned concrete and rocks out of pool. Cleaned muddy cartridge filter of clay but never got inside the pleats. Added 30 ozs of liquid shock to skimmer and 3 trichlor tabs to inline unit. Added no salt has not started up swg and asked me how I was keeping my pool so clear. I told him lc till they turn swg on and add salt. He told me his shock was way better. 30 something percent yada yada. It was 12.5 pct bleach as opposed to the 10 I am using. Austin pool shock was the label. Filter was still brownish definitely not 100 pct clean and I am supposed to trust folks because they are the pros? I will stick with tfp. Even if I could get a similar kit its worth the price and comes with a huge forum to talk to. Unlike the rotating clerks at the "pool pros". Oh he drained water about 6 inches below skimmer so why add it to skimmer if he left skimmer valve closed? Since he did drop the shock in the skimmer he did not clean the basket. I pulled it out with a hook. Dead frog and other organic debris.
Careful with the "pros" tag. Hear it in the construction industry alot right before I get the call some rolled over a large steel track.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RLP
Huh, that kit said Free Chlorine so I just used it as an example. I agree the more accurate the better, but I don't see spending $200 on a test kit. I see Taylor makes one for $39 bucks that should suffice...but maybe I'll have to go higher. Sigh, I remember the old days when we carried the 2 little bottles in our pockets, you could tell the readings by watching them hit the water...
 
I see Taylor makes one for $39 bucks that should suffice
The TF100 from tftestkits.net is the bang for the buck kit for $83. The K2006 which is similarly priced has too few supplies.

The K2005 doesn't have the FAS/DPD kit.

Or you can piecemeal the components but the FAS/DPD and CYA tests are $30 each and you'll be well over the TF100 by the time you add basic CH, TA and PH tests.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: newbie919
The TF100 from tftestkits.net is the bang for the buck kit for $83. The K2006 which is similarly priced has too few supplies.

The K2005 doesn't have the FAS/DPD kit.

Or you can piecemeal the components but the FAS/DPD and CYA tests are $30 each and you'll be well over the TF100 by the time you add basic CH, TA and PH tests.
So PB has had pool running thru main drain and skimmer 24/7. Pool is fairly clean and I have no chems yet as they still have one truckload of dirt to remove and are doing Water features starting Monday. When all is said and done can I run through skimmer 24/7 or should it be 50/50 most of the time.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
When all is said and done can I run through skimmer 24/7 or should it be 50/50 most of the time
You want a little to the drains in case something clogs the skimmers. Otherwise you want the skimmers to have as much pull as possible for efficiency. They suck at 50/50. Errrrrrr. Don't suck, which sucks. Now my head hurts. THANKS.

We all run between 90/10 and 95/5 because it's not quite exact with no markings on the diverter
 
  • Like
Reactions: newbie919
You want a little to the drains in case something clogs the skimmers. Otherwise you want the skimmers to have as much pull as possible for efficiency. They suck at 50/50. Errrrrrr. Don't suck, which sucks. Now my head hurts. THANKS.

We all run between 90/10 and 95/5 because it's not quite exact with no markings on the diverter
How IMG_6377.jpegoften do I need to do a drop test? Am I good with just a daily?IMG_6378.jpeg
 
How often do I need to do a drop test? Am I good with just a daily?
You need to be good and confident with your pool before you use the block test regularly. You need to be sure of how it's been responding lately and have an expectation of how it will respond tomorrow.

For example, its TC and not FC and CC. How sure are you that your (maybe) 6FC isn't 4 FC with 2CC ? It would require further attention if it was, besides the daily dose.

I prefer the powder test. Or. The block needs to be taxi yellow or orange so I'm comfortable that I have enough FC until tomorrow.
 
You need to be good and confident with your pool before you use the block test regularly. You need to be sure of how it's been responding lately and have an expectation of how it will respond tomorrow.

For example, its TC and not FC and CC. How sure are you that your (maybe) 6FC isn't 4 FC with 2CC ? It would require further attention if it was, besides the daily dose.

I prefer the powder test. Or. The block needs to be taxi yellow or orange so I'm comfortable that I have enough FC until tomorrow.
Thank you. Been testing with both and do not trust the block yet. Maybe once swg is up and running I will change my mind but doubt it.
 
Last edited:
You need to be good and confident with your pool before you use the block test regularly. You need to be sure of how it's been responding lately and have an expectation of how it will respond tomorrow.

For example, its TC and not FC and CC. How sure are you that your (maybe) 6FC isn't 4 FC with 2CC ? It would require further attention if it was, besides the daily dose.

I prefer the powder test. Or. The block needs to be taxi yellow or orange so I'm comfortable that I have enough FC until tomorrow.
Thank you. Been testing with both and do not trust the block yet. Maybe once swg is up and running I will change my mind but doubt it.
So cleaned pump basket today Spiders are amazing Wolf spider comes crawling out as I pull basket. Cleaned the Cartridge pb told me was clean but would replace with new one. Nah 90 minutes later the comb and I were finally done getting silt and clay out. Amazing pressure barely moved off zero with that much dirt in it even after he cleaned once before exchanging unit. Also mowed in 20mph winds guess what happened? 😡😡😡😡😡
 
Last edited:
  • Haha
Reactions: newdude
Trust me, the wind alone would have done a doozy. You didn't make it exponentially worse.
So I am stuck with this ultrapure slow adding tablet garbage for another week or two. Is this its highest setting? No way with temps in the 90’s and real feel above 100 these tablet thingys keep your fc where they need to be. Anyone know anything about this? #helllpIMG_6432.jpegIMG_6431.jpegIMG_6430.jpeg
 
Liquide chlorine..........just saying.........no way any setting on any table feeder can keep up with the demands of the hot sun in the summer.
Thank You. Just about at the finish my fountains and get off my property of this build phase of patience. :rolleyes:
 
Last edited:

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.