Chem level differences btwn pool manuf & other resources...

[gromit615]

Need some help with conflicting information about chemical levels. I have a River Pools (RP) D32 salt system (10,000 gal). I've had the pool for almost one year exactly. No visible water issues (cloudiness, algae, odor, etc.), so that's a plus. I use a Taylor K-6000 Salt test kit and have been aiming for RPs recommendations (see below). I'm in Southeast Louisiana, near New Orleans. See the following and weigh in, if you like. Thanks in advance, and have a wonderful weekend!!

RP's website recommends the following chemical ranges:
- Alkalinity 80-120
- Calcium Hardness 100-300
Now, a couple of different sources (Trouble Free Pool - Pool Math (TFP) calculator; and Orenda app recommends the following:
- Alkalinity TFP 60-80 and Orenda 50-100
- Calcium Hardness TFP 250-650 and Orenda 300 to 640

My biggest concern is the wide chasm of Calcium Hardness that RP recommends and what TFP and Orenda recommend. Secondarily, the Alkalinity of 100+ from RP seems out of range (high).
Anyone care to weigh in on these differences and share any other insights, supports/contrasts?

 

[PoolStored]

My biggest concern is the wide chasm of Calcium Hardness that RP recommends and what TFP and Orenda recommend. Secondarily, the Alkalinity of 100+ from RP seems out of range (high).
Anyone care to weigh in on these differences and share any other insights, supports/contrasts?

Calcium in not necessary in a FG pool, unless you have a tile waterline or a gas heater, then a minimum of 200 is recommended.

Calcium Hardness - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

TA of 80-120 in the industry is based on using pucks to chlorinate. Pucks are acidic, so the TA helps offset the acidity. TFP recommends liquid chlorine and SaltWater Chlorine generators. Lowering TA reduces pH rise in a LC or SWG pool. You may need to maintain a TA to retain a warranty...again, more to protect low pH if you use pucks. Low pH can do damage to pools and equipment.

TA - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

PH TA Relationship - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Some other good reads:

Pool Water Chemistry

This thread presents my findings so far on pool water chemistry including the following: More Accurate Calcite Saturation Index (CSI) to replace Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) Calculation of ppm HOCl (disinfecting chlorine) at various levels of Total Free Chlorine (FC) and Cyanuric Acid (CYA)...

www.troublefreepool.com

CPO Training - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com