In a circle...

[7Iron]

I am trying to get my pool balanced. I am using k-2006 and had my results
confirmed by local/national chain store.

TA =0
pH= my test well below 7 (almost green in color and took 52 drops of base demand reagent to achieve something close to 7.4)--Pool store took 55 drops and recorded pH at 7.0...
FC= 10
CH= 30
CYA= mine 50 -- pool store 80

Pool Store only tests:
Copper= 1 ppm (don't know where that is coming from....no algaecides, no copper piping/tubing...,.I did use up the remaining Regal 3" Trichloro-s-triazinetrione over the winter (8 each)
Iron =0
TDS=500
Phospates=1000




So I keyed in the values into "Pool Math" and it suggested 5oz 20MlueTeam Borax, at 7 pH(stores recorded level) and 15 oz at my "Wild" guess of 6.4....and 94 oz of baking soda for the TA at both pH Levels.

I added 15 oz (wt) of Borax and 4 lbs of baking soda. I ran the pump 24 hours rechecked TA and pH ....TA moved to 20 and pH demand reduced to 35 drops.

So I added an additional 16 oz (wt) of Borax yesterday and checked this am....TA moved to 40 and pH demand reduced to 23 drops...


Am I so out of range the caution note on Pool Math should be taken as gospel: "Results are approximate and can be off significantly for large pH changes"

Also, should I be concerned wrt the copper level

thanks

 

[YippeeSkippy]

First problem is that the pH test is unreliable if the FC is over 10.... your borderline 10 *might* be affecting your pH reading. But for me the pH usually tests high, not low like you have. Just a conundrum.

TA of 0 is VERY unusual. I don't even know how that could happen?

As to copper- are you having problems with stains or very clear yet green water? Do you fill from a well? If no problems, don't worry about it now but be aware of it. Adding a lot of chlorine may cause problems with the metals.

Ignore phosphates- they're meaningless to a properly chlorinated pool. Pool stores just like to bring them up so they can sell you another chemical.

How about another full set of test results using just your own kit? Also test your fill water (ignore CYA test since it won't have any)

 

[Richard320]

Since we don't usually trust pool store results for the common things, I wouldn't trust them for the copper, either. Once you get the pH up into range, if the water suddenly turns a brilliant yet clear turquoise blue, you'll know you have copper.

If it was me, I'd start by boosting the TA with about 4 lbs of baking soda. In a 5000 gallon pool, it should get the TA up to around 60 and have a slight positive effect on pH. Let that mix for half an hour and maybe speed it along with some brushing and then retest pH and TA and add what it takes to get pH to 7.5. Another half an hour at least to mix and then recheck pH and TA and fine tune again.

 

[7Iron]

Thanks guys, what is your recommendation on raising pH? Borax or soda ash?.....I have two 4 lb boxes of 20 Mule team....but not sure how much borax is ok....I read Jason's borax post but not sure I lie the "slick"/"velvety" feel

 

[Richard320]

Thanks guys, what is your recommendation on raising pH? Borax or soda ash?.....I have two 4 lb boxes of 20 Mule team....but not sure how much borax is ok....I read Jason's borax post but not sure I lie the "slick"/"velvety" feel

I really have no opinion on Borax vs Washing Soda. I've never had to raise my pH. If pets or wild animals drink from your pool, skip the Borax.

 

[7Iron]

Well I have 4 granddaughters....so if borax is not rec for pets....I am going to extend to GD..

thanks