Recent content by Gimpy

"... -Keep pool balanced under normal ranges (2-4 ppm FC, 7.4-7.6, roughly -PH, etc. etc.,)...." That's a safe bet. Keep your water properly balanced, and you won't get algae. Gee, who'd a thunk it?!

Have them test your CH (Calcium Hardness) level too.

"...and find myself using the small one with the R-0014...." I agree with that, Waterbear. I find the color differences much easier to see. The comparitor for use with R-0014 is the Taylor 9781.

If I can't get the TSP the idea is moot . I'll try to pursue the five gallon test if I can get my hands on some TSP when I travel out of state. Should I expect any difference in results if I use TSP*12H2O versus Anhydrous TSP?

That doesn't sound very practical, and is precisely what I was afraid of - high phosphates at the end. I'm wondering how a five gallon bucket test would turn out. Are the phosphate test strips sufficientl reliable for the purpose? My quick and dirty SWAG hints that I would end up with about...

My CH level has gone from 300 ppm to 500 ppm in a year, with only temporary and insignificant reductions as a result of rainwater additions. I attribute the rise of the CH to fill water concentrated by evaporation. Realizing that it won’t be long before the escalating CH will reach a tipping...

The cat who lets us live here and use her pool drinks from the pool at least once a day. Not large quantities, just sips (its a saltwater pool!) It hasn't seemed to bother her a bit. If I had an animal that drank large quantities from the pool, I'd try keeping a bowl of fresh water out there in...

What a great success story - thanks for posting it!

Small world, huh Gary?! Thanks for the tip on Caracolillo. I'll be sure to check it out. We've been going to Fresh Market in Carrollwood and paying $9.99 for beans of unknown age. It would be nice to have a source here in Spring Hill, but first we need to get a decent bookstore for crying out...

"...are you correlating pH and high CH...." No, Dave - I don't think you're hijacking the thread at all. I don't mean to imply that the increase in CH has made the pH rise. I'm saying that when I observe a little milkiness starting in the water that my pH has risen to 7.8 to 8.2. When I add...

I was spoiled when I lived in Charleston. I could go to Whole Foods and get freshly roasted beans. From where I am now, its a 45 minute drive to get beans of less than mediocre quality. If the Tampa area has a source of good beans, I've not found it. I use a Capresso maker and a Capresso...

My CH level has risen to ~500 over time, and dull water is my signal to check the pH. Invariably the pH has crept up, and a little muriatic acid restores the water clarity. We've been having a rainy spell lately, and I'm going to check the CH level this afternoon in hopes that it has declined some.

I've never noticed any bubbles. I know the SWCG is working properly because it easily maintains the chlorine level. I'm feeling left out....

If 'conditioner' is 'stabilizer' or CYA, be careful about which chlorine tabs you're using. If its 'stabilizer' (CYA) and you're at 100 now you don't want any more. What kind of tabs are you using, and is 'conditioner' stabilizer or CYA?

Buggs, there may have been metals in the water seven years ago. I'd recommend treating the stains as though they were from metal. It won't hurt, and it may work.