Recent content by pjt

For the TA test, are you adding drops until there is no further color change? PoolMath is just a calculator. It's important to not blindly follow it. You're adding too much MA (stop adding acid). See where your pH stabilizes.

Another great option for our Texas climate is a salt water chlorine generator (SWCG). It's by far the cheapest, easiest, and most convenient way to chlorinate. There's upfront cost, but over time it's the least expensive method. With the tools and knowledge you gain here, you'll never again...

Your fill water has plenty of CH unless you have a water softener on your fill line. CH of 300 is great for your location. What model test kit do you have? (Add it to your signature.)

What test kit are you using? For the TA test, are you continuing to add drops until there's no further color change? Your TA is reasonable, and TA is the least important variable in your water chemistry. You don't need to make a dedicated effort to lower your TA. Manage your pH with MA, and...

How are you testing? Fill out your signature when you have a minute.

Two additional techniques for the pH test: 1. Try holding the block sideways or upside down. Sometimes that helps distinguish colors better. I also use two old hotel keycards to mask off areas and narrow down my decision. 2. To get a consistent backlight, hold the block in front of your...

What model test kit are you using?

What model test kit are you using? PoolMath is just a calculator. Don't blindly do what it tells you. You need to have an understanding of pool chemistry, then use PoolMath to help with the calculations. https://www.troublefreepool.com/blog/2018/12/12/abcs-of-pool-water-chemistry/...

Add that and your filter model to your signature when you have a minute.

What model kit do you have? (Add it to your signature.) For the TA test, are you adding drops until there is no further color change?

How are you testing? Enable sharing of your PoolMath logs. What's the CH of your fill water? Most likely your CH will slowly rise over the summer due to evaporation and fill water usage. CH of 275 is a bit low, but acceptable especially if it will increase over the summer. 25% over clean...

When was the last time you did a fresh fill? The start and end water meter readings (minus estimated household consumption) will give you a very accurate volume. If you have a smart water meter, you might be able to look up past usage data to get the data you need.

That's good if you want to make changes. Definitely isn't too late. I have two skimmers and no main drain and I really like that setup. If you want a MD, get one. If you don't want a MD, now is the time to make the change. Remember, it's your pool, your money, and your decisions. The PB...

What stage of construction are you at?

How are you testing? If your TA is truly 40, consider adding a tiny amount of baking soda to get you to 50-60. OTOH, your pool may have a stable pH with a TA of 40. Non-trichlor pools will rarely (likely never) need baking soda. What's the TA of your fill water? Don't fight it. With a TA...