Recent content by uwaeve

Quick update, I think I've found what I was looking for and wanted to share. aroundtheyard.com has a very active and knowledgable user base. There's no TF-100, but they've standardized on a soil test lab and are very helpful to newcomers. Thanks for the domyownpestcontrol recommendation, I...

Thanks for the resources, I didn't know about the Master Gardener certification. I'm aware of the extension services, and have been reading articles and recommendations for extensions in similar areas as mine. I am using my extension service as my "grass/weed TF100," so I'm confident in my...

Does anyone have lawn care resources that take a similar approach as TFP (DIY, mix your own, emphasis on understanding the fundamental first-principle basis for what you're doing)?

Just an update as it's only polite when people are so helpful here. I think I was getting wrapped around the axle about order of operations or interactions, so I decided to take advice and add some stabilizer and just SLAM it, which worked as everyone suspected. After SLAMing, I have gotten pH...

Hi, I was able to get 12.5% at Namco in Nashua (Home Depot plaza near Pheasant Lane). 1 gallon 12.5% is $5.99 5 gallon 12.5% is $18.99 + $5 deposit on container, but at least last week they had a sale on any one item over $20 or something, so that 5-gallon bucket cost me less than 20. Plus, no...

No, I chlorinated all last summer with BioGuard Silk Smart Stiks, which the MSDS tells me are trichlor, with <5% "TRADE SECRET!" Based on the pool math calculator, to go from 140 to 800 in my pool would have required the addition of 65 pounds of ice melt. I'm not against a partial drain and...

I see replies above but haven't digested them, I just wanted to report some hardness findings before I fell into bed. Dug out the poolstore test from last year, the initial test of the truck-delivered water that filled my empty pool after the wall repair. I'm assuming their report of "total...

OK, I've brushed up and still have some questions about the order, what are related, and what things can be done in parallel. For chemicals, today I grabbed some granular stabilizer and 6 gallons of 12.5% chlorine. On the above recommendation, I tried to test the CH with the TF100 kit. I'll...

I can see how that may have sounded... I don't actually expect a printed, bound, personalized glossy printout of exactly what to buy! The aspect I was looking for was an order of operations and perhaps tips to avoid pitfalls. I feel like I've read up on the basics (read all the linked articles...

I had the pool opened this year, and have resolved to do everything myself from here on out. From what I understand, they threw 2 gallons of 12.5% shock and an unspecified "strong algaecide" into the pool. When it was uncovered it seemed a little green, but is now fairly blue and while not...

Thanks for the quick replies! To be clear, the test results I posted are using the TF100. Which says if something's between two numbers, average them :) I understand hundredths are not significant for pH measurement. Looks like I got misinformed, I understand now that it's metals that will...

Question about chlorine level after shock, I'm basically trying to figure out when we can go in my pool. Short story: CC levels are at 13 after a shock, with the rest of the chemistry (details below) seemingly nominal and sparkling blue water. Backstory on pool in my signature: Had wall...