Ready to (finally) take control of my pool. PLEASE HELP!

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stmartinez

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May 19, 2014
32
Chesterfield, MO
Hi, all. I've been here before several years ago, but only to diagnose a filter issue. Quite honestly, I've always kind of just been happy when the pool was clean and didn't worry too much about it beyond that. The real nuances of pool chemistry didn't concern me too much.

So, we've come to this year. I'm ready to buy the kit, use the app, understand what it all means, and almost definitely save some money because of it. I'd have to believe I don't have to buy all the BioGuard stuff to get results! If there's great threads that'll tell me stuff like "Balance Pak 100 is just x, and you can buy x under the name of y and save $$!," please let me know.

I'm attaching my first pool store reading of the season, can you help me to understand it? What do I need? Don't need?

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

(If my signature doesn't have all the information you need just yet, I'm updating that next.)
 

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To be honest, we do not trust pool store tests. You need a proper test kit, see Test Kits Compared. I suggest the TF-100 A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

Once you get the test kit, run a full set of tests and post them up here.

Here are a few articles to get you started.
www.troublefreepool.com

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
www.troublefreepool.com

Recommended Pool Chemicals

Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
www.troublefreepool.com

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

FYI -- that Balance Pak stuff is baking soda. I bet you can get baking soda for a lot less.
 
I just opened a few days ago and have done nothing outside of drop a couple tabs in the inline feeder and let it filter. Oh, and vacuum the green sludge from the bottom. I'll order a kit tonight, is there anything you can surmise from the provided information that can get me started? It's not green, but it sure is cloudy. Thanks.
 
Have to admit, did not even open the file.

If you have algae, add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine to the pool with the pump running each evening. In your pool volume, a couple gallons of 10% will do.
 
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A TF100 kit will last you most of two years once you get experience and if you do not have to follow the SLAM Process due to algae.

I would suggest you get the XL version this first time. The Speedstir is also a good idea. Makes testing easier.
 
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I read the pool report.....so THAT'S what you TFP folks have been talking about!:oops:. I'm new to pools and learned everything I know about pool maintenance right here while our pool was being installed. That was the first pool store report I have ever seen. WOW to the recommended treatment of that pool! TFP is easy to follow and inexpensive using the recommended chemicals. I guess chemicals are cheaper than potions and tonics. Just get a good test kit, get some CYA, Muriatic Acid, Liquid Chlorine, and some baking soda, and you are pretty much set.

And Marty, why does the pool store recommend such a high Alkalinity?
 
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monoptn said:
And Marty, why does the pool store recommend such a high Alkalinity?
Click to expand...
They assume the use of trichlor pucks and weekly dichlor 'shock'. With that, you are adding lots of acid, so you need a high alkalinity to not crash the pH.
 

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stmartinez said:
So when I've got a handle on this, I won't even fill the feeder with pucks?!? How often do you all test?

I'm going to guess my annual chemical cost is (was) $400 for five months of use.
Click to expand...
I test chlorine every day but will skip a day here and there. I'll just use the OTO test kit for a quick look, and use the powder/drops every other time for a more exact reading. I test ph about every 2-3 days, and I test the CYA, TA, and CH every other week or so. I tested chlorine and pH daily and the other stuff weekly until I kind of figured out what moved and what really didn't.

Edit: PS, I have a salt water pool so the chlorine generation is automatic for the most part.
 
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You will add liquid chlorine every day during swim season. If you leave for more than a couple days, you would put a puck or two in the chlorinator.
Your other option is to install a SaltWater Chlorine Generator that makes your chlorine in-situ or install a Stenner chlorine dosing pump and tank.
 
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Everyone has their own process.
There is a laminated card in the kit with instructions for each test.
To start, plan to test FC and pH every day. TA once per week (or when you need to add acid, if more often than once a week), CH and CYA monthly.

When I do a complete set, I get a water sample. I measure and mix the CYA test solution so it can sit a bit. I then test FC, pH, TA, CH, and then CYA.
There will be one test vial just for testing FC. The other vial you use for TA and CH. Rinse well with pool water between tests.
 
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It’ll take a while to become proficient, but that was easier than I’d made it out to be. Readings and a pic of the pool attached. I bought the app. I’m completely ready, lol. Now what?!? (I fed the in-line chlorinator about four tabs when I opened last week, that’s ALL that’s been done) Thanks in advance.
 

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Your CYA is 50. Round up. No more tablets for daily maintenance. That is as high as you want your CYA.

Now you test every day, FC and pH. Record them in the app. Add liquid chlorine EVERY DAY to maintain your FC in the target range for your CYA. See FC/CYA Levels
 

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