High FC and Salt Levels

maedgeer · Aug 23, 2020

Hey All,

I've learned a ton from this community and the TFP ABC's. Thanks for being a great resource. The issue I'm currently experiencing is a real head scratcher.....wanted to see if anyone had any ideas. 7 days ago on 8/16 my pool was in perfect balance. I've got a 5 month old ~15,000 gallon vinyl intex pool with SWG.

Yesterday I check FC (it's usually 2-3.0). It's at 10. TA is at 60 and Ph is 7.4. I turn off the SWG and decide to retest today. Today, Here's the full test with CH and CYA included.

FC - 12.5
Ph-7.4
TA - 60
CH - 190
CYA - 70
Salt - 4600

Using my Taylor test kit I was not able to get a reading on CC as the test did not show the intended indicator color.

I test FC, PH and TA weekly and about every 4 weeks test CH and CYA. They've been solid. Salt I've never tested so I can't reference what it's been in the past, but the pool has been very stable this summer with only minor adjustments needed.

Throughout this past week in the Sacramento area we've had a heat wave with 4 107-108 degree days combined with fine ash from fires in the area. Does anyone have any ideas on what is happening and what to do?

Thanks

Kjp300 · Aug 23, 2020

I am sure one of the mods will chime in but with a CYA of 70 keeping your FC at 2-3 is asking for trouble. My CYA is 70 and I keep my FC in the 7-8 range and with an auto cover if I don’t monitor it it easily can jump to over 10 and I have no problems with that. You are much better keeping your FC higher and staying away from the minimums. Your salt is a little high but as long as the SWG is generating I think you are ok.

mknauss · Aug 23, 2020

Welcome to the forum!
As stated above, the low FC level is not the best, but that is not your question.
The only way for your FC to rise is to add chlorine. So the SWCG was on longer, greater %, etc than normal. You may have a little less FC loss with the sky being hazy.

Please fill out your signature so we know what pool equipment you have.

I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

maedgeer · Aug 23, 2020

Thanks, @Kjp300. I was going with the recommended on the Premium TFP iphone app but after looking around on the site, seems my FC needs to be in the 3-5 range and even a bit higher based on what you're experiencing. I will play around with it and see how my family reacts. In the past, higher FC levels seemed to cause my daughter some mild nausa. @mknauss thanks for the insight and the reminder to re-read some of the basics.

mknauss · Aug 23, 2020

maedgeer said:
higher FC levels seemed to cause my daughter some mild nausa.

I bet that was CC. Proper FC levels should result in no smell and very pleasant pool water.

JJ_Tex · Aug 23, 2020

maedgeer said:
seems my FC needs to be in the 3-5 range and even a bit higher based on what you're experiencing.

Just making sure you know that 5 is really the target, not 3-5. 3 is the absolute bare minimum and you really never want to be in the 3 range for your CYA, and as you noted, it is totally fine to be a bit higher. The FC/CYA chart is also in my signature if needed.

Newdude · Aug 23, 2020

As a beginner and with having heard so many stories from friends and their yearly struggles, I chose to run a tad hot. It worked so well it’s still in the 8-10 (or more) range years later. Have I wasted chlorine ? Of course. Do I care ? Not one bit.

Kjp300 · Aug 23, 2020

Running the chlorine high within the proper CYA range will not result harsh water. Swimmers actually comment on how nice my water feels and at times the FC is in the 10 range. When I first started following the TFP method I too tried to keep my FC on the low end. But as you get more comfortable with TFP you will see that keeping your chlorine on the high end is the way to go and through experience you will see there is no difference in the feel or smell of the water whether your FC is at 10 or 5.

cowboycasey · Aug 25, 2020

I agree, I keep mine right around 7 to 8 FC at all times