First test on a new pool

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DieselBeast said:
Evening ok? Or morning better?
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Doesn't really matter. Best to be consistent when you can so you can see how much FC is being used in a 24 hr period.

DieselBeast said:
CYA & FC are my most important ones? Will the stabilizer throw any of the other chems out of whack ?
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When it comes to algae prevention - yes. You might test the CYA once a month or so unless you change a lot of water. The FC you test everyday. On odd occasions (i.e. SLAM or large pool party) you might test the FC more often to prevent huge FC drops. But normally you can expect to test the FC once everyday, pH every 1-3 days depending on how steady it is, and the TA probably weekly. CH and CYA monthly is usually adequate. Again, if large water exchanges or any other odd event occurs you might do more tests.
 
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Texas Splash said:
Doesn't really matter. Best to be consistent when you can so you can see how much FC is being used in a 24 hr period.


When it comes to algae prevention - yes. You might test the CYA once a month or so unless you change a lot of water. The FC you test everyday. On odd occasions (i.e. SLAM or large pool party) you might test the FC more often to prevent huge FC drops. But normally you can expect to test the FC once everyday, pH every 1-3 days depending on how steady it is, and the TA probably weekly. CH and CYA monthly is usually adequate. Again, if large water exchanges or any other odd event occurs you might do more tests.
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Alright, so tested this morning, results below. I screwed up the CH test but I think I’m ok to miss that one today? Shouldn’t have changed much from what I did.
So since my FC went from 3.6 to 5.4 I’m assuming turn down SWG a little? It was at 30% so maybe 10-20%?
Cheers everyone!

Fc 5.4
CC0.5
PH 7.4
TA 120
CYA 75

edit: wait, maybe I’m right where I need to be since CYA is up ? I’ll hang tight till I hear from you guys!
 
Based on your testing results, I would first round-up the CYA to 80, so that requires an ideal FC level of 6 (no lower than 4) per the FC/CYA Levels. You are in the ballpark now. That said, I wouldn't change the SWG output at this time. You need that FC to remain around 6 ppm to avoid algae.
 
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Texas Splash said:
Based on your testing results, I would first round-up the CYA to 80, so that requires an ideal FC level of 6 (no lower than 4) per the FC/CYA Levels. You are in the ballpark now. That said, I wouldn't change the SWG output at this time. You need that FC to remain around 6 ppm to avoid algae.
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Ok great!!
The CYA may come up a little more, I’ll check again this evening. I put it in around lunch yesterday but I tested early so I would get it before the sun hit the pool today.

Do I worry much about the alkalinity being a little high according to the calculator?
 
DieselBeast said:
Do I worry much about the alkalinity being a little high according to the calculator?
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Right now I would say no because your pH is below 7.5 and the TA will allow the pH to rise a little. Both are in a safe place right now. Later if you find the pH rising much too fast ( to about 8.0) over a day or two, then we can help you lower the TA. But for now it's fine.
 
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Texas Splash said:
Right now I would say no because your pH is below 7.5 and the TA will allow the pH to rise a little. Both are in a safe place right now. Later if you find the pH rising much too fast ( to about 8.0) over a day or two, then we can help you lower the TA. But for now it's fine.
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Thank you!! This forum rocks!
 
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OT warning; care to post a pic of your deck finish? Our pool build is a few months out and we’re picky about concrete finish. I think we want a square edge and then sand finish (using a retarder), but curious what yours looks like? Thanks!
 
Danimal92Sport said:
OT warning; care to post a pic of your deck finish? Our pool build is a few months out and we’re picky about concrete finish. I think we want a square edge and then sand finish (using a retarder), but curious what yours looks like? Thanks!
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I have a phone case on that makes them a little blurry but this should give you an idea. If there’s something specific you are wanting to see or chat about I’m happy to share my experience etc
 

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DieselBeast said:
Slight adjustment down on swg?
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I'd wait until tomorrow just to be sure it truly is climbing and/or holding well. If it's higher tomorrow, you certainly can adjust either the output of run time slightly.
 
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Texas Splash said:
I'd wait until tomorrow just to be sure it truly is climbing and/or holding well. If it's higher tomorrow, you certainly can adjust either the output of run time slightly.
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Ok will do, I have been leaving my pump running 24/7. I haven’t received my first electrical bill yet so I imagine that will change 🤣
 
Your FC is fine and not "too high" all the way up to the SLAM level which for CYA 80 is 31!

So I'd be happy letting it climb up to 10 while you figure everything out.
 
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Is your pump single speed only? Running a single speed 24/7 will bankrupt you. I'd suggest cutting the runtime right back to only the amount of time you need to run the SWG at 100% for that runtime. So 24/7 at 30% is 7.2 hours at 100%.
 
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Ok everyone, so after a couple fun filled days with lots of friends and family in the pool for hours and hours (plus a cheeky little rain shower)

My latest test results:
FC 6
CC 0.25
PH 7.9
TA 120
CH 110
CYA 80

feeling good about it all, thinking my PH is a little high but do I still just keep an eye on it or do I give it a tiny bump down?

Does PH affect the colour / look at all?

also, I have been battling a “scum line” the spray the pool company gave me works, but I’m wondering is there something else I can do ? Disclaimer: I have a white liner and expect to constantly have to deal with this to some degree, it hasn’t been bad at all .. I’m just trying to be proactive.
 
Well everyone,

I’m a couple weeks in now, probably over testing … but following all of your helpful advice.

I have a crystal clear pool & my test results are:

FC 6.5
CC 0-0.25
PH 7.7
TA 120
CH 110
CYA 80

Next steps:
FC: I have lowered the SWG from 25% to 20% because the FC creeps up. According to cya chart I should be at 6
CC = good
PH: was at 8 yesterday, dropped it to 7.7 with acid… I probably could have went a little further to 7.6?
TA: currently “high” but not causing any issues
CH: a little high but also not causing any issues
CYA: 80 = ideal

If anyone has any pointers / suggestions I’m happy to hear. But otherwise I think I’m im a good place!
Thank you everyone !!
 

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Looking good - but in regards to FC. 6 is the minimum for your CYA. Given the 80 CYA, treat FC 6 like the red line of death as SLAM with 80 CYA is very tricky. I’d increase your SWCG back up and target 9-10.
 
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reggiehammond said:
Looking good - but in regards to FC. 6 is the minimum for your CYA. Given the 80 CYA, treat FC 6 like the red line of death as SLAM with 80 CYA is very tricky. I’d increase your SWCG back up and target 9-10.
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I was under the impression that with SWG you want CYA 70-80 and FC: min 4, recommended 6 ?
 
Amazing!

Your TA will come down faster if you make larger adjustments, i.e. 7.8-8 down to 7.2. pH is logarithmic so you do a lot more work in the lower 7s than you do in the upper 7s. Also, for the same logarithmic reason, your pH will raise very quickly from 7 to 7.4 and much slower from 7.4 to 7.8. So even if you were worried about going "too low", you needn't be because a) the pH won't stay that low for more than a day, b) you've a vinyl pool so you don't need to be as concerned about low pH and balancing with other levels for plaster, and c) because anything in the 7s is fine really, even if PoolMath gives a narrow 7.4-7.6 "ideal".
 
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