New Pool, Pre-open or Wait? (Pics included)

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

Hi everyone, first time pool owner and new fiberglass pool recently installed.

Located in Ohio. This pool is a Thursday pools fiberglass beach entry pool.

The auto cover is not yet installed, and this is new construction so there has been a lot of dirt and dust.

Hoping for a auto cover install in the next 1 to 2 weeks.

The pump is on and I _believe_ running 24/7, but I do not yet have my own knowledge base/access/set up (pool company turned it on a few weeks ago).

My question is, should I begin doing anything now to get this cleaned up? I have read a few threads that make me think it might be best to start combating some of this now, but I have also read that starting now could be a bigger headache for algae.

I do not yet have a test kit so no numbers yet - maybe this is a first step? Or should I just focus on getting debris out for now? Without the cover on, I think it might just fill back up though?

Here are some photos in case helpful - thanks in advance!

splashpad · May 21, 2022

aug0211 said:
I do not yet have a test kit

This is the biggest first course of action, get a good complete test kit headed your way

kimkats · May 21, 2022

HI and welcome to TFP!

Just like @splashpad said your first order of business is getting a good test kit. Look in my signature for the one you will need to get that pool looking clean. Get the XL option since you already have some algae.

Then right after you click the button to order the test kit call your local pool store to see if they sell liquid chlorine. That is the ONLY thing you want from them. No "free" test or anything else. Is it really "free" if you walk out with your arms full of stuff and your wallet empty?

You will want to brush the pool to get all the algae into the water. For right now add about a gallon of liquid chlorine to keep the algae from getting worse.

While you are waiting on the good test kit to get there here is some light reading:
ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

kimkats said:
HI and welcome to TFP!

Just like @splashpad said your first order of business is getting a good test kit. Look in my signature for the one you will need to get that pool looking clean. Get the XL option since you already have some algae.

Then right after you click the button to order the test kit call your local pool store to see if they sell liquid chlorine. That is the ONLY thing you want from them. No "free" test or anything else. Is it really "free" if you walk out with your arms full of stuff and your wallet empty?

You will want to brush the pool to get all the algae into the water. For right now add about a gallon of liquid chlorine to keep the algae from getting worse.

While you are waiting on the good test kit to get there here is some light reading:
ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

Thank you! I've started reading the ABCs (part of what landed me here, in fact) - more reading to do for sure.

Test kit ordered

For liquid chlorine - is it OK to substitute with bleach (and adjust amount based on % sodium hypochlorite)?

If I grab a robot cleaner, OK to throw it in there to let it start picking up some of the dirt/pebbles/debris on the bottom?

splashpad · May 21, 2022

aug0211 said:
Thank you! I've started reading the ABCs (part of what landed me here, in fact) - more reading to do for sure.

Test kit ordered

For liquid chlorine - is it OK to substitute with bleach (and adjust amount based on % sodium hypochlorite)?

If I grab a robot cleaner, OK to throw it in there to let it start picking up some of the dirt/pebbles/debris on the bottom?

Awesome! If anything doesn't make sense, just ask!
Excellent!!
Liquid Chlorine IS sodium hypochlorite - if it's household bleach make sure it doesn't have ANY additives, Pool liquid chlorine/sodium hypochlorite) might also be labeled in jugs as "Liquid Shock" (10-12.5% is preferred strength)
IF ... ALL ... water parameters are within normal, then yes, to my limited knowledge

kimkats · May 21, 2022

aug0211 said:
substitute with bleach

Just make sure it is PLAIN bleach...........none of that splashless, pretty smells, etc. PLAIN bleach. Make sure to check the date code and where/how it is stored as heat and sun will degrade it over time.

Yes you can put the robot in to start cleaning up the stuff.

Oh and keep your pump running 24/7 while we are working on killing the algae. Here is some info on what you will be doing to get your test kit: SLAM Process

Lets do a bit of housekeeping. Can you please go to your signature (under name) and fill in your pool details such as kind, size in gallons, pump size, filter size and kind, etc.

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

kimkats said:
Just make sure it is PLAIN bleach...........none of that splashless, pretty smells, etc. PLAIN bleach. Make sure to check the date code and where/how it is stored as heat and sun will degrade it over time.

Yes you can put the robot in to start cleaning up the stuff.

Oh and keep your pump running 24/7 while we are working on killing the algae. Here is some info on what you will be doing to get your test kit: SLAM Process

Lets do a bit of housekeeping. Can you please go to your signature (under name) and fill in your pool details such as kind, size in gallons, pump size, filter size and kind, etc.

Thanks, super helpful. I will check out the video.

I have rough info entered in my signature for now; could not find the other details in my paperwork. Will have to contact pool builder and Thursday for specifics. Surprised I couldn't remember or find total gallons, and calculating isn't quite straight forward since it's a beach entry. Pool builder hopefully wraps up next week (or the following week) which is when I'll get all my paperwork.

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

kimkats said:
Get the XL option

kimkats said:
right now add about a gallon of liquid chlorine

Oops - realized I did not get the XL option. Sent an email in asking if they can add the XL option to help correct my mistake.

Just watched the SLAM video, is it OK to add the gallon of liquid chlorine now, even though we don't know where my PH is?

splashpad · May 21, 2022

I wanted to say that I love the look of your pool! The beach entry is very enticing!

aug0211 said:
Just watched the SLAM video, is it OK to add the gallon of liquid chlorine now, even though we don't know where my PH is?

You can get a simple 3-way drop test kit from Walmart or local hardware store, that will be the same

(it does not give specific chlorine levels, but it can be used to quickly "see" if chlorine is present or not)

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

splashpad said:
The beach entry is very enticing!

Thanks - our daughter has cerebral palsy and the beach entry will make access for her much more friendly

splashpad said:
simple 3-way drop test kit from Walmart

Might have some old strips leftover from our spa (not currently up & running - has been in storage while building this new home). Could probably use these for pH and chlorine for now, no?

Still not clear on whether I'm OK to dump in a gallon of chlorine, or if I need to get pH OK first.

splashpad · May 21, 2022

aug0211 said:
...
The pump is on and I _believe_ running 24/7, but I do not yet have my own knowledge base/access/set up (pool company turned it on a few weeks ago).
...

I wanted to add, be sure to get a list of any chemicals or treatments the company has added to the pool

And Walmart does have Pool Chlorine in the outdoor section

aug0211 said:
Thanks - our daughter has cerebral palsy and the beach entry will make access for her much more friendly

Might have some old strips leftover from our spa (not currently up in running - has been in storage while building this new home). Could probably use these for pH and chlorine for now, no?

Still not clear on whether I'm OK to dump in a gallon of chlorine, or if I need to get pH OK first.

How wonderful!!

Unfortunately strips are notoriously inaccurate for any readings/testings. I would not add anything based on test strip results.

Yes 1 gal of pure liquid bleach should be fine

Are you using the Poolmath app or calculator? It is immensely helpful with chemicals & dosages needed

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

splashpad said:
I wanted to add, be sure to get a list of any chemicals or treatments the company has added to the pool

And Walmart does have Pool Chlorine in the outdoor section

How wonderful!!

Unfortunately strips are notoriously inaccurate for any readings/testings. I would not add anything based on test strip results.

Yes 1 gal of pure liquid bleach should be fine

Are you using the Poolmath app or calculator? It is immensely helpful with chemicals & dosages needed

Got it, I'll hold off on test strips.

Good idea on asking the pool company what they've added, if anything.

I do have Poolmath but cannot use it until I confirm gallons in the pool. Surprised Thursday does not have it listed and that I cannot find it anywhere. I'm sure Thursday will be able to confirm for me on Monday.

kimkats · May 21, 2022

Add the chlorine no matter what the ph is. They don't play together much so it does not really matter.

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

Got a cheap test kit from Walmart as mentioned while I wait on the better one.

•pH 7.8
•Free chlorine 0
•Total chlorine 0

Best number I can find online so far is 13,000-13,500 gallons for the pool.

•Added 6 oz of pH down (Clorox brand, Sodium Bisulfate 93.2%)
•Added 1 gallon liquid chlorine (Pool Essentials brand Sodium Hypochlorite 10%)

splashpad · May 21, 2022

aug0211 said:
Got a cheap test kit from Walmart as mentioned while I wait on the better one.

Glad they had it!

aug0211 said:
•pH 7.8
•Free chlorine 0
•Total chlorine 0

Best number I can find online so far is 13,000-13,500 gallons for the pool.

•Added 6 oz of pH down (Clorox brand, Sodium Bisulfate 93.2%)
•Added 1 gallon liquid chlorine (Pool Essentials brand Sodium Hypochlorite 10%)

PH is fine for fiberglass (top side of acceptable range). What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

aug0211 · May 21, 2022

Another newbie question. The jets in the pool are on and I have assumed this is the same as the pump being on. Is that right?

I just got nervous about that assumption and want to be sure I don't damage anything with these chemicals if I am wrong and the pump is not actually on.

I downloaded the Pentair ScreenLogic Connect app and it can find the pool, says "Outdoor panel in Service Mode".

Should I head outside and look at (? Something?) to be sure the pump is on?

kimkats · May 22, 2022

When you say "the jets in the pool are on" do you mean water is coming out of them? If so that does mean the pump is on. The jets are what we call "returns" as that is where the water is returned to the pool after going through the pump and filter. That is a good thing as it will keep the water moving and getting it to the filter to start getting the pool clean of algae.

Don't forget to brush the pool during this time. It will make it look worse but algae forms a biofilm over it to help protect it from the chlorine so you need to get off and out into the water so the chlorine can do it's thing!

aug0211 · May 22, 2022

Whew, perfect. Returns are running with water coming out of them

Grabbed a brush last night and will start brushing today.

No CYA test kit yet.

Should I keep scrubbing and re-testing/adding FC to keep FC up around 12-16 until we know CYA and can use PoolMath to get a specific FC target?

splashpad · May 22, 2022

aug0211 said:
No CYA test kit yet.

Should I keep scrubbing and re-testing/adding FC to keep FC up around 12-16 until we know CYA and can use PoolMath to get a specific FC target?

Has CYA (stabilizer) been added?

If not, you don't want your FC up that high without the buffering of CYA

aug0211 · May 22, 2022

splashpad said:
Has CYA (stabilizer) been added?

If not, you don't want your FC up that high without the buffering of CYA

No, it hasn't been added. I don't know what the CYA is yet. Good news is TFP just emailed back to confirm my kit will ship tomorrow.

Smart to add CYA stabilizer now? Or do we need to wait for tests?

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New Pool, Pre-open or Wait? (Pics included)

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