Just got my test kit.

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If the pool is overflowing large amounts of water due to rain it may effect the results. If you are just getting showers, etc. no big deal.
Try to have at least 6 hours between the evening test and morning test.
 
Ok. It isn’t overflowing. After 3 days though, it is high enough that I would typically let a little out so that it stays in the middle of the skimmer. Is this ok? And my pool turns off around 8:30 pm. It comes on again around 8 am. I will test several hours after it is off so the swg won’t be on and on the morning before it comes on for the same reason. This is fine?
 
You can drain some water today if you like.
Again, read the article.
If performing the OCLT independently as a diagnostic test, it is vital the pump be running at least 30 minutes before the grabbing the nighttime and morning water samples for testing in order to ensure the water is properly mixed.
 
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Just saw pump should be running before preforming. So I’ll turn swg off and keep pump on. Pump has been running 24/7 the past few nights. I just didn’t think it necessary tonight. But, I’ll keep it on still.
 
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I did the overnight. FC was 21 last night with the pump running and I turned the swg off. Repeated this morning, pump still running and swg still off, again FC is 21. So now what? Is this too high, will it come down on its own over the next several days from the sun? Should I leave swg off?
 
Great. That indicates you have no organics in the pool water consuming the chlorine.
You can leave the SWCG off until the FC reaches just above Target FC range for your CYA level. Then turn it on so that it is producing 3 ppm FC or so per day and test FC daily and adjust as necessary.
 
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Got it, thank you.

Also, am I missing something, my smart stir thing lights up when I push the light button. When I push stir, a small light comes on but it doesn’t do anything. Doesn’t seem to stir.
 
Macyc said:
Also, am I missing something, my smart stir thing lights up when I push the light button. When I push stir, a small light comes on but it doesn’t do anything. Doesn’t seem to stir.
Click to expand...
You have the stir bar in the vial, right?
It should stir whichever button you push. The left button has the light on too.
 

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I'm sorry! Your kit had a white stir bar or cross in a small bag. After adding the water sample to the level needed in the vial, you add the stir bar/cross into the vial, set that on the Smartstir, and push the button to turn it on.
See
 
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oohhhhh, I see. I wondered what that was for 🤣.

Last, should I test daily until FC reaches my desired range? Or can I wait a few days? My desired range given my CYA is 6-10, a minimum of 4.

And once FC reaches this range, will my ph test be reliable and I should preform it at that time?
 
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You likely will lose about 3-4 ppm FC per day with the SWCG off. So you might skip a day or two, but do not go too long.
Macyc said:
And once FC reaches this range, will my ph test be reliable and I should preform it at that time?
Click to expand...
Yes.
 
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I just cleaned the cartridge since overnight test shows clean of any algae issue. I am convinced there was one so I was cleaning it every other day for several days. With that said, it normally only requires cleaning every 3 months. Not because of psi, just because we use the pool a lot 6 months out of the year, dogs etc. the cartridge lasts 3-5 years per the filter guidelines. I replaced it recently. I buy two. So that when I go to clean it, I put a clean one in and clean the one I was using and allow it to dry. I store it and repeat.

The cartridge had sledge like stuff on it. Clumpy, slimy ick grayish stuff. I think the pool guy must have used a clarifier. I’ve never used one and as little as I do know, knew them to be mostly unnecessary. No wonder the cartridge was so nasty so quickly this past week. I wouldn’t have even known or noticed had it not been for the algae issue I was trying to figure out.

He was here last a week ago. Should I continue to clean it until I don’t see that slimy stuff? Or can I go back to my norm? My water is clear and bottom clean in spite of storms and 25 mph wind.

Oh and the pool guy won’t be back. I’m taking over. Even learning along the way, I imagine I’ll do a better job.
 
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Also could have been phosphate remover. That is a clarifier too.

Monitor the filter pressure. When it rises by 25% over clean filter pressure, clean the cartridge.
 
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@Macyc
Good for you giving the pool guy the boot 🥾!
You got this!
Here’s all the important stuff in 1 great link
Pool Care Basics.
Also, please fill out your signature as thoroughly as possible, it helps ensure you get the most accurate advice. Test kit, equipment etc.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.google.com www.google.com
 
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All I know is this…… my levels may not be what they need to be yet……. But since coming here and learning the little amount I have from the information and all you hear, my water is already looking better than ever! And my equipment not working so hard and loud!

25 mph wind where I am today and I live on the water so it’s even more, that’s why the water is so active. It’s blowing all over 🤣
 

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Macyc said:
All I know is this…… my levels may not be what they need to be yet……. But since coming here and learning the little amount I have from the information and all you hear, my water is already looking better than ever! And my equipment not working so hard and loud!

25 mph wind where I am today and I live on the water so it’s even more, that’s why the water is so active. It’s blowing all over 🤣
Click to expand...
Those tiles are awesome 🤩
 
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