So my pool finally is finished but pool builder didn’t supply me with enough info in pool crash course to properly run my pool. I am supposed to check the levels days 2-4 (pH, calcium and chlorine) and adjust accordingly. For calcium it doesn’t specify what level is good and what level I do if out of range. I asked how I check calcium level as it isn’t on the test strip and they said to take a water sample to Leslie’s pool supply. Is that good info? Are there other ways? I need help. Pool has a pebble sheen finish. Chlorine pool for 1st month until the finish cures and they can add the SWCG.
Startup pool chemicals
- Thread starter Redsurprise
- Start date
Get one of the two TFP recommended test kits and use that. The TF-100/Pro/Salt is the better deal than the K2006C. Test strips are pretty useless and Leslie’s is worse.
You may still need to get it tested at Leslie’s for documentation but don’t add anything they tell you to add based on their test results.
Also note, your pool will be a chlorine pool even after the first month. SWCG just makes the chlorine for you.
I realize that it will still be chlorine after the SWCG is on. Where can I buy the test kits you talk about and how soon can we get them delivered?
Also, I noticed that the basket in the pump area is dry. Isn’t it supposed to have water in it? Here is the basket for reference.
I have a suction side cleaner and after my pool school I saw near the cleaner on the bottom that there was this gray ring. The lady who did the pool school with me said it was just the piece that was in the port for the suction cleaner before it was attached she thought. I only noticed this after I practiced detaching and reattaching the cleaner to the side to see how it connects and disconnects. Attached is what it looks like. Does that sound correct. She said I didn’t need it for anything, which doesn’t sound right.
Attachments
TF-Pro (the best) is about 2-3 working days from you. Do you currently have chlorine in the pool? Do you know how much? All the rest can wait but you need to address chlorine.
Where to get test kits:
Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared
What pool test kit should I buy? Why not use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!
www.troublefreepool.com
If the pump is running, there must be water in the basket or it’ll burn the pump out. Sometimes it can look like there isn’t any water when there really is. Try turning off the pump and removing the lid fairly quickly to confirm.
False alarm for pump. There was water in pump basket when I checked and opened it.
Here is the water analysis from trip to Leslie’s:
Free chlorine - 7.19
Total chlorine - 7.19
pH- 8
Total alkalinity- 103
Calcium harness- 97
Cyanuric Acid - 48
Iron -0
Copper- 0.2
Phosphates- 0
TDS- 500
They recommend 15 fl oz or muriatic acid and 15 lbs of the hardness plus to bring the calcium level up.
Thoughts? I did buy the hardness stuff just in case.
Here is the water analysis from trip to Leslie’s:
Free chlorine - 7.19
Total chlorine - 7.19
pH- 8
Total alkalinity- 103
Calcium harness- 97
Cyanuric Acid - 48
Iron -0
Copper- 0.2
Phosphates- 0
TDS- 500
They recommend 15 fl oz or muriatic acid and 15 lbs of the hardness plus to bring the calcium level up.
Thoughts? I did buy the hardness stuff just in case.
- May 3, 2014
- 59,665
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I am very suspect of that CH test. Your fill water CH is likely close to 250 ppm. I would not use any of those test results for anything.
Order your test kit, today.
Order your test kit, today.
I’m just worried about my pebble finish if calcium is indeed that low. Will it be okay to wait? This is the first day I have been able to make it the pool store based on my work hours .
- May 3, 2014
- 59,665
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Check your water supplier website for their water analysis. It should show GPG for hardness. I suspect you will find about 16 gpg, or 250 ppm CH.
Regardless, order the test kit. Nothing catastrophic will happen in 3 or 4 days.
Regardless, order the test kit. Nothing catastrophic will happen in 3 or 4 days.
Last year’s Epcor report for my area said it ranges from 2-17 gpg. That seems like a big range. I will order the kit and see.
- May 3, 2014
- 59,665
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Which test kit should I get ? I won’t have salt for another month and I don’t really want to have to buy two kits .
- May 3, 2014
- 59,665
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I would suggest TFPro Salt. It will have everything you need in a nice compact case.
I ordered the kit but I hope waiting until then if my calcium is indeed that low doesn’t ruin the pebble finish since it is a brand new . Kit probably won’t arrive until Wednesday.
- May 3, 2014
- 59,665
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Nothing moves that fast.
In your area, it is wise to use make up water from a water softener. Or your CH will rise by over 250 ppm each year. And become a problem.
In your area, it is wise to use make up water from a water softener. Or your CH will rise by over 250 ppm each year. And become a problem.
So I went to Home Depot to see if they had any kits/strips that tested water hardness and one did, in addition to the other tests. The hardness on the stip was very low. Do we still think I should wait until the TF pro kit arrives before I do anything ?
- May 3, 2014
- 59,665
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I would wait. But it is your pool.
Next summer you will have high CH. Just a warning.
Next summer you will have high CH. Just a warning.
Wait! NEVER be in a big hurry to add Calcium. 4-6 weeks can be an issue but a few days is not relevant.
The strip is worse than having nothing at all. Don’t do anything based on them.