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Matt, just downloaded this from Dropbox. Awesome tool - thanks!

I *think* he might be saying that the back yard flooded above the level of the pool and brought all the goodies with it? That would stink.

Earlier is better, but I think the point is to get it before any UV can hit it and impact the result.

This is the hardest part about telling folks to get a good test kit... I know it sounds like TFP is trying to "push" certain kits for monetary gain, and it's difficult to convince otherwise sometimes. All i can say is that I've been here a little over a year, and I can say without question that...

Hi Mike - how are you getting your figures?

Hi Allana - welcome to the forum! Sorry, but your numbers aren't OK -- letting FC drop to 0 is bad no matter what your CYA level is. But backing up a bit -- how are you getting these results? Ideally, you're using one of the recommended test kits (see my signature for a comparison of kits) vs...

Yes, each drop is 200ppm. Very easy, especially if you happen to have a SpeedStir. My panel also indicates a much higher reading than the K-1766.

Being up north, I'm so jealous of the posts where folks are looking for ways to *cool* their water. Mine is at 88, but my (electric!) heat pump runs about 3-4 hours every morning to keep it there, as nights are in the upper 50s presently here in Mass... even with a 16mil solar cover to trap the...

BTW, 2-3ppm of FC usage per day is considered "normal" -- but it can vary based on whether you cover the pool or not, the temperature, organics growing... (here's another thread on the topic). Curious to see your results today. If it's dropped significantly, you probably want to do an OCLT to...

You are doing it right... here's an interesting thread on the subject as well.. and some possible alternatives / tips -- that I'll also be considering!

Are you brushing walls, stairs, etc. frequently through the SLAM? Any other places nasties could be hiding? Also, what is your OCLT yielding?

It's safe to swim with FC up to shock level for your CYA, so erring on the high side is fine. I would honestly test daily until you settle into a "feel" for your FC demand. Stocking up is a good idea, but your higher CYA will reduce your FC loss to UV.

Yes, use Poolmath to determine how much 12.5% to add, then pour that amount slowly in front of one of the return jets. Give it 30 mins and retest.

Welcome, turbo! Gorgeous pool. Only issue I see with your test is that your FC is quite a bit under the minimum for your CYA level of 65 (round that to 70 -- especially since you've added your last two pucks -- and refer to the FC/CYA Chart link in my signature). You need to be at a *minimum* of...

Guacamole? I'll watch my language! [emoji3]

Thank you. Awesome thread. And holy guacamole is chem geek smart.

Hi all - I've seen this referred to in the traditional maintenance forums, and I'm just curious what conditions can lead to this occurring? It seems like a *very* painful experience when it occurs, so I'm just trying to understand the chemistry of it. Thanks!

One note: the CYA test, of all the tests, is notoriously difficult to read. Light level, shadows, reflections, solar flares, passing planes... all seem to impact the reading. Follow the instructions carefully, and re-test with the *same* sample (i.e., mix the solution, pour into the cylinder...

I think if you could post your full results, it might help shed additional light, but both are consumed by UV.

If you click on the PoolMath link at the top of this page, there's a gallon estimator near the bottom. It's not perfect, but can give you a general range. Looks like you're somewhere in the 12k gallon range. That's using rectangular, 28' x 14', with an average depth of 4 feet.

Aeration raises pH without a corresponding raise in TA. As Topher said, the best way to lower CYA is a partial drain and refill... there is I believe another option involving reverse osmosis, but I believe that is used under water restrictions as a last resort.

Hi and Welcome! You've come to the right place for honest, straightforward advice on getting this all sorted and on your way to a crystal clear pool again. The first thing you need to do is get yourself a good test kit as quickly as possible -- cannot stress this enough. A cornerstone of the...

It's likely that your CYA level is high due to the pucks (each puck adds CYA, and it can accumulate quickly) and that your FC of 5 isn't able to keep algae at bay. See the FC/CYA chart in my signature. You could easily be above 80 CYA, at which time your FC would be below the *minimum* FC...

Hi - what is your CYA level? Also, how do you chlorinate (salt-water vs. manually dose) -- and if manually, what type of chlorine are you adding?

Hi and welcome! Hard to say without test results, and as dkimble noted, the TFP approach requires owner-performed testing with a quality test kit. There's a link in my signature to test kit comparisons, but the most popular are TF-100 and the K-2006C. In order to properly report your levels and...

Was it 8% bleach? Regardless, you can add 30 oz. Erring on the higher side for FC is never a bad thing, as long as you stay below your shock level for your CYA.

Good luck - and to answer your question re: how fast FC can go... even with your high CYA, you could easily eat through 8 FC in a couple days (possibly even a single day), so it's not surprising to see FC of 0 if you didn't add anything since discontinuing the pucks / floater...

Ugh, sorry this happened. Have you been adding any bleach at all since you stopped using the pucks? Until you have a feel for it, you should be testing FC daily... I have a feel, and I still test daily anyway. You need to get your FC back to 8-10 and maintain it there. According to PoolMath...

Awesome! Your CYA looks good, but your FC is right at the minimum for your CYA (3.0 at a CYA of 40). If you round up CYA -- as many recommend -- your 3.5 FC is actually below your minimum. I would get some bleach added again to get it up to the acceptable range using the FC/CYA chart (in my...

Follow-up to zea's comment: watch the vinyl liner. A neighbor had a dog jump in his pool (and not even *his* dog...), and he tore a hole in the liner a foot or so down the side. It wasn't fun for him.