"Restarting"---here's my numbers

graffster · Jul 22, 2015

Hi all,
I posted in the "getting started" forum the other day that it's been a while since I've been on here, but I'm back and ready to reclaim our pool. Our SWG has given up the ghost, so the pool guy we had was using tabs and probably some liquid chlorine. We're taking back the maintenance though.
I ordered a refill test kit and all my components came today, so here's what I've got:

CL < .5

pH 7.8
TA 130
CH 230
CYA 55

I know those numbers are all a little off. But what do i fix first???????

chiefwej · Jul 22, 2015

You can use PoolMath to determine chemical additions. You put your volume in PoolMath at the top, then all your current readings in the first column and your target numbers in the second. It will tell you how much of what you need to add to reach that goal.

First thing you need is some chlorine. Regular bleach (8.25%) or "liquid shock" chlorinating liquid (10% or 12%) to bring the level up to at least 6 or 7.
Spend some time studying Pool School and you'll become a pro at this. You should also consider fixing or replacing the SWG.

YippeeSkippy · Jul 22, 2015

You should raise your FC level up to correlate with your CYA level using this chart--> Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

So for a non-swg pool, you need at *least* 5ppm FC, 7ppm would be better, and 9 might cover your loss until the next time you test. You never want to go below 5 or you're inviting algae in the door.

How's your water look?

jaduck · Jul 23, 2015

Can you gives us a CC level? As above, what does your water look like? Other than your FC and CH, your levels look pretty good!

graffster · Jul 23, 2015

I guess I didnt post my numbers well...by both tests (the yellow liquid in the block tester AND the DPD Powder) show a less than 1. So virtually no chlorine.
Amazingly, my water looks clear....and we've had a lot of rain and it's Hot!!!
I'll head to pool school and see what I need to add to bring it up.
Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

YippeeSkippy · Jul 23, 2015

graffster said:
I guess I didnt post my numbers well...by both tests (the yellow liquid in the block tester AND the DPD Powder) show a less than 1. So virtually no chlorine.
Amazingly, my water looks clear....and we've had a lot of rain and it's Hot!!!
I'll head to pool school and see what I need to add to bring it up.
Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You need to add liquid chlorine, STAT! Don't wait for the SWG to bring your FC level up, do it yourself now with regular household bleach if you've got it. Per my math that comes up to be almost two full gallons of 8.25% bleach, then you can let your SWG maintain it.

If you don't do it tonight you're seriously risking a major algae outbreak.

pooldv · Jul 23, 2015

+1 to sooner is better than later. FC should always be at target level for your CYA, Chlorine CYA Chart

kimkats · Jul 23, 2015

FC up follow in 30 mins. with PH down.

Do an OCLT to see if you need to do a SLAM. Links below.

Pool School - Perform the Overnight FC Loss Test (OCLT)

Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain

Let us know how that goes.

Your TA will be last after everything else is balanced.

Kim