Hello
We just moved into our new (to us) home and pool, which we believe was built sometime around 1972. Pool details are in our signature. We don't believe the previous owner did much to maintain the pool, so we're almost starting from scratch. We've just installed a new Pentair Intellifo VS, and The Pool Cleaner should arrive within the next few days. Testing was done using TF-100:
FC - 0
PH - >8.2
TA - 170
CH - 1620 (note: we tested fresh tap water and the CH level was 425)
CYA - 100 (testing using the 50% tap/50% sample method gives us 50 or 60 * 2 = 100 or 120)
For comparison, Leslie's Pool Store gave the following test results:
FC - 0
PH - 8.0
TAC - 0
CH - 700
TDS - 5000
We have the following supplies already used/purchased (prior to learning about TFP):
PH Down (Clorox Brand) - 10 lbs already poured in over the past 2 months
Clorox Shock Plus - 1 pound poured in today, 11 lbs unused
Clorox Chlorinating Tablets 3" - 35 pounds unused
Goal is to follow the TFP method using non pool store chemicals. FYI - pool store told us they recommended we drain and fill the pool.
Plan of attack:
0. Drain and fill XX% of the water - see question #1
1. Run pump 24/7
2. Install The Pool Cleaner
3. Backwash the filter - consider replacing element if necessary
4. Get PH level down to 7.2-7.4 via muriatic acid (need to go buy)
5. Begin SLAM - we will probably do testing at 6:30am, 9am, 6pm, and maybe 8pm. Too much or too little testing?
Shopping list:
1. Walmart bleach
2. Muriatic acid (from Lowes - 31.45% Crown brand)
Questions:
1. Should we consider the drain and fill? Per pool calculator, to get our CYA down to 60 from, we should replace 40% of the water. Note that we are in Southern California/Los Angeles aka state is in severe drought. However, I'm more concerned about draining the pool than the fill part. More research will be necessary on my part to see if its something I can DIY or need professional help.
2. Is it okay to use the chlorinating tablets, either now to get the pool in check, or later once the levels are stabilized (HOPEFULLY!) My understanding is that liquid bleach is preferred since you can calculate the amount put into the pool on any given day.
3. What else do I need on my shopping list?
4. How does my plan of attack sound? Am I missing anything or are the steps out of order?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
We just moved into our new (to us) home and pool, which we believe was built sometime around 1972. Pool details are in our signature. We don't believe the previous owner did much to maintain the pool, so we're almost starting from scratch. We've just installed a new Pentair Intellifo VS, and The Pool Cleaner should arrive within the next few days. Testing was done using TF-100:
FC - 0
PH - >8.2
TA - 170
CH - 1620 (note: we tested fresh tap water and the CH level was 425)
CYA - 100 (testing using the 50% tap/50% sample method gives us 50 or 60 * 2 = 100 or 120)
For comparison, Leslie's Pool Store gave the following test results:
FC - 0
PH - 8.0
TAC - 0
CH - 700
TDS - 5000
We have the following supplies already used/purchased (prior to learning about TFP):
PH Down (Clorox Brand) - 10 lbs already poured in over the past 2 months
Clorox Shock Plus - 1 pound poured in today, 11 lbs unused
Clorox Chlorinating Tablets 3" - 35 pounds unused
Goal is to follow the TFP method using non pool store chemicals. FYI - pool store told us they recommended we drain and fill the pool.
Plan of attack:
0. Drain and fill XX% of the water - see question #1
1. Run pump 24/7
2. Install The Pool Cleaner
3. Backwash the filter - consider replacing element if necessary
4. Get PH level down to 7.2-7.4 via muriatic acid (need to go buy)
5. Begin SLAM - we will probably do testing at 6:30am, 9am, 6pm, and maybe 8pm. Too much or too little testing?
Shopping list:
1. Walmart bleach
2. Muriatic acid (from Lowes - 31.45% Crown brand)
Questions:
1. Should we consider the drain and fill? Per pool calculator, to get our CYA down to 60 from, we should replace 40% of the water. Note that we are in Southern California/Los Angeles aka state is in severe drought. However, I'm more concerned about draining the pool than the fill part. More research will be necessary on my part to see if its something I can DIY or need professional help.
2. Is it okay to use the chlorinating tablets, either now to get the pool in check, or later once the levels are stabilized (HOPEFULLY!) My understanding is that liquid bleach is preferred since you can calculate the amount put into the pool on any given day.
3. What else do I need on my shopping list?
4. How does my plan of attack sound? Am I missing anything or are the steps out of order?
Thanks for any help you can provide.