Hi All!!
So, as my sig details, I have a 19000 gal pool, resurfaced last summer. Live near Tampa, and getting things back up for the summer, looking to make this summer better than previous. Pool has been a constant PITA, for a few reasons.
So long story short, after spending a few weeks getting everything clean and pretty, I am now turning my attention to chemistry and long term maintenance. Local store said I had high levels of a few things, but nothing really concerning, and the only way to fix any of it was drain half the pool anyway. That is what sent me looking for a different opinion, and I found this site. So, here are my numbers...
Free Chlorine -- 5 ppm
Total Chlorine -- Not tested
pH -- 7.2
TA -- 85 ppm
Calcium Hardness -- 360 ppm
Stabilizer -- 100 ppm
Total Dissolved Solids -- 3100 ppm
Salt -- Not tested
So, the TDS and Stabilizer where the ones I was concerned about. We used to have a SWG, but it died, and subsequently we were told we should not replace it, since the return lines cause high pressure / low flow, and we would constantly be burning elements out. So now we just add salt for the feel. I realize that is likely driving the TDS issue, but would like to confirm it.
As for stabilizer, we have historically had problems keeping chlorine right due to about 18 hours a day of direct brutal sunlight. (Okay, maybe I exaggerate slightly...) So when we began cleaning up this month, we started using tablets to get ahead of that. Did not realize the built in problem until today, so now I have high CYA, leading to high chlorine needs, and the recommendation is to drain and refill half the pool. That is NOT going to happen, so I am looking for a reasonable plan B.
I also have a question about pH... My eyes are pretty sensitive, so I was trying to keep the pool as close to saline as possible, why do you recommend the higher pH levels?
Finally, since tablets are apparently evil, and my schedule would cause any sanitation system that relies on my DAILY intervention will fail rapidly, and the SWG is apparently not an option any longer, I am now looking for some reasonable alternative. I saw some discussion on PoolLife tablets, but if there are other ideas, I am open to them.
Glad to be here, thanx for any advice!
So, as my sig details, I have a 19000 gal pool, resurfaced last summer. Live near Tampa, and getting things back up for the summer, looking to make this summer better than previous. Pool has been a constant PITA, for a few reasons.
So long story short, after spending a few weeks getting everything clean and pretty, I am now turning my attention to chemistry and long term maintenance. Local store said I had high levels of a few things, but nothing really concerning, and the only way to fix any of it was drain half the pool anyway. That is what sent me looking for a different opinion, and I found this site. So, here are my numbers...
Free Chlorine -- 5 ppm
Total Chlorine -- Not tested
pH -- 7.2
TA -- 85 ppm
Calcium Hardness -- 360 ppm
Stabilizer -- 100 ppm
Total Dissolved Solids -- 3100 ppm
Salt -- Not tested
So, the TDS and Stabilizer where the ones I was concerned about. We used to have a SWG, but it died, and subsequently we were told we should not replace it, since the return lines cause high pressure / low flow, and we would constantly be burning elements out. So now we just add salt for the feel. I realize that is likely driving the TDS issue, but would like to confirm it.
As for stabilizer, we have historically had problems keeping chlorine right due to about 18 hours a day of direct brutal sunlight. (Okay, maybe I exaggerate slightly...) So when we began cleaning up this month, we started using tablets to get ahead of that. Did not realize the built in problem until today, so now I have high CYA, leading to high chlorine needs, and the recommendation is to drain and refill half the pool. That is NOT going to happen, so I am looking for a reasonable plan B.
I also have a question about pH... My eyes are pretty sensitive, so I was trying to keep the pool as close to saline as possible, why do you recommend the higher pH levels?
Finally, since tablets are apparently evil, and my schedule would cause any sanitation system that relies on my DAILY intervention will fail rapidly, and the SWG is apparently not an option any longer, I am now looking for some reasonable alternative. I saw some discussion on PoolLife tablets, but if there are other ideas, I am open to them.
Glad to be here, thanx for any advice!