RHP said:
Thanks Pool Mom the tablet work on the stain like an eraser! So does that mean it's some type of algae? Can I take back the acid to off set the cost of the test kit I just got :lol: I'm going to test the water now and will post results. Once posted please give me your advice on levels to make these stains go away. Thanks again so much for your help!!!!!!!!!!! Test Results...
CYA less than 20
PH 6.8
CHL 0
CH 480
TA 40
Good! I thought so!
It's an organic stain, similar to algae, that shocking and high levels of FC will make them go away. Yes, try to return the AA and see if they'll exchange it for store credit, or CYA you will need some...
First, add some Arm & Hammer WAshing soda to raise the PH to 7.2 . This is found in the laundry aisle (you do NOT want the detergent.) If you can't find it, then you want to buy Borax.
Use the Pool Calculator (do you know how to use it yet?) to figure your dosages.
Your CH is very high, Calcium is not really need for vinyl pools but if you have too much it can be a problem. Make sure you always keep your PH below 7.8 to avoid problems.
Raise the TA to 90 using BAking Soda
- you will need a lot, if you can find a 12 lb bag/box that would be an ideal start - I think you will need about 15 lbs of Baking Soda.
You need to shock your pool. Right now the CYA is very low, so you need to buy some of that too. Pick up at least 5 lbs. Maybe the PS will exchange the AA for the CYA?
For now, your shock level is 10....once you add CYA, that level will increase according to the CYA chart (link in my sig).
You will use the Pool Calc to determine how much chlorine (liquid or bleach) to raise your FC to 10. Once the FC holds doing an
overnight test, you can let the FC drop down. Do you know how to do an overnight test?
Once your CYA is at 50, your normal FC level will be 4-6. Your normal daily target for adding bleach will be 6, and you never want the FC to drop below 4. Ideally, to make sure the stains are gone permanently, for about a month, run with your chlorine at 6-7 daily, so target a bit higher, 8-9.
Over time those stains should fade away, and if you keep your FC ALWAYS above 4 they won't return.
Let me know if you have questions on how to add these chems - but you should be able to find the info in Pool School.
I hope this makes sense, I know it's alot of information all at once.