New guy with test results

[Joe M]

Hello all! I just fired my pool guy and want to DIY my pool maintenance.


I am using Taylor TF-100 Kit. Just ran a test right now and came back with these numbers:

FC: 9ppm
CC: 0 (remained clear after adding drops)
pH: 7.8
TA: 160
CH: 300 ppm
CYA: 80


Water looks clear but does have some brownish stains along the walls. I cleaned my filter two weeks ago and added fresh DE.


What are my next steps?

Here is the info I would put in my signature, but it keeps telling me, BB code font is not allowed."???

----------------


18,000 gallon in ground plaster pool with overflowing spa
Crystal Water Aqua Clean DE Filter (48sq/ft)
Pentair WhisperFlow Pump

 

[kimkats]

I have a set of links for you. It is a LOT of info. so take it a bite at a time.

Print these out:
Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule

Pool School - Recommended Levels

Bookmark these:
Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html

Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

Make sure to ask any and all questions you might have no matter how small! We have all been where you are at one point.

For right now your numbers look okay. Your TA is a little high but that is the last thing we work on so we can wait a little while for you to get used to testing and taking care of your pool.

Kim

 

[Joe M]

I have a set of links for you. It is a LOT of info. so take it a bite at a time.

Print these out:
Pool School - Basic Pool Care Schedule

Pool School - Recommended Levels

Bookmark these:
Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html

Pool School - ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

Make sure to ask any and all questions you might have no matter how small! We have all been where you are at one point.

For right now your numbers look okay. Your TA is a little high but that is the last thing we work on so we can wait a little while for you to get used to testing and taking care of your pool.

Kim

Thanks Kim. That will keep me busy for a bit! Thanks for the info...

 

[Joe M]

Question: with the TF 100 kit, there is no need for a separate FAS-DPD kit correct?

 

[AimeeH]

The FAS-DPD test is included in the TF-100. That's the one you used with the powder that turned the water pink.

 

[duraleigh]

Your results are pretty good.

Do you want to start working on the stains or just keeping the water clear for a while?

 

[Joe M]

Your results are pretty good.

Do you want to start working on the stains or just keeping the water clear for a while?

both if possible.

now im paranoid that stain is mustard algae as it looks to like the beginning stages when I compare to pics online...

 

[duraleigh]

Algae (of any kind) generally brushes off, stains do not.

I would suggest you continue to maintain your pool water as is for about 4 days or so and, when you are comfortable with maintaining your water, then tackle the stains.

It'll be fairly easy, I think, to identify the stain and get rid of it. Post a pic of the stain when you get a chance.

 

[Joe M]

Algae (of any kind) generally brushes off, stains do not..

ok, this makes me feel better. I took a wall whale to the spots and they didn't budge.

i will get pics tomorrow afternoon when I get home. Thanks!

 

[Joe M]

First time pool owner. Bought the house which was a foreclosure in 2008. Had a pool man from the time of purchasing the home up until January 2017. Have since fired him and have been vacuuming, skimming, adding bleach myself. Here is my set up:

Here are the stains:

What are the purpose of these valves?

When I turn the bottom one bubbles flow from the jets in the spa. The other just sounds like its draining somewhere????


Is there a trick to changing out the white plastic covers at the bottom of pool and spa? Back in late august I tried swimming to the bottom and using a slotted screw driver to loosen the screws but they wouldn't budge…


If switching out the lights, do I need to drain the water below the level of the lights? Obviously I would shut off power at the breaker first…


I need a new pool timer box (old, surface rust, latch missing). Do they sell just the latch or someone have an idea how to fix it?


Heater has never worked since we moved in back in 2008. My old pool man told me its an electrical issue/s


Anyone see anything I should change in the plumbing? Adding a valve, etc?


I would like to eventually like to build a shed just to the left of the heater to house pool equipment (hoses, skimmer, poles, etc). When doing that I would also level out the ground the heater, pump, and filter are sitting on and make a better “bed” for that stuff to lay on (gravel).


And I know, I have to weed and cut the grass