I got my TF-100 test-kit today. I'm in the process of filling my new-to-me pool after a drain, clean, and repair operation. I'm filling from my rain-water collection system. I was able to get 8,000 gallons from my rainwater storage tank and another 1,000 gallons from the rain today. Need another 2-3,000 gallons to get it completely full.
That being said, I figured it would be good to test the water to see what chemicals I need to stock up on to get it in balance. When I first filled it my PH was low (6.2-) so I added a box of borax (because I plan to do borates anyways) and now my PH is 8.2+. I added some pool shock left-over from the previous owner and a gallon of bleach I had on hand 2 days ago. Today no chlorine is registering. I didn't bother testing CYA because I'm sure there is none.
TA: 50
CH: 50 (is this low of a level a problem or should I just leave it?)
PH: 8.2+
CYA: didn't test
FC: 0
Chemicals I have on-hand are a small quantity of spa chemicals, to include powdered PH-, 2 large buckets of PH+, and 1 remaining container of granulated pool shock. If I recall reading correctly this isn't recommended because it just adds CH & TA, but if mine are already low should I just dump it in to use it up? I also have some boric acid that I plan to use when I get my TA balanced where it needs to be before starting the borates process.
Chemicals I plan to buy Friday when I go to town: lots of bleach and Muriatic acid. Considering my TA needs to be increased, I believe the proper approach is baking soda to increase TA, and muriatic acid to bring ph back down right? Then I need chlorine...
Am I on the right track? Will the borax add any TA in the process? If so, is it ok to stay a bit low on TA while adding borates?
That being said, I figured it would be good to test the water to see what chemicals I need to stock up on to get it in balance. When I first filled it my PH was low (6.2-) so I added a box of borax (because I plan to do borates anyways) and now my PH is 8.2+. I added some pool shock left-over from the previous owner and a gallon of bleach I had on hand 2 days ago. Today no chlorine is registering. I didn't bother testing CYA because I'm sure there is none.
TA: 50
CH: 50 (is this low of a level a problem or should I just leave it?)
PH: 8.2+
CYA: didn't test
FC: 0
Chemicals I have on-hand are a small quantity of spa chemicals, to include powdered PH-, 2 large buckets of PH+, and 1 remaining container of granulated pool shock. If I recall reading correctly this isn't recommended because it just adds CH & TA, but if mine are already low should I just dump it in to use it up? I also have some boric acid that I plan to use when I get my TA balanced where it needs to be before starting the borates process.
Chemicals I plan to buy Friday when I go to town: lots of bleach and Muriatic acid. Considering my TA needs to be increased, I believe the proper approach is baking soda to increase TA, and muriatic acid to bring ph back down right? Then I need chlorine...
Am I on the right track? Will the borax add any TA in the process? If so, is it ok to stay a bit low on TA while adding borates?