We are new to the forum and new pool owners (first season) in N.Texas w/20000 gunnite pool. We have been following previous owners maintanence instructions which uses pool store/test supplies. After becoming familiar with forum (which is great) we're converting to BBB method. TF100 test kit ordered, recieved today and test indicates our CYA and CH levels are high. (These is reasonably consistent with what pool store has been telling us but it is difficult to sort thru the smoke and mirrors) Test results are:
FC 4.5
CC .5
TC 5.0
TA 190
CH 600
CYA125
We've been using 3" 94% triclor pucks and pool water has been sparkling, no problems. Once the triclor pucks are gone/used up I'm thinking we'll switch to liquid chlorine. With the CH and CYA as high as it is, pool calculator says drain/fill 68% new, it seems like we're going to have to bite bullet and drain/fill.
Questions:
Am I on right track and drain/fill immenent? Is it best or good reason to do this right away or wait until next pool season (after winter)
If i refill should I do this after the triclor pucks are gone or refill use the pucks to contribute to the CYA that I understand they give off.
Anyway I'm thinking a planned drain/refill is better than waiting until its forced due to CYA levels making chlorine ineffiective and algea can't be controlled.
Also, pool store keeps telling us due to high CH levels, we'll damage pump equipment and need to continue to buy expensive additives. (Last week wife came home with two bottles of Jacks Blue Magic that cost $90. Best that I could tell all that stuff was going to do was removes stains and dissolve calcium solids - there are none, water is sparkling clear) Anyway, I think the damage equipment story is sales pitch bunk. What do you think?
Am I on right track w/drain/refill?
Thanks for any/all comments.
FC 4.5
CC .5
TC 5.0
TA 190
CH 600
CYA125
We've been using 3" 94% triclor pucks and pool water has been sparkling, no problems. Once the triclor pucks are gone/used up I'm thinking we'll switch to liquid chlorine. With the CH and CYA as high as it is, pool calculator says drain/fill 68% new, it seems like we're going to have to bite bullet and drain/fill.
Questions:
Am I on right track and drain/fill immenent? Is it best or good reason to do this right away or wait until next pool season (after winter)
If i refill should I do this after the triclor pucks are gone or refill use the pucks to contribute to the CYA that I understand they give off.
Anyway I'm thinking a planned drain/refill is better than waiting until its forced due to CYA levels making chlorine ineffiective and algea can't be controlled.
Also, pool store keeps telling us due to high CH levels, we'll damage pump equipment and need to continue to buy expensive additives. (Last week wife came home with two bottles of Jacks Blue Magic that cost $90. Best that I could tell all that stuff was going to do was removes stains and dissolve calcium solids - there are none, water is sparkling clear) Anyway, I think the damage equipment story is sales pitch bunk. What do you think?
Am I on right track w/drain/refill?
Thanks for any/all comments.