Got test kit, super high FC and CYA!

[pcm2a]

Moved into a new house with a pool. After the pool guy used the puck method all summer I saw on here what a bad plan that was. I got in a K-2006C test kit and some of the numbers were shocking. I also had a pool store test the water to double confirm the CYA levels. It is winter in Nashville, high of 42 and low of 25 so the pool is running but obviously isn't being used by humans.

FC: 25
CYA: 110
pH: 7.4
AK: 100
CAH: 200

My question is there any reason to act on the high free chlorine and CYA before next spring? Eventually the FC should come down as long as I check it regularly and then I can keep it at a more reasonable level using bleach NOT pucks. My other idea is from backwashing, filling the pool and rain that CYA may come down by next April. If it isn't to a better spot by then I could refill some of the pool.

 

[kimkats]

You are on the right track. IF you decide you want to heat up the spa or pool you can still get in! Take a look at this chart:

Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

So long as your FC is below the SLAM/Shock level for your CYA it is safe to get in.

Kim

 

[pcm2a]

Thanks for that link, that is great to know. The pool does have a raised spa that I can heat up! I used it a few weeks ago when I was still unaware of my chemical levels. As the summer got hotter in August/September the pool guy was putting in so many tablets. He said it was because of the heat....but more likely it was because the CYA had already gotten so high!

 

[cfherrman]

Just leave the fc, let it drift down and possibly leave the pool uncovered so the sun can try to burn some of the fc off. Keep the fc above 12 or so untill spring and retest cya then, hopefully it drops to the 90-100 range by then and use the chart. If your pool goes green drain half the pool and refill, then slam.

 

[pcm2a]

I don't have a cover.

 

[cfherrman]

Test probably weekly and keep fc over 12, algae growth is small under 60 degrees so it's a smaller chance to go green now.

 

[kimkats]

Even better than waiting or taking the chance of the pool going green you should keep your FC just above the min. level for your current CYA. As Spring comes closer keep an eye on your water temp. Once it starts heading towards 60 you should retest your CYA. IF your CYA is still above 80 then use Pool Math to see how much you need to drain to bring it down.

Do you have a SWG? How do you plan on adding FC now since you know the "danger" of the pucks?

Kim

 

[cfherrman]

The pH test is inaccurate about 10 fc, so might let if drift under that to test pH and build up fc after.

Clorine slowly oxidizes cya so after a few months you should be in a high cya but good shape

 

[kimkats]

That is a very slow process. Using backwashing and rain additions like they plan on doing is a better way for them to work on their high CYA levels.

Kim