Hi all,
I've had my pool for about a month now and am in the process of converting to BBB. I have the TF100 test kit and my current numbers are...
PH 7.6 I'm colorblind so this one is hard.
TA 130 I've brought this down from 150 but I still have to lower it more.
FC .5 I've been lazy with the bleach. I'll get it up to 3 or so this weekend.
CYA 25
First off I do know about the Pool Calculator and even have it for my iPhone. It does help but it only works when I get out there and keep up with it. I understand how to lower the PH and TA and will do so this weekend when I have time to keep up with it.
About CYA, is 25 too low? I started with CYA of 70 and let some water out but overshot the goal I had of 40. I don't want to buy a big container of CYA just to bump it up a few points. Would Trichlor tabs raise it enough? I have an inline feeder for the tabs and this seems like an easy ( lazy ) way of raising it. Another reason for getting the tabs is I have some green "stains" on the bottom of the pool that I can't brush or even (gently) scrape off with a fingernail. I assumed this was stained from the other side of the liner, but I read here to use a Trichlor tab to see if it disappears, if not try vitamin C to see if it's a metal problem. I'll try sticking my camera in a zip lock and taking underwater pictures of the stains so you can see them.
Second question is about automatic cleaners. I have set my mind on the Hayward Aqua Bug Pool Cleaner. Any thoughts on why or why not to get this one for my pool?
I was thinking of converting to an intex SWG next season when I open the pool but I keep hearing/reading SWG's are not good for AG pools. Any thoughts?
Lastly I would like to keep the pool open for as long as I can so I am researching solar pool heaters. The Fafco ( or similar ) panels seem to fit the bill. I think one 4x20 panel ( or two 2x20 ) would be enough but the panels would sit on my roof facing North. They would still get sun all year round, but not a "direct hit" in the winter months although the pool would probably be closed then anyway. I've been tempted to empty the houses hot water heater tank into the pool for some hotter water but that may not be the best idea.
BTW thanks for this great forum, the research here convinced me to get the pool in the first place. I guess some of these are actual questions and some are just to reinforce what I am thinking.
I've had my pool for about a month now and am in the process of converting to BBB. I have the TF100 test kit and my current numbers are...
PH 7.6 I'm colorblind so this one is hard.
TA 130 I've brought this down from 150 but I still have to lower it more.
FC .5 I've been lazy with the bleach. I'll get it up to 3 or so this weekend.
CYA 25
First off I do know about the Pool Calculator and even have it for my iPhone. It does help but it only works when I get out there and keep up with it. I understand how to lower the PH and TA and will do so this weekend when I have time to keep up with it.
About CYA, is 25 too low? I started with CYA of 70 and let some water out but overshot the goal I had of 40. I don't want to buy a big container of CYA just to bump it up a few points. Would Trichlor tabs raise it enough? I have an inline feeder for the tabs and this seems like an easy ( lazy ) way of raising it. Another reason for getting the tabs is I have some green "stains" on the bottom of the pool that I can't brush or even (gently) scrape off with a fingernail. I assumed this was stained from the other side of the liner, but I read here to use a Trichlor tab to see if it disappears, if not try vitamin C to see if it's a metal problem. I'll try sticking my camera in a zip lock and taking underwater pictures of the stains so you can see them.
Second question is about automatic cleaners. I have set my mind on the Hayward Aqua Bug Pool Cleaner. Any thoughts on why or why not to get this one for my pool?
I was thinking of converting to an intex SWG next season when I open the pool but I keep hearing/reading SWG's are not good for AG pools. Any thoughts?
Lastly I would like to keep the pool open for as long as I can so I am researching solar pool heaters. The Fafco ( or similar ) panels seem to fit the bill. I think one 4x20 panel ( or two 2x20 ) would be enough but the panels would sit on my roof facing North. They would still get sun all year round, but not a "direct hit" in the winter months although the pool would probably be closed then anyway. I've been tempted to empty the houses hot water heater tank into the pool for some hotter water but that may not be the best idea.
BTW thanks for this great forum, the research here convinced me to get the pool in the first place. I guess some of these are actual questions and some are just to reinforce what I am thinking.