So...I have decided to follow the advice of those who say I don't necessarily need to drain my pool in order to bring CYA and CH down...seems to be working quite well so far. But I am still feeling somewhat confused on a couple of issues.
1. I keep reading that when the FC levels are above 10, you can't always trust the pH test either. But because my CYA is still at 80, I am told to keep my FC levels around 11...no problem...but is that affecting my pH test results? I am also trying to keep that around 7.2 until I an get the TA lower...
2. CSI...I feel like I am supposed to be solving crime when I see that! Anyway...the numbers they say would be bad for plaster or for everyone...do I need to worry about that while I am getting the balance elsewhere? My plaster is only a year old and before I had it replaced, it was in such bad shape from many years of neglect from the previous owner...I just worry that this process is causing damage to my awesome, smooth, pretty plaster!'
My water is staying very clear...although it feels as if there is an almost residue like substance on my skin when I get out of the pool. No visible algae forming.
Here are my current test results:
FC 14.5
pH 7.2
TA 130
CH 600
CYA 80
CSI 0.19 -0.17
I am decent at the chemistry because I have done hair color for 30 years and much of the chemistry we are taught is the same...I spend my days deciding which hair care or color is acid, balancing the pH to 7.3-7.5, etc.
And that brings me to a quick side note: We use the term "Balancing" the chemicals too loosely. After all, one can "Balance" the chemicals to be acidic or alkaline if you should so desire. Balance technically doesn't imply taking the pH to any given standard...ie: Johnson's Baby Shampoo doesn't cause your baby to cry because it is "Balanced" to match the pH of tears. And that pH is very drying to the hair and skin over time. I apologize in advanced for being anal about terminology. It has been drilled into my head for so many years that if we don't clarify exactly what we mean, then you may just end up with Red hair instead of Blonde!!
1. I keep reading that when the FC levels are above 10, you can't always trust the pH test either. But because my CYA is still at 80, I am told to keep my FC levels around 11...no problem...but is that affecting my pH test results? I am also trying to keep that around 7.2 until I an get the TA lower...
2. CSI...I feel like I am supposed to be solving crime when I see that! Anyway...the numbers they say would be bad for plaster or for everyone...do I need to worry about that while I am getting the balance elsewhere? My plaster is only a year old and before I had it replaced, it was in such bad shape from many years of neglect from the previous owner...I just worry that this process is causing damage to my awesome, smooth, pretty plaster!'
My water is staying very clear...although it feels as if there is an almost residue like substance on my skin when I get out of the pool. No visible algae forming.
Here are my current test results:
FC 14.5
pH 7.2
TA 130
CH 600
CYA 80
CSI 0.19 -0.17
I am decent at the chemistry because I have done hair color for 30 years and much of the chemistry we are taught is the same...I spend my days deciding which hair care or color is acid, balancing the pH to 7.3-7.5, etc.
And that brings me to a quick side note: We use the term "Balancing" the chemicals too loosely. After all, one can "Balance" the chemicals to be acidic or alkaline if you should so desire. Balance technically doesn't imply taking the pH to any given standard...ie: Johnson's Baby Shampoo doesn't cause your baby to cry because it is "Balanced" to match the pH of tears. And that pH is very drying to the hair and skin over time. I apologize in advanced for being anal about terminology. It has been drilled into my head for so many years that if we don't clarify exactly what we mean, then you may just end up with Red hair instead of Blonde!!