Mike5150 said:Hey all, something I've been wondering about for a while is what the "ideal" numbers are to shoot for. When using PoolCalculator.com, and selecting the the TFP suggested levels there are some pretty wide ranges that the chemicals can fall into. Unfortunately for me it bothers me to no end that I don't have a specific number to shoot for! So with that in mind, I'd love your opinions on this.
FC - Goal 3-7 - I have algae problems quite often, so I try to keep it around 5+
pH - Goal 7.5 - 7.8 - This is actually a pretty small range so I like it!
TA - Goal 70 - 90+ - Is it better to go higher or lower?
CH - Goal 50 - 300 - This is a HUGE range! Where to aim?
Cya - Goal 30 - 50 - I understand that Cya effects chlorine and shock levels, so I've been shooting for 40 with this.
I would be happy for a list of numbers, but I would be thrilled if you could explain to me why you came up with the numbers you did.
Thanks a lot!
I'm glad you started this thread MIke, I have been wondering the same thing. Now I understand it a little better. IF I am understanding properly, I can play around with the "goal" numbers - keeping them in range- until I get the water balanced in the CSI box and use those goals to shoot for. As long as the water looks right? Because I have still not found that sweet spot! And I really want to find it!!! When I do my tests the numbers look good. But the water just never really looks crystal clear. I have started to use 6 for FC, but now I'm thinking maybe 7 or even 8. Yesterday I had 10 people in my pool (5 kids 16yrs and younger & 5 adults) all day- and by the end of the day it was slightly green! I have tested the water twice yesterday during use and today twice and the CC is holding at .5 or less. What am I doing wrong? Normally I will have 4 or 5 people a day through the summer.
*my pool is in full sun all day*
my number today at 11:40am
fc 5.5
CC .5
TC 6
PH 7.8
TA 90
CH 440 -the water here is really hard. I did a partial drain of the pool and use filtered water to replace it but this is where I find myself most of the time-including now.
CYA 50
I am thinking I will shoot for these numbers: Because they balance and I think I might need FC at 7
FC 7
PH 7.5
TA 90
CH 350
CYA 50
Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
edited to add I am using the BBB method. liquid bleach not a SWG