We just moved into a new house that has an existing pool. I've been fighting with it based on pool store recommendations and am not having too much success. I tried a couple of the test kits they had but was not satisfied with the results or accuracy, so I found this site and ordered the "TF-100" test kit. It should be here by Wednesday so I can have some accurate test results.
A few questions and observations. Pool is ~50k gallons, sand filtered, inground, white marcite finish. I was trying to get a read on the pump but it started raining a minute ago. The large label said Neptune and there was a model no. plaque that said PR2.
First, there is a large amount of organic matter that gets in this pool. At some point a prior owner put a large amount of trees on the property line dividing our house from our neighbors. There are also a number of mature trees on the property that are between 50-100 feet tall, so we'll be dealing with leaves, pine needles, buds, etc on a daily basis. It's tailed off since early in the season but I still empty the skimmer baskets daily and spend a couple minutes using a net to get rid of surface debris and bugs.
Second, the pool has been alternately very clear and fairly cloudy. Specifically the deep end. Much of the time, it's difficult, and for awhile impossible, to see the bottom drain at a depth of 9 ft. At times, it has also been difficult to see the Polaris in the deep.. There is also a green tint to the water on that end. Unfortunately, I can't tell if this is really the tint of the water, or if it is the water color being affected by reflection of a massive collection of tall Arbor Vitae and trees less than 5 feet from pool edge. I also believe that the circulation on the deep end is likely poor. There is a skimmer but all the return jets are located in one corner on the shallow end. After seeing the amazing pictures of some of the pools on this site, I have to attempt to get my deep end looking the same.
Current chemistry based on the kits I tried and gave up on indicate the water naturally has a very high pH. At chlorine levels that would not mess with pH readings, readings were consistently 8.0 or above. After several weeks of adding dry acid, I've managed to get it down to around 7.5-7.6. The pool is filled using a well. Based on strip kit (yeah I know), the Total Alkalinity was also very high. 180 ppm or above.
After reading the pool school, I would like to try the BBB method once I get the test kit and can establish a baseline to operate from. Once I begin that process to achieve the correct readings:
-Should I be able to see the drain very clearly at 9ft?
-Is it likely that I have algae or is it an optical illusion from the greenery?
-Should I be aiming for higher than normal chlorination due to the high level of organic matter that gets in the pool?
Thanks in advance.
A few questions and observations. Pool is ~50k gallons, sand filtered, inground, white marcite finish. I was trying to get a read on the pump but it started raining a minute ago. The large label said Neptune and there was a model no. plaque that said PR2.
First, there is a large amount of organic matter that gets in this pool. At some point a prior owner put a large amount of trees on the property line dividing our house from our neighbors. There are also a number of mature trees on the property that are between 50-100 feet tall, so we'll be dealing with leaves, pine needles, buds, etc on a daily basis. It's tailed off since early in the season but I still empty the skimmer baskets daily and spend a couple minutes using a net to get rid of surface debris and bugs.
Second, the pool has been alternately very clear and fairly cloudy. Specifically the deep end. Much of the time, it's difficult, and for awhile impossible, to see the bottom drain at a depth of 9 ft. At times, it has also been difficult to see the Polaris in the deep.. There is also a green tint to the water on that end. Unfortunately, I can't tell if this is really the tint of the water, or if it is the water color being affected by reflection of a massive collection of tall Arbor Vitae and trees less than 5 feet from pool edge. I also believe that the circulation on the deep end is likely poor. There is a skimmer but all the return jets are located in one corner on the shallow end. After seeing the amazing pictures of some of the pools on this site, I have to attempt to get my deep end looking the same.
Current chemistry based on the kits I tried and gave up on indicate the water naturally has a very high pH. At chlorine levels that would not mess with pH readings, readings were consistently 8.0 or above. After several weeks of adding dry acid, I've managed to get it down to around 7.5-7.6. The pool is filled using a well. Based on strip kit (yeah I know), the Total Alkalinity was also very high. 180 ppm or above.
After reading the pool school, I would like to try the BBB method once I get the test kit and can establish a baseline to operate from. Once I begin that process to achieve the correct readings:
-Should I be able to see the drain very clearly at 9ft?
-Is it likely that I have algae or is it an optical illusion from the greenery?
-Should I be aiming for higher than normal chlorination due to the high level of organic matter that gets in the pool?
Thanks in advance.
I think you will be happy that you came here and ordering the Test Kit right off the bat is fabulous! You will have control of your pool before long, and after reading through Pool School, a thorough understanding of how everything works together. I am not an expert at all... just a very satisfied member that took a black pool to sparkly with the methods here. Not sure what impact all the greenery has in casting colors on your pool, but yes... you should be able to see clearly into the deep end of your pool, so you probably have something going on in there and need to shock.
