- Jun 29, 2011
- 40
Okay I have tried to understand as much of what the pros have suggested on this site in order to keep my pool in check. I have come a very long way in the last month and think I'm at the point of getting it, but everything always seems to go south on me.
Background:
I have been battling Algae on a constant basis over the last 5 years. Living in the rural parts of so cal. with horses, horse trails, lots of dust and dirt in the air, a dog who absolutely LOVES to swim not to mention the sun breaking down every bit of chlorine I put in. Unfortunately I have numerous problems (all caused by me previously not having a clue) including stains from using cooper/silver based algaecide and allowing the water to become unbalanced or being unbalance in the first place. Recently I received my TFT Kit and found several unremarkable results (after learning what I have) that seem to fit right in with the problems I'm having in keeping my FC and pH balanced.
I have been adding about 32oz of 12% chlorine and about 2 to 3 cups of muriatic acid per day.
Results:
FC = 0
TC = 0
CC = 0 - I assume..wasn't clear on this LOL
pH = 7.8
TA = 130
CH = 300
CYA = 0
Questions on balancing:
1. I obviously need to balance/test my water better now that I can see the above results should I follow exactly what the pool calculator says? Does it account for the chems it suggested in its other results? i.e. Add 9.2 oz chlorine, so it knows that with that I have to also add 3 cups of muriatic acid?
2. What is the best product and most cost effective means of bringing up the CYA (brand name please) pool calc suggests 7 lbs
Questions on staining:
From what I have learned/understand I have copper stains, possibly etching, and scale. I have pics if you would like me to post them. All due to an unbalanced pH and TA plus high chlorine levels and the algaecide. Please by all means stop me if you think I'm wrong. I have tried the Leslie's Stain 2 with little to no results on any of the staining problems even though one guy at one store says yes it will remove copper stains and another guy says that re-plastering is the only thing that will remove the stains WTF. I have read about Jack's copper stuff and also Metal Magic are there others and for SEVERE stains will they even work?
Other factors that play into the mix may be:
In 07 the pool was drained and acid washed after the fires pool was literally black and had about 10 to 14 inches of ash, dirt and other random large and small debris throughout. Acid wash was applied very heavy and the guy may have gone overboard have had a rough plaster surface since and algae has been tougher to control.
Plaster is at least 10 plus years old
I have been a pool balancing idiot for the 5 years I have owned it until I found this site
-8lbcalico
P.S. Thank all of you pool pros and Jo's alike for all the information you have shared on this site it has been an eye opener for sure and really has helped me to come a long way from where I was. I no longer just blindly walk into a pool store with a sample and buy whatever they tell me to.
Background:
I have been battling Algae on a constant basis over the last 5 years. Living in the rural parts of so cal. with horses, horse trails, lots of dust and dirt in the air, a dog who absolutely LOVES to swim not to mention the sun breaking down every bit of chlorine I put in. Unfortunately I have numerous problems (all caused by me previously not having a clue) including stains from using cooper/silver based algaecide and allowing the water to become unbalanced or being unbalance in the first place. Recently I received my TFT Kit and found several unremarkable results (after learning what I have) that seem to fit right in with the problems I'm having in keeping my FC and pH balanced.
I have been adding about 32oz of 12% chlorine and about 2 to 3 cups of muriatic acid per day.
Results:
FC = 0
TC = 0
CC = 0 - I assume..wasn't clear on this LOL
pH = 7.8
TA = 130
CH = 300
CYA = 0
Questions on balancing:
1. I obviously need to balance/test my water better now that I can see the above results should I follow exactly what the pool calculator says? Does it account for the chems it suggested in its other results? i.e. Add 9.2 oz chlorine, so it knows that with that I have to also add 3 cups of muriatic acid?
2. What is the best product and most cost effective means of bringing up the CYA (brand name please) pool calc suggests 7 lbs
Questions on staining:
From what I have learned/understand I have copper stains, possibly etching, and scale. I have pics if you would like me to post them. All due to an unbalanced pH and TA plus high chlorine levels and the algaecide. Please by all means stop me if you think I'm wrong. I have tried the Leslie's Stain 2 with little to no results on any of the staining problems even though one guy at one store says yes it will remove copper stains and another guy says that re-plastering is the only thing that will remove the stains WTF. I have read about Jack's copper stuff and also Metal Magic are there others and for SEVERE stains will they even work?
Other factors that play into the mix may be:
In 07 the pool was drained and acid washed after the fires pool was literally black and had about 10 to 14 inches of ash, dirt and other random large and small debris throughout. Acid wash was applied very heavy and the guy may have gone overboard have had a rough plaster surface since and algae has been tougher to control.
Plaster is at least 10 plus years old
I have been a pool balancing idiot for the 5 years I have owned it until I found this site
-8lbcalico
P.S. Thank all of you pool pros and Jo's alike for all the information you have shared on this site it has been an eye opener for sure and really has helped me to come a long way from where I was. I no longer just blindly walk into a pool store with a sample and buy whatever they tell me to.