We just purchased a 24' round pool and I'm getting the water adjusted. We had a Intek pool before, and I always used test strips. I never had an issue with algea, but I probably put too much chlorine in it a few times. With the new pool, I've purchased the test strips and the HTH 6 way kit from Walmart. I've been reading more about water testing, and have a better understanding of how it works.
In the last week, I've dropped 2-3 Quart Walmart Ultra Bleach. Tonight, the strips show 0 FC, but the 6 way kit doesn't have FC test. It has a TC, and it shows about 2-3. This weekend, I dropped in 2 lbs of shock, and since my CYA is 0 or close to it, that appeared to be the right amount to shock based on bleachcalc.
I am trying to get the CYA up slowly and plan to take the water to the pool store this weekend to confirm the values. I've been running a Tri-Clor puck in a floater to slowly raise the CYA (along with about a 1lb of stabilizer). I also had HTH Duration puck in the skimmer until tonight.
I guess my question is should I get worry about the FC being 0 on the test strips? Should I get a drop kit that tests for FC, or is knowing the TC enough?
Thanks for any input!
In the last week, I've dropped 2-3 Quart Walmart Ultra Bleach. Tonight, the strips show 0 FC, but the 6 way kit doesn't have FC test. It has a TC, and it shows about 2-3. This weekend, I dropped in 2 lbs of shock, and since my CYA is 0 or close to it, that appeared to be the right amount to shock based on bleachcalc.
I am trying to get the CYA up slowly and plan to take the water to the pool store this weekend to confirm the values. I've been running a Tri-Clor puck in a floater to slowly raise the CYA (along with about a 1lb of stabilizer). I also had HTH Duration puck in the skimmer until tonight.
I guess my question is should I get worry about the FC being 0 on the test strips? Should I get a drop kit that tests for FC, or is knowing the TC enough?
Thanks for any input!