CC, FC, and CYA question

[kb239]

Hi, We recently installed an Intex 16' X 48" AG pool. We've had a couple Intex before and have not had much success keeping algae at bay, so this time I did a lot of research (mostly on this site, thanks) and hoped to get it right. We filled the pool on April 29 and have tried to maintain my levels. I'm using the stock pump (not SWG) which is approx. 1500 GPH turnover. I followed the directions for "Beginners Guide for Seasonal/Temporary Pools." However, I think my CYA may be too high. I did some reading on here and bought the 'standard' to see what 50 ppm looked like, but when I do the test on the 'standard' it comes out high as well. Other than the CYA 'problem,' I think things are okay. But I'm concerned because I understand how out of whack things can get with high CYA. My levels are listed below. I guess my questions are, if I have CC equal to 0 (or close) does that mean I do not have any algae growing? Is it normal for pH to go up when a large amount of Chlorox is added? I'm not sure if I shocked correctly either since my CC is usually 0? Do my numbers seem at all on target or am I doing something wrong? The water looks pretty good except I have some white/clearish flakes on the surface. We had some rain recently and it seemed like a ton of ants came out of my neighbors tree into the pool, so I think the white/clear stuff may be wing material (yuck). I skim and skim, but can't seem to get it all out. I don't think the pump is doing a good enough job either. I'm thinking of replacing it. Any suggestions? Sorry this is so long. I'm trying really hard to get this right. Thanks in advance for the help. Karen

(Intex 16' X 48"" Ultra holds 5061 gallons @ 90% full Crystal Clear filter/pump 1,500 GPH (25 GPM))
Date Time Temp FC CC pH TA CH CYA
Apr 29 8:00 AM 88° 0.0 - 8.0 110.0 110.0 - Fill pool
Apr 29 4:30 PM 88° - - - - - - added 12 tbl AquaChem Shock Plus?15 oz
Apr 29 9:43 PM 79° 4.0 - 8.0 - - 0.0 not sure about CYA
Apr 30 8:00 AM 88° 0.5 - - - - - added ? 20 oz Chlorox bleach
Apr 30 12:50 PM 88° 1.5 - - - - -
Apr 30 8:00 PM 88° - - - - - - added 4oz AquaGuard Pool Acid
Apr 30 9:30 PM 88° 0.0 - 7.4 110.0 150.0 - added 1 gallon CYA, 13 tbl Shock Plus
May 01 8:00 AM 88° 8.0 0.5 7.0 120.0 180.0 100+ added ? 42 oz 20 Mule Team Borax
May 01 3:40 PM 88° 5.5 - 7.4 - - -
May 01 8:00 PM 88° - - - - - - added 12 tbl AquaChem Shock Plus?15 oz
May 02 8:00 PM 88° 7.0 - 7.4 - - - added 12 tbl AquaChem Shock Plus?15 oz
May 03 4:30 PM 88° 7.5 0.5 7.4 - 110.0 -
May 04 5:00 PM 88° 4.5 0.5 7.4 110.0 - -
May 05 5:00 PM 88° 5.5 - 7.4 - - - changed filter
May 06 2:30 PM 90° 1.5 0.0 7.4 120.0 60.0 100+ added 50 oz Chlorox bleach
May 07 7:00 PM 88° 4.5 - 7.6 - - -
May 08 7:00 PM 88° 2.5 - 7.4 - - - added 16 oz Chlorox bleach
May 09 8:00 AM 88° 4.0 - - - - - changed filter
May 09 7:00 PM 88° 3.0 - 7.4 - - - added 10 oz Chlorox bleach
May 10 8:00 AM 61° 3.5 - 7.5 - - - added 5.2 oz Chlorox bleach
May 10 10:00 PM 63° 3.0 - 7.5 - - - added 10 oz Chlorox bleach
May 11 1:00 PM 85° 3.5 0.0 7.6 - - -
May 11 9:00 PM 73° 2.5 - 7.6 - - - added 236 oz Chlorox bleach--SHOCK
May 12 9:00 AM 73° 23 0.0 8.0 - - 100+

 

[JasonLion]

You can have algae with CC at zero. Though CC is also zero when things are going well.

If the CYA reference solution read high, then your actual CYA level is lower than your reading.

 

[kb239]

Is there a way I get get my real CYA since I can't even seem to get the reference right? Since I've read high CYA causes chlorine needs to go up, can I tell if my CYA is too high based on the amount of Chlorox I'm using? If so, how? Thanks.

 

[duraleigh]

but when I do the test on the 'standard' it comes out high as well.

You should put the standard solution in the view tube to the 50ppm mark. What that looks like is what your pool water sample should look like. Then, see where your pool water reaches on the view tube.

Trying to do it with chlorine consumption is virtually impossible....too many variables

 

[JasonLion]

Practice with the reference solution until you get a more or less correct reading, then measure your pool again. Remember that the test should be done in very bright illumination (ideally direct sunlight with the vial shaded by your body) and the black dot should be totally gone, no hint it was ever there, even if you stare at it for several seconds.

If you measure your starting and ending FC levels on a bright sunny day (with no chlorine additions in-between) we can take a rough guess at your CYA level, but it will only be very approximate.