I have started preparing my pool to add borates. Using the info in the recently posted sticky (good timing!) I am starting with step 1: reducing TA.
[Sorry for the long post - my questions are at the bottom, but I believe this background is important for the questions.]
My pool 35000 gal, SWG, pebbletec, jacuzzi spillover into pool (aeration), DE filter.
My numbers yesterday (4/26, using a TFTKIT):
FC 1.0
CC 0.0
PH 7.8
TA 130
CH 210
CYA 48
Salt 3400 (according to the SWG monitor)
Salt 4490 (tested with Aquachek strip)
BOR ? (ordered the LaMotte test strips yesterday)
Based on input from the my previous postings, my targets are:
TC 4
PH 7.6-7.8
TA 70
CH 400
CYA 70
BOR 50
Last night I turned off the filter, added 1 gal of acid in 1-pint globs scattered around the deep end (kinda cool to watch them dissipate), gave a light brushing to lower the concentrations near the bottom, and let the pool sit.
This morning (4/27) after running the filter and our built-in water mixer (a Riverflow swim jet), my numbers are:
TC 2 (I also bumped up the SWG yesterday)
PH 7.2
TA 100
CH 210
This morning I also increased aeration by adding a shower head to a bubbler in our shallow end.
QUESTIONS (Finally)
1) Can I add the BORAX now, or should I demonstrate patience and wait until my TA is at it's target. It looks like it will take another 1-gal of acid to drop the TA to 70, but I have to wait for the pH to rise, either through aeration or by adding something. Adding the BORAX will increase the pH, which is what I want. I have 4 boxes (16-lbs) ready to go.
2) How do I increase my CH? Should this wait until I have my borates at their target, or can I fiddle with this at the same time.
3) Is it OK to live with my salt at their current levels? I hate to drain 25% (or so) of my pool. I live near Atlanta and we're under watering restrictions.
Thanks for getting this far in my long message!
[Sorry for the long post - my questions are at the bottom, but I believe this background is important for the questions.]
My pool 35000 gal, SWG, pebbletec, jacuzzi spillover into pool (aeration), DE filter.
My numbers yesterday (4/26, using a TFTKIT):
FC 1.0
CC 0.0
PH 7.8
TA 130
CH 210
CYA 48
Salt 3400 (according to the SWG monitor)
Salt 4490 (tested with Aquachek strip)
BOR ? (ordered the LaMotte test strips yesterday)
Based on input from the my previous postings, my targets are:
TC 4
PH 7.6-7.8
TA 70
CH 400
CYA 70
BOR 50
Last night I turned off the filter, added 1 gal of acid in 1-pint globs scattered around the deep end (kinda cool to watch them dissipate), gave a light brushing to lower the concentrations near the bottom, and let the pool sit.
This morning (4/27) after running the filter and our built-in water mixer (a Riverflow swim jet), my numbers are:
TC 2 (I also bumped up the SWG yesterday)
PH 7.2
TA 100
CH 210
This morning I also increased aeration by adding a shower head to a bubbler in our shallow end.
QUESTIONS (Finally)
1) Can I add the BORAX now, or should I demonstrate patience and wait until my TA is at it's target. It looks like it will take another 1-gal of acid to drop the TA to 70, but I have to wait for the pH to rise, either through aeration or by adding something. Adding the BORAX will increase the pH, which is what I want. I have 4 boxes (16-lbs) ready to go.
2) How do I increase my CH? Should this wait until I have my borates at their target, or can I fiddle with this at the same time.
3) Is it OK to live with my salt at their current levels? I hate to drain 25% (or so) of my pool. I live near Atlanta and we're under watering restrictions.
Thanks for getting this far in my long message!