Newbie questions on getting things right with new pool

[SCS]

This site looks really awesome and I am trying to read as much as I can, but please be patient with me :-D

Just put up a new AG pool. Readings from this morning:

FC 6.5
CC .5
Ph 7.5
TA 80
CH 110
CYA 0

These readings were after adding bleach, and then adding stabilizer. My CYA has remained at 0. Pool is clear, and has been since filled a few days ago. I will get a lot of sun on the pool (when it decides to shine in Wisconsin.)

I am familiar with the pool calculator, but am confused at what order or timeframe to add things?

Also, I would like to keep the solar cover on as much as possible to heat the pool, but I assume that I should remove it while adding chemicals and for a time after? And is it good to leave the cover on most of the time, in general?

Lastly, will be leaving town for 3-4 days tomorrow and concerned about what I may return to.

Thanks in advance for any help this rookie may receive!

 

[joshs2000ss]

How did you add the CYA? If put in and let to go to the filter, it may not test accurately for up to a week. How did you obtain you results?

Welcome!

 

[elwood58]

Stabilizer will take some time to show up on a test. You can leave it covered, especially while you are away. It will reduce the UV burning up your FC.

you might want to put a floater in with a few chlorine tabs while gone.

 

[SCS]

I put it granular stabilizer in a sock in the skimmer last evening. So I guess I will need to wait a bit for it to register.

I am using the TF-100 Test Kit.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[duraleigh]

SCS,

Welcome to the forum. :lol: Other than bringing your CYA up to about 40-50 ppm (which you have already done, I think), those are great numbers and I wouldn't do anything else but swim.

Even though the CYA will not register for a few more days, you are safe to assume your dosage is in there and apply FC accordingly. nice work!

 

[Richard320]

Welcome!

Post pictures. Go swimming. Enjoy.

 

[SCS]

Thanks, everyone!

Would love to swim after work but it will be 31 degrees tonight.
Perhaps I should get my ice skates out and make some use if it... :-D

 

[SCS]

Ok, I have waited a little over 1 week to retest CYA.
Here are my numbers:

FC 3.5
CC .5
Ph 7.2
TA 80
CH 100
CYA 0

Still at 0 with CYA :-(

More granular stabilizer?
Pool has been covered continuously for last week. I have added minimal bleach occasionally; that's about it since the stabilizer I put in over a week ago.
Other numbers appear to look good, right?

 

[DKT113]

I am no expert, but I will say this and those in the know will maybe comment.

They cya test does take a bit of getting used to. I do best with mine on a sunny day.
Additionally this spring for us was crazy ~ we had frost after I opened up & added my stabilizer to increase cya.
I was not detecting the cya I introduced to the pool until I took the water sample into the house and let the water come up in temp a bit then I took the water I let warm up a bit back outside into the bright day and tested. I was able to get an accurate number that fell in sync with what I had added.

You mentioned how cold it was where you are ~ maybe testing with warmer water might show what you have added, if what I have read on various posts here is correct and the water for some did need to be warmer for accuracy (the ability to read). It could have been a fluke for me so I thought I would mention it.

 

[SCS]

Thanks, DKT.

I will try that tomorrow!

 

[Smykowski]

Sorry for being so late to reply. Let the water warm up to room temp before doing the test. As for viewing the tube, you want to do it in bright, indirect light. So, use a bright sunny day, turn your back to the sun, and hold the tube at waist level.