Ok all....My husband and I posted about 2 weeks ago looking for some help. We got some great clarification and advice, and we knew we'd be going away to NY for a week for various obligations and now that we're back, I'm ready to tackle this green murky pool and get a sparkling blue!!
My dad heard about our pool troubles and got me the Leslie Complete poolcare DPD test kit as a little surprise when I arrived in NY..(one of the three tests recommended on this site; wasn't the TF one everyone loves but it was purchased for me and I figured I should take what I could get for now!) So now I have what I need to continue testing the water as I start the shock process...
Anyway. I went into the pool store earlier today to pick up some pool type toys with a coupon I had. Figured while I was there, I'd have them test the water and get their "recommendations" so I can let you all know what they are saying, and I'm interested to hear what you all say about it! Here are the levels they gave us. Our chlorine is zero, which I was expecting, because even though we have a chlorine dispenser thing we must have neglected to put enough tablets in, or maybe have it set too high, since it was empty when we arrived back from NY. Either way, we knew we'd be starting "from scratch," so, here we go.
FC: 0
TC: 0
ph: 7.4
TA: 50
CYA: 45
CH: 110
They also have a category "phosphates" which says zero next to it. So here's what the guy recommended: 1st, broadcast 12 pounds of "alkalinity up" with pump running. Wait 4 hours, then mix 1 bottle of "algae control" (not sure what chemical they mean, it is clearly just a product name they want me to buy), then 15 minutes later broadcast 4 pounds of "power powder" which I guess is what they call their "shock". After I broadcast that in, I am told to brush the sides and bottom of the pool. I promised myself I would barely even speak to whoever helped me out of fear they'd rope me into buying things...but I'm a nice person, the guy was very personable and throughout our conversation he mentioned how some people just throw bleach into their pool and how that's "SO BAD" for your pool. I simply nodded and knew I'd come here to ask for the advice I trust!
So....here I am for your help! Looking at those numbers above (and my pool "stats" in my signature), any words of wisdom on how to proceed? I've read and understand the "shock process" on this site, just looking for those friendly tips I've come to read on other people's posts on this site and seeing if there's something else I should know or do in addition to that process... I'm looking to buy the BBB materials I need tonight and start this tomorrow.
Just some more information that might help or change any advice - I'm in Charlotte where it has rained, and is supposed to continue, serious thunderstorms for about 2.5-3 weeks straight. Not sure how this affects the ongoing shock process! Also, we recently did a more deeper cleaning of our sand filter, got the hose in there and ran it until all the little debris was gone and ran clear. Nothing bigger than the size of a nickel came out in terms of debris, all tiny little things so I'm hoping that means our sand/filter is running smoothly. We bought the house back in February, I've emailed the sellers to ask if they have an idea when the sand was changed last. Waiting on that info!
Thanks for any help with how to proceed from here...I'll be looking at the pool calculator and I'm ready to start the shock process if that's all I need to do...figured I'd see what you all thought before rolling up my sleeves! :-D
My dad heard about our pool troubles and got me the Leslie Complete poolcare DPD test kit as a little surprise when I arrived in NY..(one of the three tests recommended on this site; wasn't the TF one everyone loves but it was purchased for me and I figured I should take what I could get for now!) So now I have what I need to continue testing the water as I start the shock process...
Anyway. I went into the pool store earlier today to pick up some pool type toys with a coupon I had. Figured while I was there, I'd have them test the water and get their "recommendations" so I can let you all know what they are saying, and I'm interested to hear what you all say about it! Here are the levels they gave us. Our chlorine is zero, which I was expecting, because even though we have a chlorine dispenser thing we must have neglected to put enough tablets in, or maybe have it set too high, since it was empty when we arrived back from NY. Either way, we knew we'd be starting "from scratch," so, here we go.
FC: 0
TC: 0
ph: 7.4
TA: 50
CYA: 45
CH: 110
They also have a category "phosphates" which says zero next to it. So here's what the guy recommended: 1st, broadcast 12 pounds of "alkalinity up" with pump running. Wait 4 hours, then mix 1 bottle of "algae control" (not sure what chemical they mean, it is clearly just a product name they want me to buy), then 15 minutes later broadcast 4 pounds of "power powder" which I guess is what they call their "shock". After I broadcast that in, I am told to brush the sides and bottom of the pool. I promised myself I would barely even speak to whoever helped me out of fear they'd rope me into buying things...but I'm a nice person, the guy was very personable and throughout our conversation he mentioned how some people just throw bleach into their pool and how that's "SO BAD" for your pool. I simply nodded and knew I'd come here to ask for the advice I trust!
So....here I am for your help! Looking at those numbers above (and my pool "stats" in my signature), any words of wisdom on how to proceed? I've read and understand the "shock process" on this site, just looking for those friendly tips I've come to read on other people's posts on this site and seeing if there's something else I should know or do in addition to that process... I'm looking to buy the BBB materials I need tonight and start this tomorrow.
Just some more information that might help or change any advice - I'm in Charlotte where it has rained, and is supposed to continue, serious thunderstorms for about 2.5-3 weeks straight. Not sure how this affects the ongoing shock process! Also, we recently did a more deeper cleaning of our sand filter, got the hose in there and ran it until all the little debris was gone and ran clear. Nothing bigger than the size of a nickel came out in terms of debris, all tiny little things so I'm hoping that means our sand/filter is running smoothly. We bought the house back in February, I've emailed the sellers to ask if they have an idea when the sand was changed last. Waiting on that info!
Thanks for any help with how to proceed from here...I'll be looking at the pool calculator and I'm ready to start the shock process if that's all I need to do...figured I'd see what you all thought before rolling up my sleeves! :-D