I am a new homeowner with a pool and spa (completely separate). The previous owners had a weekly service, and that company checked out all of the chemistry a few weeks ago (including a shock of both pool and spa). I could continue that service....but I'd like to think that I could handle this on my own.
I've done some reading and looked at the pool calculator, but I am admittedly apprehensive to dive in for fear of doing it wrong! Here are my numbers as of yesterday:
Pool:
FC = 1
TC = 1
pH = 8.0
Alk = 160
Hardness = 380
CYA = 100
Water is clear
I see what I have to do from the calculator:
Add bleach.
Add muriatic acid.
Replace water.
So my questions are: 1) In what order? 2) Is there any way to get around adding water? I'm in California, and we are experiencing a drought of epic proportions (I'm really NOT exaggerating, it is terribly bad). Draining a portion of my pool is going to be very painful (on my wallet and conscience). I feel confident that I could maintain the right levels if I can get it all to the right starting point.
Additionally, over the last few days we noticed some white powdery material near the drain. We also noticed that the water level was low and added an inch or two yesterday. My understanding is that the powder may be a result of the water level being too low, and it therefore wasn't filtered out. Hopefully increasing the water level will allow it to be filtered out -- but are there any tips or thoughts on that?
It is a plaster pool, ~13,000 gallons. I'm sorry that I don't have specs on the system. I haven't figured that out yet. I'm thinking of having someone from a service give me a tutoring on the setup so that I understand the configuration, coordination, and operation of the pumps, filters, sweep, etc.
Now, on to the spa:
FC = 0
TC = 0
pH = 8.0
Alk = 160+ (lost count)
Water is very slightly cloudy
I assume that I can use the same BBB approach for my spa? The previous owners had a chlorine tablet floater. It has been empty (which is why my FC and TC are at zero...) but is this a better/easier option than using bleach?
I appreciate the input! I would like to do this myself, if for no other reason than to save face with my husband . He grew up with "Call the [insert service provider here]" as the first option, while I never understood how plumbers, mechanics, electricians, and seamstresses made any money because my parents never used them -- just did it all themselves.
Cathy
What I know so far: ~13k gal, in ground, plaster
I've done some reading and looked at the pool calculator, but I am admittedly apprehensive to dive in for fear of doing it wrong! Here are my numbers as of yesterday:
Pool:
FC = 1
TC = 1
pH = 8.0
Alk = 160
Hardness = 380
CYA = 100
Water is clear
I see what I have to do from the calculator:
Add bleach.
Add muriatic acid.
Replace water.
So my questions are: 1) In what order? 2) Is there any way to get around adding water? I'm in California, and we are experiencing a drought of epic proportions (I'm really NOT exaggerating, it is terribly bad). Draining a portion of my pool is going to be very painful (on my wallet and conscience). I feel confident that I could maintain the right levels if I can get it all to the right starting point.
Additionally, over the last few days we noticed some white powdery material near the drain. We also noticed that the water level was low and added an inch or two yesterday. My understanding is that the powder may be a result of the water level being too low, and it therefore wasn't filtered out. Hopefully increasing the water level will allow it to be filtered out -- but are there any tips or thoughts on that?
It is a plaster pool, ~13,000 gallons. I'm sorry that I don't have specs on the system. I haven't figured that out yet. I'm thinking of having someone from a service give me a tutoring on the setup so that I understand the configuration, coordination, and operation of the pumps, filters, sweep, etc.
Now, on to the spa:
FC = 0
TC = 0
pH = 8.0
Alk = 160+ (lost count)
Water is very slightly cloudy
I assume that I can use the same BBB approach for my spa? The previous owners had a chlorine tablet floater. It has been empty (which is why my FC and TC are at zero...) but is this a better/easier option than using bleach?
I appreciate the input! I would like to do this myself, if for no other reason than to save face with my husband . He grew up with "Call the [insert service provider here]" as the first option, while I never understood how plumbers, mechanics, electricians, and seamstresses made any money because my parents never used them -- just did it all themselves.
Cathy
What I know so far: ~13k gal, in ground, plaster