Hello new to the site, trying to learn how to use pool math because I'm going broke trying to use pool store chemicals. I want to try and use generic chemicals
Steve from Clarksville, TN
- Thread starter Stephen
- Start date
Welcome to TFP!!!It is not the chemicals that will save you money ... it is maintaining the chemistry properly in the first place and to do that you have to invest in one of the Recommended Test Kits.
Here is how to use PoolMath: http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/114-poolmath-pool-calculator
How much Pool School have you read? Start with these:
ABCs of Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
Thanks, I have a 28000 in ground, vinyl, chlorine, sand filter, 1.5 hp jacuzzi. I've had the pool for 10 years. My biggest issue has been metal staining. My cya level was above 200, I've got it to 120, and will try and lower it a little more. I've ordered the Taylor test kit so I can avoid taking samples to the pool store. I've started reading the chemistry section and it will take me some time to understand it. I entered the latest water test values in the calculator, and I'm trying to decipher the results. Thanks
Please put all those pool details in your signature as described HERE as it will help us help you.
Where is the metal coming from? Well water? Algaecides with copper? mineral system? You will need to use sequestrants to try to minimize staining after doing an AA treatment if you want to get rid of the stains. See: http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/137-metals-in-the-water-and-metal-stains
You want to ideally get that CYA down to 50ppm at the most. That is still the first step.
Where is the metal coming from? Well water? Algaecides with copper? mineral system? You will need to use sequestrants to try to minimize staining after doing an AA treatment if you want to get rid of the stains. See: http://www.troublefreepool.com/content/137-metals-in-the-water-and-metal-stains
You want to ideally get that CYA down to 50ppm at the most. That is still the first step.
Hi Stephen,
welcome to TFP! Dont worry too much, you will get the hang of it in fairly short order.
welcome to TFP! Dont worry too much, you will get the hang of it in fairly short order.
Thanks, water temp 80 degrees, cya 125, total chlorine 5.5, FC 5.2, ph 7.4, TA 76, adj TA 38, Total Hardness 86, Copper 0.1, Iron 0,
I'm trying to get the pool info in my signature line, but it didn't work, sorry
I'm trying to get the pool info in my signature line, but it didn't work, sorry
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Todays test results, CYA 75, TC 3.7, FC 3.7, ph 7.7, TA 120, adj TA 97, TH 86
Iron 0, Copper 0
So to address my staining (it's not severe, just on steps and barely visible on vinyl side) Should I wait until my chlorine level drops to in normal range before I add stain free? It's hot and sunny here today so I feel the chlorine level should drop enough today.
I've been using the bulk chlorine I purchased from Sam's Club instead of the bags of shock. It has chlorine, algaecide, stabilizer mixed, I've been using that for years with good results. I also use the chlorine pucks. I think that was the culprit that caused my CYA levels to go crazy. But from what I've been reading on this site I will be testing my CYA level before I add any chlorine level. I think I understand that if my CYA level is good, I need to add regular Clorox bleach, that doesn't have stabilizer to maintain my chlorine levels. Please comment. Thanks
Iron 0, Copper 0
So to address my staining (it's not severe, just on steps and barely visible on vinyl side) Should I wait until my chlorine level drops to in normal range before I add stain free? It's hot and sunny here today so I feel the chlorine level should drop enough today.
I've been using the bulk chlorine I purchased from Sam's Club instead of the bags of shock. It has chlorine, algaecide, stabilizer mixed, I've been using that for years with good results. I also use the chlorine pucks. I think that was the culprit that caused my CYA levels to go crazy. But from what I've been reading on this site I will be testing my CYA level before I add any chlorine level. I think I understand that if my CYA level is good, I need to add regular Clorox bleach, that doesn't have stabilizer to maintain my chlorine levels. Please comment. Thanks
Todays test results, CYA 75, TC 3.7, FC 3.7, ph 7.7, TA 120, adj TA 97, TH 86
Iron 0, Copper 0
So to address my staining (it's not severe, just on steps and barely visible on vinyl side) Should I wait until my chlorine level drops to in normal range before I add stain free? It's hot and sunny here today so I feel the chlorine level should drop enough today.
I've been using the bulk chlorine I purchased from Sam's Club instead of the bags of shock. It has chlorine, algaecide, stabilizer mixed, I've been using that for years with good results. I also use the chlorine pucks. I think that was the culprit that caused my CYA levels to go crazy. But from what I've been reading on this site I will be testing my CYA level before I add any chlorine level. I think I understand that if my CYA level is good, I need to add regular Clorox bleach, that doesn't have stabilizer to maintain my chlorine levels. Please comment. Thanks
Iron 0, Copper 0
So to address my staining (it's not severe, just on steps and barely visible on vinyl side) Should I wait until my chlorine level drops to in normal range before I add stain free? It's hot and sunny here today so I feel the chlorine level should drop enough today.
I've been using the bulk chlorine I purchased from Sam's Club instead of the bags of shock. It has chlorine, algaecide, stabilizer mixed, I've been using that for years with good results. I also use the chlorine pucks. I think that was the culprit that caused my CYA levels to go crazy. But from what I've been reading on this site I will be testing my CYA level before I add any chlorine level. I think I understand that if my CYA level is good, I need to add regular Clorox bleach, that doesn't have stabilizer to maintain my chlorine levels. Please comment. Thanks
I stephen,
I cant comment about adding the stain remover since I have never used it and dont know much about it at all.
You do not have to test your CYA every time you test for FC. Maybe once a month or so for CYA just to keep an eye on it. For the most part, it always stays the same unless you drain a lot of water, or add stabilizer. ONce you are confident in your measuring of it, then just use that number
You are correct about adding only liquid chlorine to maintain your FC. Thats the TFPC method.
your Ph Range is 7.2 to 7.8. I noticed you are pretty close to the top of the range. Use Muriatic Acid to drop it a tad when you get the chance.
In addition to the pucks raising your CYA, that Sams Club stuff with Stabilizer is also a contributor. (stabilizer and CYA are the same thing).
I cant comment about adding the stain remover since I have never used it and dont know much about it at all.
You do not have to test your CYA every time you test for FC. Maybe once a month or so for CYA just to keep an eye on it. For the most part, it always stays the same unless you drain a lot of water, or add stabilizer. ONce you are confident in your measuring of it, then just use that number
You are correct about adding only liquid chlorine to maintain your FC. Thats the TFPC method.
your Ph Range is 7.2 to 7.8. I noticed you are pretty close to the top of the range. Use Muriatic Acid to drop it a tad when you get the chance.
In addition to the pucks raising your CYA, that Sams Club stuff with Stabilizer is also a contributor. (stabilizer and CYA are the same thing).
