new season, new challenges

[tcglanzer]

We put up our 26' above ground intex pool SWG over the weekend. It is nearly full. Last year I discovered TFP and LOVED IT....so helpful! So a little refreshing on the pool basics page was all I needed.

However, I am confused how to start my process. Our climate has been unusually cold, and we have received almost 3 inches of rain in the past two days, which typically (in the past) will turn my water cloudy. I have not added anything yet, including salt, as the water is still filling as I write this (tho it's almost full). The water will be very cold to get into to spread that salt around! Not looking forward to it.

We also had a major dust storm Mon morn, so the water has a fair amount of dirt in the bottom, and some leave debris. Vacuuming is necessary, tho a replacement piece to my vacuum will not arrive until tomorrow.

My question: do I slam the water off the bat? With or without the salt?

Any advice how to get going is appreciated. In the past, I've always started with crystal clear water that warms up as we fill the pool. That simply is not the case this time. I know it will be cloudy today/tomorrow from the rain, and the dirt/debris certainly isn't ideal. And like I mentioned....it's not going to be a pleasant experience getting in that un-warmed water...........

 

[joegus]

Hi! I'm pretty sure you will get the standard response of ......"run a full set of tests to see where you are at and go from there".

Refresh your knowledge in Pool School. What test kit do you have? Post your results and I am sure someone will be glad to help you if needed. Sounds like you will need to adjust your CYA with the new water added. Adjust the PH and start bringing the CH up. The pool calculator will tell you what you need to do from there. Good luck and happy swimming!

 

[Butterfly]

yep, we need test results

Do you use well water or municipal water?

Fill it, test it, post results!

 

[tcglanzer]

yes, I will test the water shortly.....I am just unsure of which table to use since I won't get the salt in right away. Does that make a difference?

 

[karmabiker]

Tables will show you the targets ... test results show us the actuals. No difference at all in which to use.

I would go ahead and get the salt in.

 

[tcglanzer]

results; FC-0, pH-8.2, CYA-less than 20

if I'm reading my recommendations correct, my targets are FC-3-5, pH-7.5-7.8, CYA-70-80.

if I'm reading my table chart correct on what to add, I need 235 oz of CYA????? I am on my way to town for the bleach. I've never worried about the TA before....should I?

 

[karmabiker]

Dont sweat the TA. Its the last thing we worry about and then only if warranted by wicked pH swings.

Sneak up on your CYA level. shoot for 50% of where you want to be then test a week later (no point in doing the test sooner - it takes that long to register).

 

[joegus]

What test kit are you using tcglanzer?

- - - Updated - - -

It kind of worries me that you skipped the answer to that. I hope you realize test strips and pool store tests are not accurate and you could be relying on bad info.

 

[tcglanzer]

sorry....didn't mean to not respond to the test kit question....I'm using the TF-100

 

[joegus]

Congratulations on taking control of your pool! If you follow the advice you get here, I have no doubt that your pool problems will disappear and you will be on your way to actually relaxing and enjoying your water.

 

[karmabiker]

Dont sweat the TA. Its the last thing we worry about and then only if warranted by wicked pH swings.

Sneak up on your CYA level. shoot for 50% of where you want to be then test a week later (no point in doing the test sooner - it takes that long to register).

I forgot to mention - get that pH down and the CL up. Until you get the CYA in the CL will burn off fast. No need to SLAM if it is clear and the CL is holding (2-3ppm loss during the day, 0 at night ... again after the CYA is in for these numbers)

I think it is a 48 hour wait on turning on the SWG after adding salt... You will want to verify that.

 

[tcglanzer]

I don't remember ever reading to wait 48 hrs after adding salt to start the system. But I will check the manual. I did NOT do that last year, and I don't know that I did any damage......maybe my system wasn't working properly since I did have problems at the end of the summer due to lack of chlorine. I just keep learning. I love this website!