Hey All -
I just recently bought the water test kit from TFTestkits and was pleased with how easy it was to use. Now I have a lot of great information, but still am not completely sure what direction to go in (yes, I used the chemical calculator). The root of the problem comes from an old algae bloom late last summer that I don't believe we ever were fully able to vacuum out of the pool once we killed it. (Spent several hundred dollars on chemicals to do that) When we opened the pool this year, the water was cloudy but I could see the main drains. Once we added shock, chlorine, pH up, and vacuumed the pool clarity actually became worse. I backwashed even though my PSIs have only been lingering between 8 and 12 but wanted to keep the filter clean.
After over a week of running the pump 24/7 and shocking, I'm not even close to a clear pool. My pH has been fluctuating dramatically but is currently too low. here are my numbers:
CL - 5, pH 6.8
Br - 10
FC - 12.5 CC 1.5
TC 14.0
Calcium hardness 325
TA 140
CYA 57
Based on the reading that I've been doing on your website, I think it may be best to drain the pool by at least 1/2 and use bleach and vacuum-to-waste anything left. Then re-fill the pool with tank water (vs. well water). I would greatly appreciate your opinion before I spend anymore money on chemicals OR $500 on re-filling my pool. I'm so desperate for a clear sparkling pool again. Thank you!
I just recently bought the water test kit from TFTestkits and was pleased with how easy it was to use. Now I have a lot of great information, but still am not completely sure what direction to go in (yes, I used the chemical calculator). The root of the problem comes from an old algae bloom late last summer that I don't believe we ever were fully able to vacuum out of the pool once we killed it. (Spent several hundred dollars on chemicals to do that) When we opened the pool this year, the water was cloudy but I could see the main drains. Once we added shock, chlorine, pH up, and vacuumed the pool clarity actually became worse. I backwashed even though my PSIs have only been lingering between 8 and 12 but wanted to keep the filter clean.
After over a week of running the pump 24/7 and shocking, I'm not even close to a clear pool. My pH has been fluctuating dramatically but is currently too low. here are my numbers:
CL - 5, pH 6.8
Br - 10
FC - 12.5 CC 1.5
TC 14.0
Calcium hardness 325
TA 140
CYA 57
Based on the reading that I've been doing on your website, I think it may be best to drain the pool by at least 1/2 and use bleach and vacuum-to-waste anything left. Then re-fill the pool with tank water (vs. well water). I would greatly appreciate your opinion before I spend anymore money on chemicals OR $500 on re-filling my pool. I'm so desperate for a clear sparkling pool again. Thank you!