Pool ordered: Questions!!!!

May 3, 2015
64
Savannah, GA
Pool Size
25000
Surface
Vinyl
Ok I posted a few days ago about suggestions and the responses are appreciated.
I've read pool school and the pool chemistry info.
But I still have questions that I didn't find clear answers too.
So, here goes....
First let me tell you all what we ordered.
We went with a package deal that included some extras and installation.
We could not substitute anything so well use what we need and leave out what we don't.
Here's what we're getting. Then I'll ask my questions.

-24 ft round 52 in deep seaspray evolution clx 12,974 gallons
-20 mil unibead aspen creek liner (I believe it's clip on not overlap)
-hydro therapy jet (pkg special)
-wide mouth skimmer
-hayward sand filter 1 hp model S180T92S
-A frame safety ladder model 7100X (gray)
-basic pole, basic brush, basic leaf skimmer
-maintenance kit 35' hose
-vacuum head triangle, and hose 1-1/2" 35'
-24 round Armor Shield floor (pkg special)
-dirt devil cleaner model 35-D2500-CW (pkg special)
-frog mineral system complete start up (pkg special) WE DO NOT PLAN TO USE!!!! but we couldn't substitute anything.
installation included (pkg special)
If we had done everything individually it would be more.
We're scheduled for May 14th install!!!
So my questions are:
1. During the build: Do we need a chlorinator installed? And Do we tell them just don't install frog system? Our package says install chlorinator or frog. I can have then install chlorinator if needed.

2. Where do I start? I've seen pool opening but have not seen anything on new pool new and water yet. I've looked everywhere.
So i Add water, test water, then put what in first? I'm lost here. I want a TFP but don't want to start out wrong and create trouble. What's the order?
I know BBB method but for a new pool what's the method? I can not find anything anywhere.
Do I just pour in bleach? See I'm lost. Are there new pool chemicals I'll need just to start the pool? Then use bbb method?? I do not want a CYA problem!!!

3. What do I need on hand always? Bleach, baking soda, muriatic acid and borax. What about keeping shock around? Non-chlorine or chlorine shock?? And obviously test kit!!

4. Test kit. I want the best that tests it all. Do I need multiple kits to do this?

5. Fountain? A friend of mine had an in ground pool she used a fountain to help keep her pool cooler and add extra movement. Do you guys recommend a good one?

6. I live in savannah, GA.
Salty humid air all summer.
Very hot and again humid.
Any suggestions for me??

Anyways that's where I am. I'm cramming daily before install day. I've read so much and watched so much i don't know how I'm missing anything.
thank you again and bear with me as I learn and become more familiar with the forum
Amber

24 ft round Seaspray Evolution CLX 12,974 gallons
 
Good to meet another savannah resident!! So let them install the frog for when we're away and only use chlorine? We're trying to avoid the cost of the frog products.

24 ft round Seaspray Evolution CLX 12,974 gallons
 
I'm not too far away....

Agree with AZGirl71, order your TF100 now so you have it by the 14th. I think they have a free shipping offer going on now. Also, if you make a donation to the TFP website you get a $ off coupon for the test kit. While you are at it order a Speed Stir, it makes testing easier.

Watch the testing videos a few times to get comfortable with the tests.

Are they including any chemicals? If not at least pick up a few gallons of bleach and CYA. Pool Math says 64 oz of CYA will get you to 40 so think about starting there.

Don't stock up on other stuff, WalMart has plenty. Test first.

Fountains are neat and may help keep the water cooler, but I usually want it warmer. The fountain will also raise your pH due to the aeration is creates.

You just start with the TFP methods, no special sauce you need to add.
 
Looks like you're on the right track reading articles in Pool School. The part where it sinks in is when you actually apply the lessons to your own pool. Here's my answers in red.

1. During the build: Do we need a chlorinator installed? And Do we tell them just don't install frog system? Our package says install chlorinator or frog. I can have then install chlorinator if needed?
Say no to the frog mineral packs. The chlorinator could come in handy for times when you're on vacation/gone, but would not be your regular source of chlorine. So neither or the chlorinator if you HAVE to pay for it for installation.

2. Where do I start? I've seen pool opening but have not seen anything on new pool new and water yet. I've looked everywhere.
So i Add water, test water, then put what in first? I'm lost here. I want a TFP but don't want to start out wrong and create trouble. What's the order?
Fill the pool. Get it circulating, pump on. First thing to add is CYA (cyanuric acid). This is granular and slow to dissolve. Put it in a sock and hang it in front of your return. Squeeze the sock once in a while to help it dissolve. Check the pH of the water. Adjust to 7.4-7.8 Check out the Recommended Levels in Pool School. While you are doing this, get the FC up to your recommended level. Check the CYA/Chlorine chart in my signature. Target 40 CYA to start, use Pool Math to calculate how much CYA you need. PLAY WITH POOL MATH. Know how to use it. Ask questions if you don't. Always keep the FC above the minumum, AT ALL TIMES.

Do I just pour in bleach? See I'm lost. Are there new pool chemicals I'll need just to start the pool? Then use bbb method?? I do not want a CYA problem!!!

Adding bleach is done by just pouring it in the water, in front of a return with the pump running. Always add chemicals when the pump is running, in front of a return. Add bleach slowly. A pencil width stream from the bottle. Too fast can fade your liner.

3. What do I need on hand always? Bleach, baking soda, muriatic acid and borax. What about keeping shock around? Non-chlorine or chlorine shock?? And obviously test kit!

You need bleach. Regular bleach, not outdoor, not splashless. Regular Chlorox or other brand of bleach. 8.25% bleach is preferred for lugging less bottles around. Try to buy it from somewhere that has high turn over of product such as WalMart or grocery stores. Generally not dollar stores unless you know it's fresh. Bleach degrades over time, depending on storage conditions. There are "born on dates" on bottles but can be hard to decipher. You'll need CYA to start up. You'll need a source of acid. For a newer pool user, I'd suggest the lesser concentration muriatic acid from Home Depot or otherwise. You can go with the full strength stuff from pool stores or farm supply stores but you MUST use caution when using it... well even more than the slightly diluted stuff. You MAY need baking soda and/or borax but do not stock up on them.

4. Test kit. I want the best that tests it all. Do I need multiple kits to do this?

There are recommended test kits in Pool School. See Test Kits Compared. If you don't want to think about it and want a great kit, just order the TF-100 from tftestkits.net. SpeedStir optional but I LOVE mine.

5. Fountain? A friend of mine had an in ground pool she used a fountain to help keep her pool cooler and add extra movement. Do you guys recommend a good one?

Fountain? Not really my forte, but sure if you want one!


6. I live in savannah, GA.
Salty humid air all summer.
Very hot and again humid.
Any suggestions for me??

Sounds like perfect weather to enjoy your pool!


Anyways that's where I am. I'm cramming daily before install day. I've read so much and watched so much i don't know how I'm missing anything.
thank you again and bear with me as I learn and become more familiar with the forum
Amber

Welcome to TFP and good luck! :)
 
Thx for the detailed reply.
The only thing included as for chemicals is the start up for the frog I'm not planing to use it so I have to start from scratch.
I live near a lowes and walmart. I just wondered what I need on hand for when the pool is filled and ready. As far as stock up I was asking more so when we're starting up the pool I'm not making 10 trips out.

24 ft round 52 in Seaspray Evolution CLX 12,974 gallons
S180T92S Hayward Pro-series sand filter 1 hp pump
new pool owner
 
Thank you for your very detailed reply JVTrain! I'm soaking it all in!!!! That makes better sense now where to start like a time line. I didn't want to go dumping stuff in.
I'll have them put on the frog and use it when we're away only!!!!! It comes with the install.
I'll get my test kit ordered today!

24 ft round 52 in Seaspray Evolution CLX 12,974 gallons
S180T92S Hayward Pro-series sand filter 1 hp pump
new pool owner
 
Starting out, you need CYA, bleach and likely some acid. The only one you need to buy more than just the right amount of is bleach. 4-5 gallons will get you started. CYA, just buy what you need after you've used Pool Math to determine that. Acid, buy a single jug of your preferred concentration of muriatic acid. You can get all this at Lowes and/or WalMart. The CYA is likely to be at one or both of them if they have a pool supply area. Bleach... well, you can find that. The muriatic acid (also known as hydrochloric acid) will be found at Lowe's, likely in the concrete supplies area.

I can't stress it enough. Plug your pool volume into Pool Math, use 12K gallons, best to low estimate at first. Then play around with the Now and Target values. Get to know it, it's a great tool and will make more sense once you have test results and get more experience with it.
 
Thx for the detailed reply.
The only thing included as for chemicals is the start up for the frog I'm not planing to use it so I have to start from scratch.
I live near a lowes and walmart. I just wondered what I need on hand for when the pool is filled and ready. As far as stock up I was asking more so when we're starting up the pool I'm not making 10 trips out.

24 ft round 52 in Seaspray Evolution CLX 12,974 gallons
S180T92S Hayward Pro-series sand filter 1 hp pump
new pool owner
Let them install the frog hardware, just do not add the packs to the feeder. You may have to watch and tell them several times to keep them form doing it out of habit. Get the CYA and bleach. WalMart has both. Bleach in the laundry seciton, CYA in the seasonal pool section. I think they carry "Clorox Pool Stabilizer" this year as their CYA. Ignore all the other Clorox pool products there for now. In the laundry section get GreatValu bleach, As Joel said no scents, no splashless, no flavors. They have a couple of them, so turn it around and look for the 8.5% on the contents.

I guess Joel set me straight;) I forgot the acid. Lowes has two strengths, go for the 31%. it's in the paint section, usually on the floor. You want the blue label, not the green
 

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The Food Lion on Skidaway and Derenne has 8.25% bleach for $2.50 a gallon. It's called Home 360. Just get the regular unscented. I usually keep about 6 in stock.
 
I've bookmarked this tread to keep all your advice together. I've read all those. Lol yes it's pretty foreign I guess until the pool is up and I'm working hands on.
I'm actually in Rincon I use savannah because it's well known location for people to see my region.
Thank you again and any other tips are appreciated. :)

24 ft round 52 in Seaspray Evolution CLX 12,974 gallons
S180T92S Hayward Pro-series sand filter 1 hp pump
new pool owner
 
<a href="http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/mabletonapts/media/20150518_160155_zpsama03vcy.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag33/mabletonapts/20150518_160155_zpsama03vcy.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20150518_160155_zpsama03vcy.jpg"/></a>

24 round 52 Evolution CLX 13,000 gal, hayward S180T sand filter & 1 hp Power-flo Matrix single spd, TFP method, taylor K-2006 kit
 

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