First Testing Results

[james63038]

Just wanted to throw out my first testing results after buying the TF-100 kit. I think everything looks fine but I am probably wrong.

FC: 6
CC:.5
TC: 6.5
CH: 300 PPM
TA: 100
CYA: 40 PPM

 

[Richard320]

All we need now is pH and what the water looks like. The rest looks fine.

 

[james63038]

PH was high and had to add 2 3/4 quarts of MA. The pool has been clear.

It's a new pool and I've only had the PH balanced once. Always seems like I'm adding PH.

 

[Richard320]

Fresh plaster will demand a whole lot of acid. That's normal. Comes with the territory. Sort of like newborn babies cry a lot.
Check and adjust pH every couple days. The care you give the plaster now will be repaid in a few years when you don't have splotches and scale.

 

[james63038]

Thanks for the heads up. I have been testing almost nightly. Just trying to get in a routine.

 

[james63038]

Just tested again and here's what I have:

PH: High (added 2 3/4 Q of MA)
FC: 2.5
CC: .5
TC: 3
CH: 175
TA: 60
CYA: 80

- - - Updated - - -

Pool is still clear but thinking that these levels are telling me it's going to start doing something.

 

[Richard320]

How'd the CYA double in less than a month?

If it's really 80, your FC level is far too low.

Have you been feeding it trichlor pucks the whole time?

 

[james63038]

Yes, I've made sure it's full. Each time I clean the pool.

 

[Richard320]

Yes, I've made sure it's full. Each time I clean the pool.

Oh, dear....

You haven't been reading much in Pool School, have you?

Two things you need to read:
My reply in this thread
How to Chlorinate your Pool in Pool School

 

[kcindc]

Those pucks that you add to your chlorinator adds to your CYA. You should lay off of them since your CYA is way too high. You should stick with liquid bleach for now. It might not be a bad idea to replace some water to get that level down to around 50. Save the pucks for when you go on vacation.

 

[james63038]

Obviously not. It's a lot of info and I have read it but it didn't sink in.
So basically I shouldn't use the chlorinator at all and just use bleach? According to the link provided.
I'll take all the pucks out right away.

 

[james63038]

Again, I'm new to all of this so please excuse the stupid questions. When testing, is CYA the most important to focus on? I know they are all important, however, is that the one I need to worry about?

 

[kcindc]

It is a lot to take in and my head was spinning for the first couple of weeks. Over time, it will begin to sink in and you will be an expert in no time.

All of the chems are important, but for different reasons. Your CYA level tells you what your FC target should be.
Check out this chart:
Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

Your CYA of 80 means that your target FC is 9 and that your should never let it get below 6. With a CYA of 80, it would be very difficult and expensive if you have to battle algae. Since you let your FC get below 6, you could be on the verge of an algae outbreak.

1. Take out all pucks.
2. At liquid bleach to bring your FC up to the target of 9. Use pool math to determine how much bleach to add: http://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html
3. Consider replacing some water to get your CYA back down. Again, pool matH can help you figure how much water to replace.
4. After water replacement, re-test CYA to verify your CYA level.
5. Do not let your FC level get below your minimum for your CYA.

Also, can you add your filter type to your signature? Thanks!

 

[james63038]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I really appreciate it!

 

[kcindc]

The key is learning what your pool needs and only adding what it needs.

Solid forms of chlorine (powder/pucks) add either calcuim (which increase CH) or stabilizer (which increases CYA). Solid forms of chlorine are also acidic and can make your PH and TA decrease.

My pool is about your pool's size and now that I have my pool dialed in and am in a set routine, my pool likes about 1 jug of 8.25% of liquid bleach a day. I get my bleach from Wally World because it is cheap, convenient and they always have fresh bleach. Some folks are able to get their hands on cheap 10% bleach. FYI, bleach looses its strength over time and when stored in the hot sun, so always check the date. Plain generic brand bleach, no splashless, no scented.

 

[james63038]

Great, thanks for the heads up. I'll need to make a trip soon. I have some bleach but not a lot.
I'm looking forward to understanding it better and getting out of this 'not in control' stage.

 

[pooldv]

Ok, you are getting on the right track. I want to reemphasize two things.

It is important to keep your PH between 7.2 and 7.8. Add acid to bring it down to 7.2 every time it gets to 7.8.

It is also important to never let your chlorine level drop below the minimum level for your CYA level on the Chlorine CYA Chart

 

[james63038]

I have my FC at 8.5 and CYA is still near 80. Will that come down over time? According to the calculator, it says I would have to replace 50% of my water (if I did it correctly) to bring it back down. That's a little crazy.

 

[pooldv]

CYA will only drop with splash out, rain over flow or water replacement. CYA reduction is a 1 to 1 ratio with water replacement. 50% water replacement will reduce CYA by 50%, or 80 to 40.