May have started too quickly...

[Scuba_Steve]

Hello,

I used PoolMath to find out what I needed to add to get my new pool up and running. Unfortunately I think I over did it on my CYA. I did not add too much, but I did not realize just how much it affected pH.

Starting readings:

PH 7.8
TA 150
CH 100

I did not test for TC or CYA because I had not added any yet.

I added 29 fl oz 8.25% chlorine, 60 oz CYA, and 160 lb of salt.

4 hours later the CYA is almost completely dissolved out of the sock. We also mixed in the salt fairly well.

We do not have a test for salt, so I am just winging it there and watching the warnings on the SWG. I just turned it on, and none are displayed right now.

Current readings:
FC 2
TA 150
PH 6.8 (tested digitally)
CYA 55
CH 100

Should I worry about my pH right now? I know I needed it to drop anyways to help lower my TA, but I added enough CYA to bring it to 70. It is at 55 now, which tells me pH is going to continue to drop.

Leave it alone and let it raise up on its own, or add MA to bring it up to 7.0-7.2?

 

[JVTrain]

The first pH test was TF-100 provided color match block and the second test was a digital test? Testing error on the second test is the most likely conclusion. Digital pH testing is only as good as your last calibration. Your drop test is good as long as your reagents are fairly fresh.

With that high of a TA level, aeration will raise your pH over time... IF (BIG IF) your pH is actually low.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Sorry, second test was done both with the TF-100 and verified with a digital meter.

 

[JVTrain]

I wouldn't panic on the pH. You could add a small amount of borax to bring it up. Aim a return up to get more aeration and it should come up slowly at that TA.

# Sent from mobile device. Beware of brevity and spelling errors!

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Ph is up to 7.1 already.
TA is down to 120.
FC 4.5
CC 0
CH 100
CYA 55

 

[Scuba_Steve]

From my test last night and this morning I have a feeling I am already failing the OCLT. We will see when I verify by testing early tomorrow morning before the sun comes up.

9pm test tonight
FC 4
CC 0
pH 7.4
TA 140 (up from 120?)

 

[Scuba_Steve]

FC was 3.5 this morning @ 6am.

Nothing to worry about? 0.5 overnight loss is acceptable correct?

 

[Patrick_B]

What does your water look like?

 

[Defgufman]

Photos please

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Photos please

Hey there neighbor!

Water is crystal clear. I am probably just being paranoid, and like to be preemptive if there is possibly something there. I have done a lot of reading around here, and have read people stating that crystal water does not necessarily mean that there are no issues.

The water is only a few days old btw. I mainly was worried that something got in there before I had a chance to get my FC up in the first day or so. Again, new pool owner paranoia I am sure.

Also, my SWG is handling the chlorine on its own already, although it is running 8 hours a day. Pump is running 12.

 

[kimkats]

I bet you could read the side of a coin in that shiny pool!

Good job!

Kim

 

[Defgufman]

Looks great....I bet you are going to be good as long as you maintain the FC at target level for your cya. Should be a great summer in that pool

 

[Scuba_Steve]

I bet you could read the side of a coin in that shiny pool!

Good job!

Kim

Lol, I got better resolution from my camera in the pool than I did when I tested it outside the pool. This pic does not do it justice btw, I can clearly read the face. It is slightly magnified by the water if anything.

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Just a water chemistry update.

11pm test

TC: 8.5
CC: 0
TA: 110
PH: 7.2 tested with TF-100
PH: 7.3 tested digitally
CH: 75
CYA: 70

First of all, I did not test for the last 2 days. Obviously my SWG is working too hard because my FC is double what it needs to be.

PH is low because I am trying to lower TA. I have added 64oz of MA since I opened the pool at a TA of 150. Unfortunately I bought the wrong MA. I bought some "green" **** that is super weak. MSDS says less than 25% HCl. At least it doesn't blast me in the face with fumes while I am pouring it!

I trust my digital pH more than my TF-100 pH btw.

 

[pooldv]

The wind is your friend keep the MA bottle downwind when open and pouring. Nice quarter!

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Latest test results... My SWG is still not dialed in. 2 days of running for 6 hours per day brought my FC from 4.0 to 8.5. I also added another 32oz of weak "green" MA. I have stopped using pool math for this MA. I fill a 16oz solo cup twice to lower pH by 0.4.

The 8.5 reading was last night. SWG is turned off for the day today.

2:15pm
FC 6.5
CC 0
PH 7.2
TA 100
CYA 80

 

[cowboycasey]

I love your ironhorse patch...

1st team

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Live the legend!