Hi, I'm new to pool maintenance and have been put in charge of maintaining a recently replastered 11.000 gallon square pool (on a Caribbean island), that uses a sand filter. I need to get the chemistry up to standard! Please note that the closest pool experts/ shops are on a neighboring island, where various chemicals were already purchased.
I have a test kit (not a specific brand) for chlorine, pH and alkalinity by using drops of reagents and also 2 different kinds of test strips (one is actually for drinking water). Have to admit, I find it hard to read the exact values by comparing colors (see pictures). I'm ready to order the Taylor K-2006 via Amazon, but that will take around 3 weeks to get here.
In the meantime I need advise to start some sort of treatment ASAP, because I see algae starting to grow alongside the bottom edges (between floor and wall) of the pool. Also around the jets and some random spots on the floor/steps.
I realize SLAM is necessary and have read about that process, but where to start exactly seeing the current chemistry levels? Please see pictures of yesterday's test strip results.
FC is close to 0, CYA is kind of unclear to me, but probably between 0-20. And pH seems high, over 8.2.
How best to adjust these levels and in what order? Lower pH by adding muriatic acid, then raise chlorine and add stabilizer (till which level, SLAM level)?
Next question about raising chlorine: I know liquid chlorine is advised to raise FC, but unless I can use regular Clorox bleach (active ingredient is 3.65% Sodium Hypoclorite and the rest Other "unspecified" ingredients, "yielding 3.47% Available Chlorine"? I do have granulated "Klor-Shock 90", which is a dichlor, no stabilizer, with active ingredient calcium hypo chlorite 90%. Seeing that the CYA needs to raise as well, might this work also?
I thank you in advance for your advise and help!
I have a test kit (not a specific brand) for chlorine, pH and alkalinity by using drops of reagents and also 2 different kinds of test strips (one is actually for drinking water). Have to admit, I find it hard to read the exact values by comparing colors (see pictures). I'm ready to order the Taylor K-2006 via Amazon, but that will take around 3 weeks to get here.
In the meantime I need advise to start some sort of treatment ASAP, because I see algae starting to grow alongside the bottom edges (between floor and wall) of the pool. Also around the jets and some random spots on the floor/steps.
I realize SLAM is necessary and have read about that process, but where to start exactly seeing the current chemistry levels? Please see pictures of yesterday's test strip results.
FC is close to 0, CYA is kind of unclear to me, but probably between 0-20. And pH seems high, over 8.2.
How best to adjust these levels and in what order? Lower pH by adding muriatic acid, then raise chlorine and add stabilizer (till which level, SLAM level)?
Next question about raising chlorine: I know liquid chlorine is advised to raise FC, but unless I can use regular Clorox bleach (active ingredient is 3.65% Sodium Hypoclorite and the rest Other "unspecified" ingredients, "yielding 3.47% Available Chlorine"? I do have granulated "Klor-Shock 90", which is a dichlor, no stabilizer, with active ingredient calcium hypo chlorite 90%. Seeing that the CYA needs to raise as well, might this work also?
I thank you in advance for your advise and help!
I understand your situation. James is addressing your poolmath/cal-hypo concern. Right now it's important to do only what is needed until you can get the K-2006 there. Speaking of that, be sure to order the K-2006C. The "C" is vey important because the bottles are larger and should save you money in the long run.
