Another clueless first time pool owner...

[IngroundAndClueless]

Please help - if you need more info please let me know (sob story will be at end of the post)

In ground vinyl liner
Sand Filter
14500 gallons currently 84 degrees
Free chlorine 12
Combined chlorine 0
Ph 7.0
Total Alk 35
Cal Hardness 20
Cyn Acid 90
(Used Taylor Test Kit)

Water is clear - but it’s deffinitley irritating swimmers

Insert Sob Story

Well I’ve been enthused about having a pool my whole life, my wife and I are so excited to have bought a house with a beautiful pool. The previous owner had a “pool guy” but all he does is put chlorine tabs in, vacuum, and back wash. I plan on cutting the chord with him once I buy my own vacuum. When I told him I was concerned by my water test results he said I’m “over thinking it” and “the waters clear”.

Thanks for your suggestions....

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Since you are using a Taylor kit, I suspect those test results are accurate. If so, we know the CYA is high, but you are compensating well by keeping the FC high. That's good for now until such time you can lower it. But when the FC is over 10, we expect the pH to be high as well. In your case, the pH is on the low end and the TA is already very low.

My recommendation ..... increase the TA to about 60-70 (baking soda). That should also allow the pH to rise a bit. If not, aerate a bit. Let the pH hoover in the 7.5-7.6 range and see how those two numbers work together for a few days. It may also help with the irritation you spoke of.

 

[IceShadow]

Note that you can’t test pH when FC is above 10. You may want to (carefully!) let your FC drop to around 10, retest pH, then immediately bring it back up.

Testing for pH is difficult with CYA as high as yours is due to the FC levels needed to keep it sanitary.

 

[IngroundAndClueless]

Thank you for the quick replies and information. Is addressing the high CA only possible by refilling with fresh water?

 

[Texas Splash]

Is addressing the high CA only possible by refilling with fresh water?

That is correct.

 

[IngroundAndClueless]

Thank you again for all your feedback. We made it through the summer safe and sound and I will be starting from scratch with fresh water next year.