Hi everyone,
I found my way to this site a few weeks ago while searching for info on how to care for the pool that came with our house. This is our first pool experience beyond an inflatable orka whale, so my pool chemistry knowledge level is fairly low. I have read all the basic pool school info now know how little I know about pools! I wish to move to the BBB method, and am interested in adding borates at some point as long as the borates aren't dangerous for the kiddos. I have already purchased 6% bleach, borax, baking soda, and have a borate test kit on order.
In addition to the pool stats in my signature, I have attached some pictures to convey the current situation. As you can see, there is heavy scale buildup on the stone. The bottom of the pool has some dark gray patches that appear to be the result of loss of color in the plaster, but there are some other sandy brown patches that I cannot identify. As you can see in the picture of the spa wall, something has caused considerable pitting. I have had some recurring green algae but I don't see any at the moment. Otherwise, the water is crystal clear.
The lastest test results are as follows:
FC - 6
CC - 0.5
TC - 6.5
pH - 7.8
TA - 140
CH - 450
CYA - 90
Per the Pool School recommendations, some of the readings are out of line. Which is most critical, and is there any preferred order of correction? What is the cause of the patches on the bottom of the pool? Is this algae? From what I have read, the scale buildup is beyond the simple acid wash removal technique so I would need to go with bead blasting or some other method. Has anyone tried power washing?
As a side note, my five-year-old is having a birthday pool party next weekend, whatever I do needs to permit the party to go on as scheduled.
Thanks in advance! Any help is appreciated.
I found my way to this site a few weeks ago while searching for info on how to care for the pool that came with our house. This is our first pool experience beyond an inflatable orka whale, so my pool chemistry knowledge level is fairly low. I have read all the basic pool school info now know how little I know about pools! I wish to move to the BBB method, and am interested in adding borates at some point as long as the borates aren't dangerous for the kiddos. I have already purchased 6% bleach, borax, baking soda, and have a borate test kit on order.
In addition to the pool stats in my signature, I have attached some pictures to convey the current situation. As you can see, there is heavy scale buildup on the stone. The bottom of the pool has some dark gray patches that appear to be the result of loss of color in the plaster, but there are some other sandy brown patches that I cannot identify. As you can see in the picture of the spa wall, something has caused considerable pitting. I have had some recurring green algae but I don't see any at the moment. Otherwise, the water is crystal clear.
The lastest test results are as follows:
FC - 6
CC - 0.5
TC - 6.5
pH - 7.8
TA - 140
CH - 450
CYA - 90
Per the Pool School recommendations, some of the readings are out of line. Which is most critical, and is there any preferred order of correction? What is the cause of the patches on the bottom of the pool? Is this algae? From what I have read, the scale buildup is beyond the simple acid wash removal technique so I would need to go with bead blasting or some other method. Has anyone tried power washing?
As a side note, my five-year-old is having a birthday pool party next weekend, whatever I do needs to permit the party to go on as scheduled.
Thanks in advance! Any help is appreciated.