Another new pool owner thread, from America's hat!

[ubernoob]

Hello!

Like many other new users, I've inherited a pool as a new home owner and I'm excited for my first year maintaining it!
I would first like to thank all the mods and users who keep up the great work of keeping this website going, and helping pool owners save a dollar or two!

With some help from a local pool company, I'll be opening my pool tomorrow so I'll finally get to see what's underneath... I wasn't quite that ambitious and confident in opening the pool this year, but maybe next year I'll give it a shot!
So far I can't tell the size/volume of my pool, so i'll need to report back on that soon.

Also I'm not completely confident on the make or model of my pump either, I could only make an educated guess by looking up random models online. However if it is a 1 speed pump, how do you folks keep it on for just a few hours a day without an automation system?

I've gotten my TF-PRO test kit and I'm ready to avoid any visits to the pool store! It's unbelievable what they charge here for taylor test kits.

I'll also be picking up a pool vac shortly after (which seems like an extremely convoluted process with the amount of different models/names given to the exact same product), haven't quite figured out which one to go for, as recent posts on the fourms suggests they die within 2-5 years anyways.

The previous owner was kind enough to leave me some chemicals, not too sure if I want to use them or not. (especially the grout..)

Thanks for listening and I'm looking forward to learning more!

 

[woodyp]

Nice pool. Welcome to the forum. Post up your first set of test results for us.

 

[ubernoob]

Took my very first reading after ~4 days of the pool being opened by the local pool company... a throwback to science class!

FC: 16
TC: 16.5
PH: 7
TA: 30
CH: 200
CYA: 70

I think I should wait a few days before taking reading and making the adjustments to my PH/TA/CH, or can I do this immediately?

Also, went with the Polaris Epic 8640.. Seems like a good robot, and we have plenty of authorized repair stores for polaris in Canada.

 

[Newdude]

I think I should wait a few days before taking reading and making the adjustments to my PH/TA/CH

If the pump has been on at times for 4 days, you're good and mixed.

CH doesn't matter for vinyl pools. Your heater may reccomend 200, and that's where you're at so woohoo.

Raise TA per PoolMath and the PH will go up a bit also. FYI, any 7 is fine for PH.

The 70 CYA is concerning and likely due to those pucks you found. You'll have to run a higher FC until it drops (sloooooowly) or drain some water. See FC/CYA Levels.

However if it is a 1 speed pump, how do you folks keep it on for just a few hours a day without an automation system?

An old fashioned mechanical timer.

 

[ubernoob]

Took my third reading today, I'm finding that my chlorine levels are dropping very fast unexpectedly.. Is this normal?
It's still pretty cold here in Toronto, although it's been quite sunny averaging around 66f over the last week. Pool hasn't seen any action either, far too cold to be swimming.
I run my robot vac every other day and empty my skimmer daily. Pool is crystal clear.

Also, seems like my Calcium Hardness levels went up without me adding anything.

Chlorine - 16 -> 0
PH: 7.2 -> 7.6
TA: 30 -> 70 (Added baking soda)
CH: 200 -> 300 ( ??? )
CYA: 60

 

[PoolStored]

Took my third reading today, I'm finding that my chlorine levels are dropping very fast unexpectedly.. Is this normal?

No.

If you can get FC to hold above 3, Do this test tonight...Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

If not, add more LC until you can get FC to hold above 3, then do the test tomorrow night.

If you fail, then get ready to SLAM if you fail OCLT...Link-->SLAM Process

Welcome to TFP!!!

 

[proavia]

Over what time span did your FC fall from 16 to 0?

 

[PoolStored]

Over what time span did your FC fall from 16 to 0?

Another really good catch.

 

[ubernoob]

Over what time span did your FC fall from 16 to 0?

9 Days

 

[proavia]

That would be pretty normal.
A pool will lose 2-4 (or more) ppm of chlorine DAILY.
You will need to test more frequently and add anytime the FC is outside the target range for your CYA
FC/CYA Levels

How are you chlorinating?

 

[ubernoob]

That would be pretty normal.
A pool will lose 2-4 (or more) ppm of chlorine DAILY.
You will need to test more frequently and add anytime the FC is outside the target range for your CYA
FC/CYA Levels

How are you chlorinating?

Just grabbed some 10.2% liquid chlorine today and dumped a gallon in the pool.
Sorry I was under the impression that my chlorine loss per day was closer to 1!

 

[proavia]

It may be - but don't guess, test.

The higher the chlorine level is above target, the faster it will burn off in the daytime.

 

[ubernoob]

Great, thanks!
Think i'm good - re-measured this morning at 5, so no chlorine loss overnight!