borax causes cloudy water?

[sockmonkey]

Hi, We've been trying to balance our pool water for a couple of weeks. The ph is always low or non existent, but whenever I add the amount of Borax suggested on poolcalculator, the water gets super cloudy. How do I fix it, and is it safe to swim in?

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

First, it is NOT safe to swim if you can't clearly see the bottom of the pool.

Second, post up a full set of test results from the K-2006 because the other factor as to whether it is safe or not is your chlorine (FC) level compared to your CYA level.

 

[sockmonkey]

CYA- so high there is no number
FC- now it's not registering again
TA- 130
PH- 7.0 right now

We are in the process of draining 1/2 the water because of the CYA level. Is that the right thing to do?

 

[mknauss]

Do not drain your vinyl liner pool below leaving 1 foot of water in the shallow end!

Did you do the dilution test on the CYA? If you are well above 100, you will most likely need to do multiple drain and refills.

Good luck!

 

[jblizzle]

Yes, replacing water would be the first step .. make sure you leave at least 1 foot of water in the shallow end to reduce the risk of the liner shifting/shrinking.

When you get the CYA in range, you likely need to follow the SLAM Process process.

How are you chlorinating your pool?

Have you discovered Pool School yet? Start with these:
ABCs of Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
How to Chlorinate Your Pool