Calcium level drop over winter

[datadr93]

I typically maintain my fiberglass pool around 180 to 220. When took my first measurement after opening (and water well circulated), it was at 80... water temp at 61.

How much does water temperature impact the accuracy of calcium test? Would it be in solution greater at colder temp and precipitate out as gets warmer? Don't want to add excessive amounts of calcium to bring to my target level if the water temp will impact the reading.

 

[Newdude]

With a mesh cover you get lots of rain dilution when the pool is closed for 2/3 of the year. You either pumped it out or it overflowed.

I started draining only the top few inches by suspending the pump in a bucket and retained most of my chemicals two years in a row. I used to lose at least 2/3 by draining from the bottom and now I am keeping at least 2/3.



Even after running the pump a couple hours the top water still tested 0 for salt and FC (rain?) so I started mixing after draining too. I sink the pump to the bottom and toss the hose on the cover giving left, right and center 20 mins each.

 

[datadr93]

It was 170 week before closed pool and drained 4 inches below the skimmer. I did drain twice during the winter (pump at bottom) to remove some accumulated melted snow that was starting to leak into skimmer. At soft open, only had about 1 inch above skimmer and it has since filled naturally to it's regular level. Pump running for last week+ when I took new level.

Didn't want to add extra calcium if water temp potentially impacted the reading. I added 5 lbs (increase by 36) since that's all I had remaining. Awaiting shipment of 25 lb bucket (need additional 12 lbs per PoolMath to hit 200).

I have a ledge in deep end I could easily place the pump onto when drain in future to prevent draining from the bottom.

 

[Newdude]

Didn't want to add extra calcium if water temp potentially impacted the reading.

It doesn't. It just needs a good 24 hours to mix upon opening the same way you wouldn't trust a calcium addition a couple hours later. Yours has run plenty, so that's not a factor here.

I have a ledge in deep end I could easily place the pump onto when drain in future to prevent draining from the bottom

I thought about my bench but figured it may pull water from 18 inches down that still had some goods. The bucket ensured i was only pulling the top couple of inches and I could have gone 200ft with the string if I needed to find anchors on either side. Lol.