Can I start now on the BBB?

[Richard320]

I just downloaded the pool calq. app on my iphone. That way I can take it with me to the store to get my chems. Thanks Richard, I will pay attention to the strength. I will figure out a good aeration method. Hopefully once I get this PH down, it should be a matter of just tweaking right?

Not the - gasp - pool store???? The pool store is best for things like a skimmer basket, not a bucket o'snake oil.

Muriatic acid is available at Pool Stores, big box hardware stores, even big box stores in season, if they have a big pool display set up. Compare strength and price. Sometimes the pool store works out cheaper.

Chlorine is available at the same places, definitely at Sam's, Walmart, Costco, Target. You'll have to do the math to figure out which is the best buy in your area. It's all the same stuff (unscented only) just different strengths. There's a thread on it somewhere.

CYA is available at the same places, if they have a pool display set up. Rumor has it that Wallyworld sells the good stuff. Just do the math to figure out whether 86% here works out cheaper than 100% there. The iphone may be handy there. Just a word of caution: you can always add more CYA if you under dose, but it's like an STD if you overdo it. Hard to get rid of. Causes problems you never dreamed of.

Baking soda is at the box stores, and the grocery store. So's Borax. Baking soda will probably never be necessary with your water. Borax is optional.

The whole point of BBB is cheap. Substitute some attention for $$$$. It's like having a movie-star smile. You can brush your teeth, just a few minutes a day, for pennies a week. Or neglect them for 8 months and spend five grand at the dentist once a year. The daily routine is much cheaper and much less pain.

 

[GCS]

Here is where I have been finding the better deals on the regular stuff we use

Clorox Bleach - Box of 2 182 ounce jubs at BJs for $6.99 per box
Stabilizer - Lowes, HD, or Wal-Mart - $12
Pool Salt - 40lb bags - Wal-Mart - $5.97
Baking Soda - 12lb bag "marked for pools no less" - Wal-Mart - $5.99
Acid -- have yet to need this (yay!!)

All testing strips and chemicals are ordered from the same place as the TF100.

Greg

 

[kawfytawk]

ok. so new pool almost full. I bought the muriatic acid at home depot. Got Bleach. unsure about the Calcium Chloride? This is my very first try with the BBB...and maintaining a pool for that matter. Could someone tell me EXACTLY what I need to put in there to get started and EXACTLY the best way to add these items (pretend you are talking to a bloomin idiot ) I have full HOT sun. Water temp is already a perfect 80 this am (and I am still filling, have about 2-inches to go)

 

[Melt In The Sun]

unsure about the Calcium Chloride?

With an AGP, you don't need to add any calcium.

 

[Bama Rambler]

PH 8.2 according to the small blue test kit
FC 3*.5 @ 1.5
TA 35*10 @ 350
CH 3*10 @30

1. If these numbers are the latest then here's what you should begin with.
2. Add 1½ quarts of muratic acid to bring the pH down. (pool calc calls for 3½ but lets do it in a couple of steps.)[/*:m:25frjhw9]
3. Add 4lbs of stabilizer either in a sock in front of a return or slowly in the skimmer (don't backwash for a week).[/*:m:25frjhw9]
4. Add 2 quarts of bleach to bring the FC up.[/*:m:25frjhw9]
5. Wait and hour, test pH & FC and post results.[/*:m:25frjhw9]

When we know what the new pH number is we'll tell you how much more MA to add.

Now would also be a good time to learn how to use the Pool Calculator.

 

[kawfytawk]

Thanks Bama...I downloaded the Pool Calc. on my iphone. I punched in my particulars and I got very similar amts. Although it said 1 qt plus 2cups 6 % bleach I could be off on my pool volume. I calculated 15400 gallons. To be honest I am nervous about making a mistake. Is there a preference on the "pool stabilizer"? And when you say "sock" are we talking cotton sock or a womens hosiery knee high...or is there a product called a "pool sock"....I know these questions must sound absurd to you...I apologize in advance

 

[Bama Rambler]

I'm probably bringing the FC a little higher that you targeted for, because without any CYA, the sun will eat it up pretty fast.
I calculated 12,000 gallons, but then I said it only had 42" of water.
I'm partial to Walmart stabilizer, but Lowes, HD and other places have it as well.
Yeah, a regular ole cotton sock or womens knee highs will work fine. Dumping it in the skimmer should also be fine because with new water you shouldn't have to backwash for a long time.