Can't get chlorine level to rise. What am i doing wrong?

[Yaguci]

Total newbie here. First week of owning a wading pool, summer wave 10' x 30". (1072 gal)

Filled it up with tap (city) water on Monday. It's 3rd day today. Local pool supply store recommended and sold me Omega Super Shock (12.5% sodium chloride). However, I keep adding this stuff but can't get chlorine to register on the testing strips. Every time it's "white".

What am i doing wrong?

I have the app, subscribed, and keeping a log of everything so far.

Thank you for any assistance.

 

[merc123]

I would dump the strips and get the TF100 test kit. You’ll get more accurate readings.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You may want to consider following Seasonal Pools
You do need a drop based test kit. Something like a 5 way test kit from Walmart or Home Depot. Strips are worthless.

 

[Yaguci]

Thank you for the feedback. TF100 is out of stock everywhere, so I ordeter the Taylor K-2006. It will arrive on Monday. Since its a new fill, in assuming I'll need conditioner first. So you recommend liquid or solid? I have 1000 gal, AG vinyl, with tiny pump. 600 gph, I believe. I'll replace it soon. I ordered a 1000 gph pump already.

 

[mknauss]

TF100 is only available through TFTestkits.net.

I assume you decided to not follow the Seasonal Pool process.

Solid CYA granules will work. Put them in a sock to dissolve.

 

[Prickly]

Your chlorine level could actually be high and bleaching out your test strips making it appear that you have none. While you wait for a test kit, try doing a dilution of your sample with tap water to determine if it is bleaching your strip

 

[kdaniels3514]

so on the chlorine to high, what is the ratio of tap to pool water?

 

[mknauss]

so I ordeter the Taylor K-2006. It will arrive on Monday.

That quote is from June 5. Did you get the K2006 kit?

 

[kdaniels3514]

no, just getting started and yes I am using the dreaded test strip (Clorox Brand). and my ph is high and both chlorine levels are very low. I have a fiberglass pool (16,000 gal) saltwater system. however, it is not operational yet. So I have been adding shock. Kids just want to swim so I'm doing what can to keep them safe. We just poured the concrete around the pool. And it has been a bear to get that stuff out. So, If my Chlorine is too high, bleaching the strip, what ratio (pool to tap water) should I use to see if it that is the case?

 

[Prickly]

so on the chlorine to high, what is the ratio of tap to pool water?

Try mixing 50/50. If that doesn't work you could try 25 percent pool water to 75 percent tap water. I have seen pools with over 50 ppm chlorine when they aren't being managed properly. Some test strips could bleach out when you're over 10 ppm

 

[mknauss]

While you are awaiting delivery of a proper test kit, get a drop based kit at Home Depot or Walmart to at least test TC and pH.