Not much credence is given to pool store testing around here. While you would think that a "professional" would be the best, unfortunately in most cases it is quite the opposite. Between employees who blindly trust the word of chemical sales representatives and high school kids working in the pool store for the summer you end up with poor results from their testing. We have also found the CYA test to be the worst of the pool store tests. It really should be done outside in full sun and they are doing it indoors under artificial light. Dim light generally equates to a higher reading.
So, they told you your CYA is 125 (CYA tests above 100 are just a guess, not very specific contrary to what the pool store says) and sold you a potion (at around $50) to reduce the CYA. You went bac and they then told you it worked, but only went down 25. We need to sell you 2 more doses (at around $50 each again) and you will be good to go. In years past pool stores told folks to ignore CYA, that it didn't mean anything. Now they say they have a potion to fix high CYA so now it's a problem.
I took over my pool with a CYA of about 250 but three different pool stores told me it was fine in the 60 - 90 range.
We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. You need to take control of your pool. Order a
TF100 FAS/DPD test kit. If you really want to get fancy pick up a
SpeedStir and
Sample Sizer. They speed testing and accuracy. I have both and use them every time I test!
While you wait for it to get delivered, you have a homework reading assignment. Start with
ABCs of Water Chemistry and
Turning Your Green Swamp Back into a Sparkling Oasis.
Please
edit your signature and add the following information so we can better frame our answers to you.
- The size of your pool in gallons
- If your pool is an AG (above ground) or IG (in ground)
- If it's IG, tell us if it's vinyl, plaster/pebble, or fiberglass
- The type filter you have (sand, DE, cartridge)
- If you know, tell us the make and model of your pump and filter.
- List any other equipment you have: SWG, second pump, etc.
- Please mention if you fill the pool from a well or are currently on water restrictions
Information in your signature will show up each time you post and it makes advice more accurate as we know what equipment we are dealing with.
Additionally, please update your location in your profile to include the state. "Westlake village" really doesn't let me give you location specific advice as I have no idea if it's in Maine or Florida.
