Dead mouse

[Vinchenzzi]

Found dead mouse in pool today. Was not there this morning, must have fell and drowned during day. 28k gallon pool. Chlorine or shock? How much ?

 

[Texas Splash]

Since you got it out right away, your regular chlorine level should take care of any external critter contaminants. But if you're still concerned about residual issues, there's no harm in increasing the FC a little, to perhaps 1/2 your SLAM level, if it makes you feel better. It's not uncommon for me to find a field mouse in our pool. I just remove it and press-on.

 

[Donldson]

What do you mean by "chlorine or shock"?

 

[Razorhog]

Like Texas Splash said, increase FC to half your shock level if it makes you feel better. If you maintain FC in the suggested levels for your CYA, you'll be fine. Just get the critter out and let the water circulate a while. I've had mice, short tailed shrews, moles, frogs, snakes, and squirrels all perish in the pool. Saved several squirrels that were VERY tired of treading water. Just get them out and do a FC check, maybe boost it a little.

 

[Vinchenzzi]

I am simply trying to determine my next move. If I have chosen the sight where all who dwell here make an individual feel stupid because a lack of experience, perhaps I will go elsewhere. If anyone wants to offer something constructive here are my levels.
CH 500
TC 5
FC 3
PH 6.8
TA 120
CYA 0
THANK YOU to those who remember where they came from.

 

[Perpetual summer]

Vinchenzzi, first thing you need to do is click on the pool school tab and check out the ABC's of Chemistry. It will explain what each chemical is and what it's used for, and take note of the levels for your pool. It very important to understand the levels and why they are what they are. Cya is insufficient, looks like your cc is a 2= Very high.

 

[Razorhog]

Sorry. I was not aware that people who just put in their first pool, in their first month of owning and operating are required to be experts in the art of pool chemistry. I am simply trying to determine my next move. If I have chosen the sight where all who dwell here make an individual feel stupid because a lack of experience, perhaps I will go elsewhere. If anyone wants to offer something constructive here are my levels.
CH 500
TC 5
FC 3
PH 6.8
TA 120
CYA 0
THANK YOU to those who remember where they came from.

You are not required to be an expert, we are here to help and help you understand. Apologies.

Now, my first question is how are you getting those test results? The reason I ask is because they aren't good and you need to SLAM, regardless of the rodent removal. Your Combined Chlorine is high and your CYA is 0 which is not a good situation. Is the water clear?

 

[funandsun]

Ok Ok everyone.. let's start over.. Welcome to TFP Vinchenzzi. No need to get too alarmed by the critter, from time to time I too find small rodents in my skimmer basket, certainly no harm in bumping your FC up 1-2ppm.

I think the thing many right now are wondering is about your CYA at 0 and your pH a little low. You must be going through a lot of chlorine (assuming it's an outdoor pool).

But by your signature, it sounds beautiful. Feel free to throw up some pics! A new pool is always great motivation for us other noobs.

 

[Vinchenzzi]

Pool is crystal clear. Not sure how to upload a photo. Would love to share. I am awaiting arrival of k2006 test kit. For now I'm using Clorox test kit I purchased at Wal-Mart. I have not used any chlorine other than initial start up. I added two 10 lb bags of stabilizer in the month its been open, and I've kept salt cell at 100% while running pump 24/7. I have rpms at 1500 for 15 hrs, 2200 for 5 and 3000 for 4

 

[Razorhog]

Pool is crystal clear. Not sure how to upload a photo. Would love to share. I am awaiting arrival of k2006 test kit. For now I'm using Clorox test kit I purchased at Wal-Mart. I have not used any chlorine other than initial start up. I added two 10 lb bags of stabilizer in the month its been open, and I've kept salt cell at 100% while running pump 24/7. I have rpms at 1500 for 15 hrs, 2200 for 5 and 3000 for 4

Ok well you are on the right track with ordering a k2006 test kit! Two 10 lb bags of stabilizer should put you around 80 ppm CYA, which is ok for a pool with a salt water generator. Keep doing what you are doing and let's wait for that test kit to get some good test results. You'll be fine!

 

[Texas Splash]

vinchenzzi, I can see since my initial reply that the mouse is probably the least of your concerns right now. No worries, as noted, the K-2006 will help tremendously. Don't try to do too much until it arrives. We want no wasted time or expenses. Once your kit arrives, post a full set of test results from that kit so we can confirm a few things. In the meantime, I would recommend reading/bookmarking the vital links below in my signature. They will come-in handy, not only for what would appear to be a pending "SLAM", but also for future reference. One final note to think about ... with that Clorox test kit, I'm not sure how reliable the pH test is. But if it is indeed at 6.8 or so, I would be very concerned about erosion to your heater if it has copper coils. Just be aware of that. Anything below 7.2 and we get nervous.

To upload a photo, there should be a picture icon on your post tool bar, or another icon shaped a bit like a square with dots at each corner that should allow an upload. But since you're new, you might want to save that storage space for future uploads. We'll watch for those test results. Have a good one!

 

[Vinchenzzi]

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry about two pics. It looks good, feels wonderful, now I just want to make sure I take care of it appropriately. Thanks and ill be in touch

 

[funandsun]

that is BEAUTIFUL!

 

[kizerman]

Found dead mouse in pool today. Was not there this morning, must have fell and drowned during day. 28k gallon pool. Chlorine or shock? How much ?

Don't do anything. If you knew what was at the bottom of even the cleanest lakes and rivers people swim in you'd probably rather eat that dead mouse you just found than swim in them.

 

[Vinchenzzi]

Ok. Sorry it took so long. I received my K2006 test kit. Been a busy couple weeks but finally the results.
FC 9
CC 0
PH 7.8
ALK. 100
CH. 170
CYA. 45

I am ready for your hits, just take it easy

 

[Texas Splash]

Those are some pretty good numbers. That explains the crystal clear water. For future reference, with a CYA in the mids like that, simply round-up. So call your CYA 50. If your pH tries to get darker and sneak over the 7.8 range, simply knock it down with a little muriatic acid. But for now, you appear to be on the right track. Congrats on the test kit and taking charge of your pool. Enjoy!

 

[Razorhog]

What Pat said, looks good!!! [emoji3]

 

[Vinchenzzi]

Do i ever add chlorine? The only thing i have been doing is turning ic40 up to 100 and then down to 40. I have not put anything else in. I would like to add how extremely different my results are with this kit as opposed to strips and the pool store. I just want to ensure the clear water

 

[Texas Splash]

You'll test some chemicals on a fairly frequent basis, some more than others, just to ensure they remain within the recommended ranges. FC typically gets checked everyday, and pH perhaps every 2-3 days depending upon how quickly it fluctuates. Some other levels like CYA and CH might only get checked once a month unless you have a large water exchange. You'll find a good pattern for each as your pool stays steady. You can post back here anytime for validation of your own testing. Just toss any remaining test strips as they are basically trash, and don't try to compare your results with the pool store. It will only confuse/frustrate you. YOU are in charge now with a proper test kit.

As for chlorine, your SWG is creating that for you, but you still need to test FC to ensure it's good. If you don't have a salt test kit, you might consider getting one of those as well at some point. Pool School - Water Balance for SWGs