Did I estimate my pool size wrong?

[Tnutt]

Today, I started adding chemicals to my pool for the first time and everything I did was a grater than expected result.

For example:

pH was 8.2, I dosed to be 7.0 and it came out 6.8. I corrected to be 7.2 and it came out 7.5.

FC was 0, I dosed to be 10 and it came out 13.5.

My pool is a kidney shape so not super easy to measure. I’m wondering if it’s smaller than I think. Should I adjust my pool math to be less gallons so my chemicals can be measured closer to the target?

 

[jblizzle]

I would lower the volume used in PoolMath and see if a smaller number gets you more consistently to your targets.

 

[Dimchik]

Use the formula listed in this article for kidney shaped pool

https://www.swimmingpool.com/testing-water/pool-volume-calculator

 

[niteshift38]

As jblizzle said, I agree 100%!!! A trick I learned to use with a NEW batch of chlorine (or bleach), I plug my actual FC tested # into pool math along with my target #, then add that amount of chlorine. I wait about 1 to 1-1/2hrs and read my FC again. If it is higher or lower than the pool math number, I adjust the volume accordingly till the recommended amount it says to add equals what I actually got. I might do this several times a season. Keep in mind that I buy my chlorine several gallons or more at a time. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!!

P.S. Keep in mind, the "estimated" volume you enter (based on the batch of chlorine you have) might not apply to your other readings. You can always adjust the volume back to the original (in pool math) for those readings. Mine have been enough in the ball park to give me a wonderful TFP clear pool

 

[Oly]

Trust but verify. Calculators, chemical strengths, pool size, and FC loss estimates are the assumptions. Verify your real world situation with your test kit and adjust your model accordingly.