I finally got my test kit today!!! I was so excited when I saw it, but my excitement was short lived because it started raining. Is it okay to begin shocking my pool during the rain? Or would it be beneficial to wait until the rain stops?
done shocking, but water still very cloudy!
- Thread starter kdubya815
- Start date
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Normal rain is not a problem at all. If you have a thunderstorm or high winds, there could be issues. Otherwise the main problem is that you will get wet when you go out to take care of the pool.
Normal rain is not a problem at all. If you have a thunderstorm or high winds, there could be issues. Otherwise the main problem is that you will get wet when you go out to take care of the pool.
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
If there is any lightning, even several miles away, associated with the rain or storm, best to not take the chance of a lightning strike. It can get you from several miles away.
When we have a "normal" rain, which is quite rare here, because it normally only "storms" here, "toad chokers", with lots of cloud to ground lightning, and gale force winds, I love working on the pool and yard in the rain (not so much fun in winter though). Been doing it forever with our pool; doesn't really seem to affect anything except to make it more fun. It's nice to have a covered area, porch, umbrella, etc., to sit down to do the chem readings or just step inside for a bit to do them.
gg=alice
If there is any lightning, even several miles away, associated with the rain or storm, best to not take the chance of a lightning strike. It can get you from several miles away.
When we have a "normal" rain, which is quite rare here, because it normally only "storms" here, "toad chokers", with lots of cloud to ground lightning, and gale force winds, I love working on the pool and yard in the rain (not so much fun in winter though). Been doing it forever with our pool; doesn't really seem to affect anything except to make it more fun. It's nice to have a covered area, porch, umbrella, etc., to sit down to do the chem readings or just step inside for a bit to do them.
gg=alice
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Wow!! I felt like a kid getting her first chemistry set when I opened the package with my test kit in it! A little bit overwhelmed by all the chemicals, but I can certainly manage!
Tested my water and here are my results: (did not test FC and CC because I knew there was no chlorine as I have not started shocking yet!)
ph - 8.2
TA - 130
CYA - >20
I am very surprised by my CYA level. When I took a sample to the pool store, they said it was over 120 - twice! I drained/refilled by vacuuming to waste 3 times, now I have to add CYA? That's a bit crazy. I think I will test one more time before I start shocking. Should I wait to adjust CYA until after I am done shocking, or is it something I can do simultaneously?
Thank you for all your help!
Wow!! I felt like a kid getting her first chemistry set when I opened the package with my test kit in it! A little bit overwhelmed by all the chemicals, but I can certainly manage!
Tested my water and here are my results: (did not test FC and CC because I knew there was no chlorine as I have not started shocking yet!)
ph - 8.2
TA - 130
CYA - >20
I am very surprised by my CYA level. When I took a sample to the pool store, they said it was over 120 - twice! I drained/refilled by vacuuming to waste 3 times, now I have to add CYA? That's a bit crazy. I think I will test one more time before I start shocking. Should I wait to adjust CYA until after I am done shocking, or is it something I can do simultaneously?
Thank you for all your help!
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
CYA at 20+ is good enough for shocking the pool. I would leave CYA alone. But do lower PH to between 7.2 and 7.4 before shocking. Then finish adjusting the CYA level when you are done shocking.
CYA at 20+ is good enough for shocking the pool. I would leave CYA alone. But do lower PH to between 7.2 and 7.4 before shocking. Then finish adjusting the CYA level when you are done shocking.
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
You're going to get wet if you try brushing or vacuuming in the rain. But here's a tip: Get a sample of water and carry it somewhere dry to do your testing. You can do it sitting down at a table, even. No need to squat next to the pool. It's also hard to knock reagents into the pool if they're nowhere near it.
I use a 16 oz. plastic measuring cup with a pour spout. Rinse it a couple times in the pool, invert it, plunge your arm in and then right it, and you'll have plenty of water to test. Or use a piece of pipe as a pipette, like I do. Stick it in, cap thumb over end, lift, and rinse. Then cap, push into pool, uncap, let it fill, cap again, move to cup and empty. Carry cup over to test area. Take your time playing junior scientist.
Isn't it fun?kdubya815 said:
You're going to get wet if you try brushing or vacuuming in the rain. But here's a tip: Get a sample of water and carry it somewhere dry to do your testing. You can do it sitting down at a table, even. No need to squat next to the pool. It's also hard to knock reagents into the pool if they're nowhere near it.
I use a 16 oz. plastic measuring cup with a pour spout. Rinse it a couple times in the pool, invert it, plunge your arm in and then right it, and you'll have plenty of water to test. Or use a piece of pipe as a pipette, like I do. Stick it in, cap thumb over end, lift, and rinse. Then cap, push into pool, uncap, let it fill, cap again, move to cup and empty. Carry cup over to test area. Take your time playing junior scientist.
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Richard,
Thanks for the tip! I would have never thought about that! I was wondering how to keep the test kit dry in the rain!! A ditsy moment, I know!!
Kelly
Richard,
Thanks for the tip! I would have never thought about that! I was wondering how to keep the test kit dry in the rain!! A ditsy moment, I know!!
Kelly
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Richard320 said:Isn't it fun?kdubya815 said:
You are not alone in "felt like a kid getting her first chemistry set". There are few of us here who have not felt that way. The kit is put together so well and is pretty too. I still love opening it up. Like getting a nice present every time. Thanks, Duraleigh.
You're going to get wet if you try brushing or vacuuming in the rain. But here's a tip: Get a sample of water and carry it somewhere dry to do your testing. You can do it sitting down at a table, even. No need to squat next to the pool. It's also hard to knock reagents into the pool if they're nowhere near it.
I use a 16 oz. plastic measuring cup with a pour spout. Rinse it a couple times in the pool, invert it, plunge your arm in and then right it, and you'll have plenty of water to test. Or use a piece of pipe as a pipette, like I do. Stick it in, cap thumb over end, lift, and rinse. Then cap, push into pool, uncap, let it fill, cap again, move to cup and empty. Carry cup over to test area. Take your time playing junior scientist.
This is an especially great way to collect water especially for those who don't "bend" well or can't and in winter when touching the water will take your breath away. BTW.... I rinse the tube several times by dipping it in the water, up and down a few times, without holding thumb over end, so that all parts of tube get swished with pool water; just like rinsing other containers with pool water before using.
Ladies, as most of us have smaller thumbs than most men, a 1/2" PVC (outside diameter) is a good size rather than the larger one some men use.
gg=alice
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Wow and duh all in one! This may be the best thing I've learned from this board! I never thought of that!! Thanks for sharing!!
[/quote]geekgranny said:
Wow and duh all in one! This may be the best thing I've learned from this board! I never thought of that!! Thanks for sharing!!
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Well, after playing junior scientist a few times, I have FINALLY begun shocking!! Yay!!
My numbers prior to pouring the bleach:
ph - 7.5 - finally brought it down from 8.2
TA - 70
CH - 130
CYA - 20-30
Should I initially test the FC after 30 mins, adjust, and then test in an hour?
Well, after playing junior scientist a few times, I have FINALLY begun shocking!! Yay!!
My numbers prior to pouring the bleach:
ph - 7.5 - finally brought it down from 8.2
TA - 70
CH - 130
CYA - 20-30
Should I initially test the FC after 30 mins, adjust, and then test in an hour?
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
I just finished testing FC and CC (bleach was added about 10 mins before my previous post). Here are my numbers:
FC - 11.5
CC - 2
There is a noticeable difference in the color. Much softer green! Hopefully that indicates progress! Added more bleach per the Pool Calculator, and will test in about 45 mins.
Funny tidbit - the frogs are unusually loud tonight - I am seeing many more on the sides since I began shocking! They are going to have to find a new home. I am hoping that a "side effect" of turning my swamp into a sparkling oasis is that my frog population will drastically be reduced! I know my neighbors will appreciate it!
I just finished testing FC and CC (bleach was added about 10 mins before my previous post). Here are my numbers:
FC - 11.5
CC - 2
There is a noticeable difference in the color. Much softer green! Hopefully that indicates progress! Added more bleach per the Pool Calculator, and will test in about 45 mins.
Funny tidbit - the frogs are unusually loud tonight - I am seeing many more on the sides since I began shocking! They are going to have to find a new home. I am hoping that a "side effect" of turning my swamp into a sparkling oasis is that my frog population will drastically be reduced! I know my neighbors will appreciate it!
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Tested the water at 10:40. My FC is 14.5. I went ahead and added another quart of bleach to get back up to 15. I am going to try to check it one more time before I go to bed.
Here is my attempt at posting pictures (hopefully it will work!!)
[attachment=1:35fv7507]DSCF1318.jpg[/attachment:35fv7507]
[attachment=0:35fv7507]DSCF1327.jpg[/attachment:35fv7507]
Hopefully things will continue to progress nicely! Wish me luck!
Kelly
Tested the water at 10:40. My FC is 14.5. I went ahead and added another quart of bleach to get back up to 15. I am going to try to check it one more time before I go to bed.
Here is my attempt at posting pictures (hopefully it will work!!)
[attachment=1:35fv7507]DSCF1318.jpg[/attachment:35fv7507]
[attachment=0:35fv7507]DSCF1327.jpg[/attachment:35fv7507]
Hopefully things will continue to progress nicely! Wish me luck!
Kelly
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Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Congrats on the frog stampede and Good Luck!
You are on your way to crystal clear water!
FWIW, Attack with the bleach, brush like crazy, and keep an eye on your filter pressure. My pool looked about the same as yours this spring. The cover blew/fell off mid winter and it was WAY too cold to go diving. Bottom line is it took about a week to clean up, but I was very diligent with maintaining FC levels at or slightly above shock levels, and cleaned my filter at the first sign of "clogging" to maintain maximum filtration flow and circulation.
The good news for you is you have a sand filter. Alot easier to backwash rather than clean cartridges every two hours!
Congrats on the frog stampede and Good Luck!
You are on your way to crystal clear water! FWIW, Attack with the bleach, brush like crazy, and keep an eye on your filter pressure. My pool looked about the same as yours this spring. The cover blew/fell off mid winter and it was WAY too cold to go diving. Bottom line is it took about a week to clean up, but I was very diligent with maintaining FC levels at or slightly above shock levels, and cleaned my filter at the first sign of "clogging" to maintain maximum filtration flow and circulation.
The good news for you is you have a sand filter. Alot easier to backwash rather than clean cartridges every two hours!
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Thanks for all the encouragement yall! This morning, my FC was 3 and CC was 2. I added 3 182oz jugs per the PC.
Do I need to continue checking levels every hour? If not, how often should I test: every 2, hours, 4 hours, or another time interval?
Also, I changed the pressure gauge last year, but for some reason it does not work. I think water got in it from the snow/ice/rain season we had! I will replace it, but for right now, how do I know when to backwash? I can tell when the return jet starts getting weaker. Is that an acceptable "gauge" for right now?
Thank you for all of your help!
Thanks for all the encouragement yall! This morning, my FC was 3 and CC was 2. I added 3 182oz jugs per the PC.
Do I need to continue checking levels every hour? If not, how often should I test: every 2, hours, 4 hours, or another time interval?
Also, I changed the pressure gauge last year, but for some reason it does not work. I think water got in it from the snow/ice/rain season we had! I will replace it, but for right now, how do I know when to backwash? I can tell when the return jet starts getting weaker. Is that an acceptable "gauge" for right now?
Thank you for all of your help!
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
You will be the best judge of how often to test and add chlorine. From your pics, it looks like you should be doing it pretty often but that interval will be extended as your pool clears. The more consistent you can be with keeping your FC in the 10-15 range ALL THE TIME, the faster your pool will clear.
Sorry I can't be more specific about the exact times but I think you will soon develop a "feel" for the process of shocking. Keep your FC up all the time, vacuum and brush as often as you find practical, and backwash when necessary.
Posting pics of your progess is helpful and encouraging.
Yeah, sorta', but bump it up close to the top on your priority list. A working guage is an integral part of your pool. I'd screw in a new one ASAP.
You will be the best judge of how often to test and add chlorine. From your pics, it looks like you should be doing it pretty often but that interval will be extended as your pool clears. The more consistent you can be with keeping your FC in the 10-15 range ALL THE TIME, the faster your pool will clear.
Sorry I can't be more specific about the exact times but I think you will soon develop a "feel" for the process of shocking. Keep your FC up all the time, vacuum and brush as often as you find practical, and backwash when necessary.
Posting pics of your progess is helpful and encouraging.
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
So I waited two hours to test again and my FC fell from 15.5 to 6. I won't be waiting that long anymore while I am still in shocking mode!
Here are some pics of my progress:
[attachment=0:2j94thjg]DSCF1338.tfp.jpg[/attachment:2j94thjg]
So I waited two hours to test again and my FC fell from 15.5 to 6. I won't be waiting that long anymore while I am still in shocking mode!
Here are some pics of my progress:
[attachment=0:2j94thjg]DSCF1338.tfp.jpg[/attachment:2j94thjg]
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Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Another progress picture:
[attachment=0:jwhkyqjc]DSCF1344.tfp.jpg[/attachment:jwhkyqjc]
Can I bring the FC up to 20-25 overnight? I have to work from 10p-6a and won't be able to check it as often tonight. Will I just be wasting chemicals or will it actually help?
Kelly
Another progress picture:
[attachment=0:jwhkyqjc]DSCF1344.tfp.jpg[/attachment:jwhkyqjc]
Can I bring the FC up to 20-25 overnight? I have to work from 10p-6a and won't be able to check it as often tonight. Will I just be wasting chemicals or will it actually help?
Kelly
Attachments
Re: Can't wait to work on pool - will rain stop me?
Algae never sleeps. Keep the FC up.
Algae never sleeps. Keep the FC up.