Drained Pool Based on High CYA Levels, Now What?

[ZLJ]

Good afternoon,

I recently tested my water and was told that the CYA ppm was 161 (normal range 30-100) and was told to drain it, so I did yesterday and just finished filling it up a few hours ago. Info on pool: I have an in ground plaster, medium gray color which holds approx. 15,000 gallons located in Southern CA. I called my local pool supply to ask what chemicals do I need to add for starters? They told me to add 2 gallons of chlorine and one gallon of muriatic acid which I have already done. Also, what water test kit would this forum recommend, one that includes a test for CYA ppm. I read a blog in which a test kit made by Taylor “Complete (FAS-DPD chlorine) M/N K-2006 was recommended

Please advise,

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
The kit K-2006 is correct or a better value (more reagents for testing) is the TF-100. See
Test Kits Compared

Actually the pool store gave you good advice, but you need to test the water to determine other variables such as CH, TA, pH, and CYA.

If you drained the pool completely, then you will need to add stabilizer (CYA) to get it in the range of 50-60. You did not mention if you had a saltwater pool so assume you will only use liquid chlorine. This prevents CYA increasing to unacceptable levels.

Suggest you get the test kit ASAP so you can test to determine next steps.

 

[RLP]

In the meantime add 5 ppm liquid chlorine daily, untill your test kit arrives.

PoolMath

PoolMath is a handy app based tool that does all of the calculations required to … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[reggiehammond]

I'd add 30ppm of CYA immediately, as well. The FC doesn't have a chance against UV without it.

 

[randytsuch]

While you're waiting for the test kit, I'd add a gallon a day of chlorine to keep your FC up. With the heat wave coming this week, you're going to burn up FC quickly.

And if you're getting a kit, I'd highly recommend getting a speed stir
test kit link

 

[ZLJ]

Welcome to TFP.
The kit K-2006 is correct or a better value (more reagents for testing) is the TF-100. See
Test Kits Compared

Actually the pool store gave you good advice, but you need to test the water to determine other variables such as CH, TA, pH, and CYA.

If you drained the pool completely, then you will need to add stabilizer (CYA) to get it in the range of 50-60. You did not mention if you had a saltwater pool so assume you will only use liquid chlorine. This prevents CYA increasing to unacceptable levels.

Suggest you get the test kit ASAP so you can test to determine next steps.

Thx Herman,
You are correct, I do not have a saltwater pool. Any recommendations on a specific brand in regards to a stabilizer?

 

[Newdude]

Any recommendations on a specific brand in regards to a stabilizer?

If you have time to wait a few days, Puritech on Amazon is always a good price per lb.

If you need it today, Google up HomeDepot, Lowes, WalMart and the poolstore because the prices fluctuate.

Always verify the bag says 100% Cyanuric Acid, even if you used that kind last time. Manufacturers change things all the time and you want to know while the bag is still full.

 

[ZLJ]

If you have time to wait a few days, Puritech on Amazon is always a good price per lb.

If you need it today, Google up HomeDepot, Lowes, WalMart and the poolstore because the prices fluctuate.

Always verify the bag says 100% Cyanuric Acid, even if you used that kind last time. Manufacturers change things all the time and you want to know while the bag is still full.

Thank you!

 

[proavia]

For the Taylor test kit, you want the K-2006C - the 'C' is important as it has the larger reagent quantites comparable to the TF-100 or TF-Pro.

If you get the TF-100 or K2006C, add the SmartStir or SpeedStir stirring device.
The TF-Pro includes the SmartStir.

The TF kits are the better value for residential pool testing as they include more of the reagents we use.
While you may thing the stirring device is gimicky - most anyone who has one wouldn't be without it.

 

[Newdude]

most anyone who has one wouldn't be without it.

+1. I found it too cliche to say how useful it was.

So I started recommending that you go try and take somebody's away. Let that be your guide on how badly you want one as well. Also, be prepared to fight dirty. They won't give theirs up easily.

 

[randytsuch]

One more thing to buy are standard solutions
CYA is a tricky test to perform, so I'd at least get the CYA standard to help you judge it.