Draining Pool and Starting Over

[rads2525]

I admit I had delegated the testing of my pool water to my son who loves chemistry but since my Taylor 2005 kit agents have since expired, I recently bought the new TFPro with Ph tester and SLAM option. I’ve been sitting with the instructions half the day to digest this since I really need to understand what to do as my pool is in dire shape. What I am missing though is the SLAM option? Where is it? Is it the DPD powder that was included?

I have drained my pool half way and may do a little more tonight before I refill tomorrow and I want to be able to use this test kit quickly to get a baseline without wasting too much more time in terms of steps. Thanks!

 

[proavia]

This is the SLAM option contents

SLAM Option

tftestkits.net

This is the TF-Pro contents

TF-Pro

tftestkits.net

That being said, if the SLAM option was included in your packaging you would have two R0870 and two R0871 containers.
If this is not the case, contact TFTestkits at [email protected] - they will make it right based on what you ordered.

 

[Newdude]

I’ve been sitting with the instructions half the day to digest this since I really need to understand what to do as my pool is in dire shape

Ok. Here's the deal. Look at the whole instruction sheet and it looks Ike astrophysics. Block off everything but one test, using scrap paper or such. Gather the supplies needed, line them up in order and open them (if applicable) so they are ready to go. You don't even need to know what R-0871 (etc) is, just get it ready to go.

Take the stoopid simple steps one at a time. Seriously it's "fill vial to 10ml' or 'add 5 drop of XYZ'. It's ridiculously simple.

I pick up from my left and put down on my right. Then I cap everything after.

Repeat for all the tests and then post your results.

The CYA test needs overhead sun (with your back to it) for best results.

 

[HermanTX]

I’ve been sitting with the instructions half the day to digest this since I really need to understand what to do as my pool is in dire shape.

See this link - a tutorial for each test

TF100TestKit

The TF-100 sets the standard for excellence in Pool Testing Kits. It contains 7 separate tests to give you accurate readings on each important pool water parameter.

www.youtube.com

I have drained my pool half way and may do a little more tonight before I refill tomorrow and I want to be able to use this test kit quickly to get a baseline without wasting too much more time in terms of steps. Thanks!

Great.
We are here to help. Let us know when you have done the first set of tests. Post back to this thread.

 

[rads2525]

Ok. Here's the deal. Look at the whole instruction sheet and it looks Ike astrophysics. Block off everything but one test, using scrap paper or such. Gather the supplies needed, line them up in order and open them (if applicable) so they are ready to go. You don't even need to know what R-0871 (etc) is, just get it ready to go.

Take the stoopid simple steps one at a time. Seriously it's "fill vial to 10ml' or 'add 5 drop of XYZ'. It's ridiculously simple.

I pick up from my left and put down on my right. Then I cap everything after.

Repeat for all the tests and then post your results.

The CYA test needs overhead sun (with your back to it) for best results.

Thank you. It was daunting at first but now I know what to do as a starting point. I’ve begun the refilling process. I’ve also attached a pic of what it looked like prior to starting the refill as well as my equipment pad (tank is disassembled as I clean all my spare filters). Once I get it back to normal level of water, I test and then start the SLAM process with my timer on filter mode or circulate mode? I will be back with test results though here prior to adding chemicals. Still concerned about all the algae along the sides especially that dark side but hoping that with following the process, that will be less of a concern and eventually will be brushed off.

 

[Newdude]

Once I get it back to normal level of water, I test and then start the SLAM process with my timer on filter mode or circulate mode?

Yup.

SLAM Process print it out, read it a bunch and each time more will stick.

Get the CYA up to 30 if it's less after refilling

Get the Ph to a low 7

Slam away.

I will be back with test results though here prior to adding chemicals

We got you.

Have you familiarized yourself with
PoolMath ? It's awesome.

 

[rads2525]

Yup.

SLAM Process print it out, read it a bunch and each time more will stick.

Get the CYA up to 30 if it's less after refilling

Get the Ph to a low 7

Slam away.

We got you.

Have you familiarized yourself with
PoolMath ? It's awesome.

Yes I had no idea that the app originated here!! I have been using the Orenda app as well because I really wanted to confirm I had the volume correct and wasn’t under dosing but after reading about the overnight chlorine loss test I definitely feel that was at work given how much I put in at night and the next day had nothing left. So even if I had the volume slightly off, I was definitely under chlorinating big time given the chlorine loss due to the sun and algae. I feel far more aware now of how much I will need ahead of time to do SLAM properly and also test properly!

 

[rads2525]

OK great. That extra SLAM option for FC testing will be needed.
Once you fill, test for everything to have a starting baseline. This is as follows
pH
FC
CC
CH
TA
CYA

Print out and read the SLAM Process so you have a good understanding of it.
Stock up on liquid chlorine. 18,000 gals is a fairly large volume that needs to be treated.
Truthfully, that 200 sq ft filter is small, glad that you have multiple filters that you can switch out as needed.

Welp the pool is refilled and here are the baseline numbers from the TF Pro test kit:

pH 7.5
FC 0
CC 0
CH 550
TA 140
CYA 65

I also posted the recommendation from the app! So per the SLAM process am I doubling what the app is telling me? Or buying double what I need? Add chlorine tonight, run the filter overnight and then test again in the morning?

 

[PoolStored]

I'd add enough muriatic acid to lower pH to 7.2

We always round the CYA up to the next 10. Your CYA is 70. Your SLAM target is 28. Add a test result with 70 for CYA to pool math.

You enter current FC, and put in the amount recommended from pool math.
You buy twice that amount. I'd start by buying 10 gallons. My guess is that you will use much more than 10, given the color of the pool.

If you can do it, test and replace FC every 2-3 hours. You will need to do it that frequently, especially in the beginning to get ahead of the algae growth.

Brush everything!

Run the pump 24x7

 

[rads2525]

Making progress! CC was 6.5 today (FC 5), brushed a ton, calcium hardness and TA are a bit high but I’m not worrying about that right now. Hosed down the filter since the pressure went way up in 24 hours but not surprising given everything coming up as I brush. But it’s no longer dark green so that’s a plus!!

 

[PoolStored]

Great job.

How often are you testing and replacing FC?

How did your CH rise so fast? What chlorine are you using to slam? If you are using Cal-Hypo, stop and use liquid chlorine.

 

[rads2525]

Not sure why. This is the first time. I started the process yesterday at 6pm after cleaning the filter and brushing/skimming, put in the 5 gallons of liquid chlorine as well as muriatic acid to lower the pH. I was at work all day today and then when I got home, saw the pressure was super high, cleaned the filter and tested again and added the recommended amount of liquid chlorine. I’ve only been using liquid. I’ll test again in the morning and will be able to do more monitoring since I’m home.

 

[PoolStored]

Clean the test vial with rubbing alcohol.
For CH, add drops until the color does not change, then subtract that drop.
Hold the reagent vertical, squeeze sloooowly, allow the drops to form and drop under their own weight.

 

[rads2525]

So here’s the question. I put the recommended FC in before and my TC dropped (only by .5) but still, I needed my FC to go up, not down. My FC went from 5 to 3. Should I be putting more than the recommended amount from Pool Math? Because 1.5 gallons just doesn’t seem enough given that I lost some FC especially if my target is 12. TA is still high. Should I care about dropping it or just still focus on FC? Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

How long did you wait between testing at 5 and 3?
Did you clean and DRY your vial?
Explain how you are testing FC…step by step.

FC is your focus.
Don’t put in more.
Keep adding until you get to twelve.

 

[rads2525]

How long did you wait between testing at 5 and 3?
Did you clean and DRY your vial?
Explain how you are testing FC…step by step.

FC is your focus.
Don’t put in more.
Keep adding until you get to twelve.

9 hours between tests. And no I haven’t been actively drying my vial. I put a little rubbing alcohol in there, rinse it a few times, and that’s it.

FC I’m using the SLAM part of the test kit. When I put the vial in the water to get a sample, it immediately turns dark pink. I carefully drop some of the

How long did you wait between testing at 5 and 3?
Did you clean and DRY your vial?
Explain how you are testing FC…step by step.

FC is your focus.
Don’t put in more.
Keep adding until you get to twelve.

About 10 hours between tests. I did clean the vial but I admit I didn’t dry it other than just letting it sit in the kit with the cover open.

I carefully tap a bit of the R-0870 powder into the vial and swirl after each drop, following the instructions on the card. Then I do the CC part of the test. Today’s CC was 5 with FC as a 3. I also did the red and yellow ph tests and the color was in the 2-3 range.

 

[PoolStored]

About 10 hours between tests.

Then it is not surprising. You added to 12 and it consumed 9FC in 10 hours.

You need to follow the slam process. You add to enough to get to 12, wait two hours, test and add again to 12. If you wait 10 hours between additions, you will never clear the pool.

Print these instructions out, read them 3 times, keep them with you for reference. Having hard copy really helps! Link-->SLAM Process

 

[rads2525]

Then it is not surprising. You added to 12 and it consumed 9FC in 10 hours.

You need to follow the slam process. You add to enough to get to 12, wait two hours, test and add again to 12. If you wait 10 hours between additions, you will never clear the pool.

Print these instructions out, read them 3 times, keep them with you for reference. Having hard copy really helps! Link-->SLAM Process

Yeah I had to run my kids around a lot today with sports. I’m a single mom, just me and them so no one really to help monitor it every 2-3 hours. I can go for it tomorrow since I don’t have anything going on, but I’m back to work on Monday. I honestly don’t know how to do this if I’m away 8 hours a day during the work week. I test at the crack of dawn, do a little brushing and clean out and then after work I do a more through scrubbing. Is there a way I can utilize my timer to switch between filter and recirculate? I think someone mentioned that if I can’t be home.

 

[PoolStored]

I can go for it tomorrow since I don’t have anything going on, but I’m back to work on Monday.

Monday is labor day. I'm sorry you have to work.

I honestly don’t know how to do this if I’m away 8 hours a day during the work week. I test at the crack of dawn, do a little brushing and clean out and then after work I do a more through scrubbing.

Then do every 2 hours when you are home, even late into the night is fine...all the way to bed time. We do what we can.

Is there a way I can utilize my timer to switch between filter and recirculate?

It is not typical that automation switches between filter and recirc. Is there a reason you want to do this?

 

[rads2525]

Monday is labor day. I'm sorry you have to work.


Then do every 2 hours when you are home, even late into the night is fine...all the way to bed time. We do what we can.


It is not typical that automation switches between filter and recirc. Is there a reason you want to do this?

Not really. It’s what the pool service folks have done the way they’ve set up the timing system but never had the opportunity to ask why they would change the settings.

Hopefully I can finally reach 12 tomorrow. I’m down to my last 2 gallons so I’ll need to re-up tomorrow morning!