Dug in deep to learn about new pool chemistry and up keep after recently buying house with pool. Tested water (now usingTF-100 kit), in store at first, and have come to the conclusion I need to rent submersible pump and drain. Tested for partial drain potential - and based on testing, it would require at least 3/4 drain to start maybe getting in ideal ranges for CYA, TC - and who knows. Current chemistry....
CYA - 150-200
FC - 25 - 30 (interestingly, keeps going up even though removed chlroine tabs, only source over two weeks ago - maybe b/c its getting warmer, chlorine is getting released from CYA)?
CC - 0
CH - 700-1000
PH - 7.3 (i brought this up w/chems before realizing)
ALK - 200 (Up from 90 a week ago. Haven't added anything since. Also maybe warm weather impacting)
Phosphates - 3500 (store tested a few times, i know they shouldn't matter, but i believe suggestive of pretty high TDS - and in general not great to have in there).
Based on these numbers, thinking to just drain completely and start new. Guessing prior homeowner didn't use pool much/at all...so was happy just popping in Chlor tabs in a floater to keep it high/looking clean.
A bit nervous about performing full drain, but living in AZ not worried about high water shelf causing lift - and have wash area i can drain into far away from pool. Will look to drain late afternoon/into evening (cooler weather with plaster) -- and refill with 3-4 hoses running into it.
Big question - what do I do with the newly filled pool water to stabilize and get it synch? I'm sure pool store folks could tell/sell me a bunch of stuff -- but part of the reason we're all here I believe is to cut through some of that noise. I've read the School - Chemistry stuff, also on starting a new pool - but seems to be geared towards brand new construction plaster. If there's and article/link I'm missing - appreciate tagging. Thanks in advanced. With warm weather the teenagers are getting restless for the 'all clear' shout out!
CYA - 150-200
FC - 25 - 30 (interestingly, keeps going up even though removed chlroine tabs, only source over two weeks ago - maybe b/c its getting warmer, chlorine is getting released from CYA)?
CC - 0
CH - 700-1000
PH - 7.3 (i brought this up w/chems before realizing)
ALK - 200 (Up from 90 a week ago. Haven't added anything since. Also maybe warm weather impacting)
Phosphates - 3500 (store tested a few times, i know they shouldn't matter, but i believe suggestive of pretty high TDS - and in general not great to have in there).
Based on these numbers, thinking to just drain completely and start new. Guessing prior homeowner didn't use pool much/at all...so was happy just popping in Chlor tabs in a floater to keep it high/looking clean.
A bit nervous about performing full drain, but living in AZ not worried about high water shelf causing lift - and have wash area i can drain into far away from pool. Will look to drain late afternoon/into evening (cooler weather with plaster) -- and refill with 3-4 hoses running into it.
Big question - what do I do with the newly filled pool water to stabilize and get it synch? I'm sure pool store folks could tell/sell me a bunch of stuff -- but part of the reason we're all here I believe is to cut through some of that noise. I've read the School - Chemistry stuff, also on starting a new pool - but seems to be geared towards brand new construction plaster. If there's and article/link I'm missing - appreciate tagging. Thanks in advanced. With warm weather the teenagers are getting restless for the 'all clear' shout out!