here's an odd thing. I checked my cell to change the times it runs and it does NOT have the check system light on and I looked to see if it'd say "low salt" and it says 3000 ppm. we only added 4 bags of salt.
empty salt H20 pool down clean out vs washing machine. hose vs 1.5" vs 2" hose
- Thread starter outdoorsgal
- Start date
thankfully my FC has maintained high, especially overnight. I'm going to check everything now but want to add salt asap. low salt light, check system light is on now and I tested my salt at 2000 milky salmon or 2200 brick red so I'm going to add a bag now and wait to make sure I should add another. I think 2 more bags will be good cuz it'll get me to 2900. I like that number. too high can ruin the panel and salt ruins everything as it is.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,843
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Kim
So remember back maybe 7 years ago when I first jumped in to help you? At that time, I said that I may tend to be blunt - but you shouldn't take it personal. You stated you were good with blunt. So here's a new dose of that...
I still don't see a complete set of current test results in your PoolMath logs.
Post those ASAP.
We would love to provide you with help getting your pool in order and keeping it that way. BUT - we need YOUR HELP in providing timely test results, answers to other questions we may have and timely follow-thru on the help provided.
Getting your pool in order and keeping it that way is going to take a time commitment and staying focused on the task at hand.
Are you willing to make that commitment? Are you willing to take charge of your multi-thousands of dollars investment? Are you willing to make your pool sanitary for you and your kids?
Once your pool chemistry is in order and your SWG dialed in, it should only take you 5 minutes 3-4 times a week to test FC and pH (and possibly adjust the SWG a bit) plus 30 minutes weekly to brush and 30 minutes monthly to do a complete set of tests.
It's really not that difficult, it just takes a commitment to do it.
You've got one of the best residential test kits available and the resources of TFP behind you for support.
The choice is yours. What's it gonna be?
So remember back maybe 7 years ago when I first jumped in to help you? At that time, I said that I may tend to be blunt - but you shouldn't take it personal. You stated you were good with blunt. So here's a new dose of that...
I still don't see a complete set of current test results in your PoolMath logs.
Post those ASAP.
We would love to provide you with help getting your pool in order and keeping it that way. BUT - we need YOUR HELP in providing timely test results, answers to other questions we may have and timely follow-thru on the help provided.
Getting your pool in order and keeping it that way is going to take a time commitment and staying focused on the task at hand.
Are you willing to make that commitment? Are you willing to take charge of your multi-thousands of dollars investment? Are you willing to make your pool sanitary for you and your kids?
Once your pool chemistry is in order and your SWG dialed in, it should only take you 5 minutes 3-4 times a week to test FC and pH (and possibly adjust the SWG a bit) plus 30 minutes weekly to brush and 30 minutes monthly to do a complete set of tests.
It's really not that difficult, it just takes a commitment to do it.
You've got one of the best residential test kits available and the resources of TFP behind you for support.
The choice is yours. What's it gonna be?
My results r posted. this was the first time I used the app. I think I used the online version years ago and didn't like it but I think u mentioned an app so I tried that. I'm planning on adding another bag of salt. I tried to update on the ap that I added 1 bag but it doesn't show
On another note, I have a bottle of R-7065 from my last test kit but I don't think I ever used it and I didn't get a bottle with my new set of refills. Should I just throw it out?
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,843
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Thanks!
Did you test for CC after the FC test?
The other results look good. TA is a bit high, but will come down with acid additions.
I see 2 entries about adding salt. Did you add one bag or two?
The R-7065 is the CYA Standard Solution. It's basically a pre-mixed sample of CYA 50. No idea how long it lasts. And you really don't need it for testing. If it's more than a year or two old, dump it down the drain and toss the empty bottle.
The off color you might have seen is probably from the new water. Time will tell.
Stay on top of the pH. Let it rise to 7.8 and knock it down to 7.2 - rinse, repeat until the TA is about 60-70.
If you SWG is functional - after the salt level is adequate, increase the CYA to 70.
Use the FC/CYA Levels to determine the correct FC for that CYA. Adjust the SWG percentage to maintain near the top of the Target (not minimum).
Did you test for CC after the FC test?
The other results look good. TA is a bit high, but will come down with acid additions.
I see 2 entries about adding salt. Did you add one bag or two?
The R-7065 is the CYA Standard Solution. It's basically a pre-mixed sample of CYA 50. No idea how long it lasts. And you really don't need it for testing. If it's more than a year or two old, dump it down the drain and toss the empty bottle.
The off color you might have seen is probably from the new water. Time will tell.
Stay on top of the pH. Let it rise to 7.8 and knock it down to 7.2 - rinse, repeat until the TA is about 60-70.
If you SWG is functional - after the salt level is adequate, increase the CYA to 70.
Use the FC/CYA Levels to determine the correct FC for that CYA. Adjust the SWG percentage to maintain near the top of the Target (not minimum).
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Gene, I missed the CC on the app and will need to get used to the app. I tend to like paper. I'm sure the app will help you all though. I tested it yesterday but not today. It was zero. I'll check again soon. I added 1 bag but I need to add the other. I get nervous about adding too much salt which is silly cuz I think you'd all want me to add even more. I thought I recalled being told to wait 48 hrs in the past. If I don't hear back tonight I'll add the other.
I'm surprised my pH is 7.5. I would've thought it'd be higher. I haven't added MA yet. I'm not surprised about the TA.
thx for all the insructions.
I'm surprised my pH is 7.5. I would've thought it'd be higher. I haven't added MA yet. I'm not surprised about the TA.
thx for all the insructions.
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,051
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
You need to switch on “track combined” which is & “ track csi” in the settings 
got it. thx!You need to switch on “track combined” which is & “ track csi” in the settings
Happy Easter everyone! I updated as much as I could in the app from the refill. the panel is still saying low salt. I dont know why I can't find the amount it's picking up yet but I still have until tonight for the 24 hrs from when I added my last bag so I've added 1/2 gallon chlorine and will keep checking the FC at least until the cell is producing chlorine. With my testing this morning it was already at 2800 and I'll be curious to see if that'll increase. If the salt cell kicks in I should be good with that amount and save a bag of salt for if I backwash too much out in time? Or I can add half a bag to raise it to 3k ppm. I also know that chorine adds salt, but not much, I imagine. Hopefully I won't need to add much chlorine for a long time, now, after this refill.
Last I checked salt I was at 2800 ppm yesterday 8pm.
10pm added 20 lbs to get it to 3k.
the panel has been reading 2500 since 2pm today and this morn at 7:30am was reading 2400.
I'll confirm tonight that it got to 3k. How long should I wait for the panel to catch up? It should generate chlorine at 2700. I don't think it's generating chlorine with the check system low salt light on. I have been posting on the app and it's actually pretty good. Originally when I tried it on my laptop years ago it seemed like you had to test everything but it's actually really user friendly.
10pm added 20 lbs to get it to 3k.
the panel has been reading 2500 since 2pm today and this morn at 7:30am was reading 2400.
I'll confirm tonight that it got to 3k. How long should I wait for the panel to catch up? It should generate chlorine at 2700. I don't think it's generating chlorine with the check system low salt light on. I have been posting on the app and it's actually pretty good. Originally when I tried it on my laptop years ago it seemed like you had to test everything but it's actually really user friendly.
my guess is the panel is producing chlorine. not many other explanations for the FC getting so high when I hadn't added bleach unless I forgot to write it down which I don't think so. FC increased from 6.5 to 18.5 2pm til 9:30am with no added bleach added. I'll check again later
I guess I'll plan on calling the place who installed my new salt cell if I don't see a change tomorrow. It make take a week to get them out so I may as well put in the phone call. 45 hrs after the last addition of salt and it's still reading 2500 when I'm reading 3200. I would tend to doubt my testing but I've been going slow and it's a pretty dramatic change from pale color to brick red 16 drops xs 200. I know the place who installed the system says the panels are very accurate and they trust them but I hope they'll test my water and figure this out. any other ideas? thx
last time we cleaned the salt cell was feb 25. there wasn't much build up but it doesn't take much. Should I clean the salt cell before calling the place that installed the cell? could that cause it to read so low? Also, I looked back in my records and when I had the last dud jacuzzi salt cell it was reading low salt and we'd have problems. It seems to me that now the cell is producing salt but reading low. We got a new circuit board and salt cell 1 yr ago, both including 4 year warranties.
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- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,051
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Scale can definitely affect the salinity it detects.
Every time you clean the cell with acid you shorten its life. Try gently using a popsicle stick or credit card before resorting to diluted acid/ vinegar.
The salt test & the panel salinity reading will likely never match but that is a bit of a large disparity. I wouldn’t add anymore salt - hopefully it’ll be rectified with the cleanup.
Every time you clean the cell with acid you shorten its life. Try gently using a popsicle stick or credit card before resorting to diluted acid/ vinegar.
The salt test & the panel salinity reading will likely never match but that is a bit of a large disparity. I wouldn’t add anymore salt - hopefully it’ll be rectified with the cleanup.
I wasn't comfortable with the idea of adding more salt, either, so thx for the confirmation. We'll get it cleaned and go from there
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,843
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Stay on top of the pH so you can get your TA down to 60-70.
www.troublefreepool.com
Are you using a 10ml sample size for the salt test?
Using a SpeedStir for mixing?
The test is complete when the sample turns salmon color and STAYS that color. Taking the test sample to brick red may be one or two drops too many.
Use care in cleaning the cell. Do not use a diluted acid solution to clean unless you see scal8mg you can't remove with a popsicle stick or strong spray of water. Every time you clean the cell with acid, you remove a bit of the coating on the plates, which shortens its life.
No need to use super chlorinate on the SWG. Just add liquid chlorine if you need to bump up the FC quickly.
Lower Total Alkalinity
A lower Total Alkalinity level can help a pool owner stabalize their pH increase. We'll explain how to lower TA with a little help from muriatic acid.
www.troublefreepool.com
Are you using a 10ml sample size for the salt test?
Using a SpeedStir for mixing?
The test is complete when the sample turns salmon color and STAYS that color. Taking the test sample to brick red may be one or two drops too many.
Use care in cleaning the cell. Do not use a diluted acid solution to clean unless you see scal8mg you can't remove with a popsicle stick or strong spray of water. Every time you clean the cell with acid, you remove a bit of the coating on the plates, which shortens its life.
No need to use super chlorinate on the SWG. Just add liquid chlorine if you need to bump up the FC quickly.
we rushed to get the cell cleaned this morning but from what I remember we looked at it and didn't see any more calcium. we let it sit for 15 min with 1/2 MA and 1/2 h20. was still bubbling a little bit- 2600. It's still at 2600 now after several hours.
I need to cut the popsicle stick the long way to better get in there to remove CH. Yes to the other questions u posed.
Originally there was a leaf and a little piece of paper in the cell. That happens to us. Does that mean we rn't taking care of emptying the skimmer or the leaf canister enough or is that common?
I called a pool company and they'll be out tomorrow if I can't get this resolved by today. I'm a bit nervous he'll want me to pour in more salt. I could call and have him come next week if need be but I didn't want to wait a week if that were going to be the case. I can't imagine this being a warranty issue with a 1 yr old cell and motherboard but I also could imagine it.
I need to cut the popsicle stick the long way to better get in there to remove CH. Yes to the other questions u posed.
Originally there was a leaf and a little piece of paper in the cell. That happens to us. Does that mean we rn't taking care of emptying the skimmer or the leaf canister enough or is that common?
I called a pool company and they'll be out tomorrow if I can't get this resolved by today. I'm a bit nervous he'll want me to pour in more salt. I could call and have him come next week if need be but I didn't want to wait a week if that were going to be the case. I can't imagine this being a warranty issue with a 1 yr old cell and motherboard but I also could imagine it.
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- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,843
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
The first issue is rushing. Don't do that.
A 50/50 mix of acid to water is WAY TOO STRONG. 1 part MA to 6 parts water is better.
When the tech comes out, have her/him use your salt test kit to determine the salt level and then compare that to the cell readings. Within about 400ppm is fine.
Is the cell actually generating chlorine?
You stated you had it on super chlorinate and the FC increased without addition of liquid chlorine.
A 50/50 mix of acid to water is WAY TOO STRONG. 1 part MA to 6 parts water is better.
When the tech comes out, have her/him use your salt test kit to determine the salt level and then compare that to the cell readings. Within about 400ppm is fine.
Is the cell actually generating chlorine?
You stated you had it on super chlorinate and the FC increased without addition of liquid chlorine.
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I rescheduled the appt to pool place's next availability when they can look at the cell and install a light that's not working so we can get both taken care of for 1 price otherwise we'd be paying 2 separate fees. I figured since it seems to be producing chlorine and I need to test daily right now anyway, it was ok to try to figure this out. I also realize that I don't think we reset the panel after cleaning the cell but I don't see a way to do that while looking through the options on the panel. Today the FC dropped quite a bit but the CYA is not high so that makes sense. I only had it on 65% today and it's regular schedule where it wasn't running all morning, likely (I'd have to check the schedule).
as for rushing with the cell, it was either that or wait til the weekend, which I guess would've been ok, too, if I wanted muscle help, but I wanted it done. Maybe I should try to start doing the cell myself again. It's in an awkward position. we have a strap that helps but if I was able to get help with it I went for it. I think I have 3:1 written down. Is there a maximum amt of time we should let it sit in the 6:1 mixture?
If I really wanted to get rid of the "low salt check system" I could just add another 100 ppms of salt making it read 2700 for the panel, which would be 3200, so 500 ppms off and any backwash might then push it under again. I think I remember having it take a long time to get to the real number in the past but my memory is so bad. I'm doing a few more tests now
as for rushing with the cell, it was either that or wait til the weekend, which I guess would've been ok, too, if I wanted muscle help, but I wanted it done. Maybe I should try to start doing the cell myself again. It's in an awkward position. we have a strap that helps but if I was able to get help with it I went for it. I think I have 3:1 written down. Is there a maximum amt of time we should let it sit in the 6:1 mixture?
If I really wanted to get rid of the "low salt check system" I could just add another 100 ppms of salt making it read 2700 for the panel, which would be 3200, so 500 ppms off and any backwash might then push it under again. I think I remember having it take a long time to get to the real number in the past but my memory is so bad. I'm doing a few more tests now