Fairhope

[gybe99]

Site looks like a great source!
New pool owner in Fairhope, AL. I intend to maintain myself. Hopefully info on the pool will show up in my signature. Pool should be complete in the next week to (10) days. I am ready to pool the trigger with testing kits:
TF100 Bundle
Speedstir
XL Option
K1766
Buying online from TFTesting (unless someone recommends a better source).
Look forward to "DIVING IN" & seeing what we have gotten ME into.
Thanks

 

[duraleigh]

Welcome to the forum

We'll offer any chemistry help you might need. I have a dog in the fight, but the TF-100 remains the best value in pool testing you can get.

What kind of decking will you use? was your backfill against the walls dirt or rock?

EDIT: Pool looks bigger than 5600 gal.....is that just an illusion

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

Congrats on the new pool! And the view is awesome! Yes, TFTestkits.net is the place to buy your kit. I've been buying mine there for many years.

 

[gybe99]

We are going to do the 16"x24" Travertine coping and start off bringing grass right up to it. If this becomes too much of a headache, we will add pavers, but I like the natural look. Also have been talked into black interior finish. Thoughts?
Please check my figures 10'x15'x5' (4'10") = 750x7.5= 5600, correct?
thanks

 

[duraleigh]

was your backfill against the pool wall filled with dirt or rock?

 

[kimkats]

I would add the whale wall brush to the mix. It is great for brushing plaster pools.

The black finish MIGHT mottle. The darker the finish the bigger the chances of it. It really depends on the skills of the installers.

Kim

 

[gybe99]

I know they had a load of gravel delivered, as well as the dirt from the initial dig. I didn't get to watch the actual back fill however, so I can't say with certainty. Sounds ominous. Do I need to be worried?

 

[duraleigh]

Do I need to be worried?

If they used dirt. The dirt will settle and it will continue to settle for maybe a year. Settleing under a concret deck will very likely crack the deck. I would discuss this with PB and find out about the backfill.

 

[gybe99]

Progress pic. Still have some sod to go

 

[gybe99]

Ok, builder had maintenance for the first six weeks and that has just ended. I have been testing from the beginning to learn how, but haven't added any chemicals yet. Last nite I did all the tests:
Sodium Chloride 4400
TC 5
pH 8.2
FC 5
CC 0-.5
CH 375
TA 170
CYA 20
throwing these into Pool Math I get:
Add 27 oz calcium chloride dihydrate & 107 oz liquid stabilizer.
getting ready to make a Walmart run for these items. Anyone care to look over my shoulder/suggestions/concerns would be GREATLY appreciated.
thanks

 

[kimkats]

Here is a link for you:

Pool School - Recommended Levels

Looking at that chart you do not need to add any more CH right now.

You need some muratic acid to get your PH down.

Once everything evens out we will work on getting your TA down but that is the last thing we work on.

Make sure to keep a good log of your test results so you can start to see patterns for your pool.

Kim

 

[n240sxguy]

Walmart carries granular CYA. Look it up online. My local stores have it for $14.86, and they'll price match their website for $12.77.

 

[Demegrad9]

Very nice progress. I would second kimkats advise. Alkalinity shouldn't be too much of a problem, depending on your usage, you'll probably be refilling enough water to bring that down pretty quick.

 

[gybe99]

Update on Weekly Testing:
TC 5
pH 8.2
Sodium Chloride 4800
FC 3.5, CC 0
CH 450
TA 160
CYA 20

Pool math indicates adding stabilizer only. Anyone want to review and provide recs?
thanks in advance

 

[kimkats]

Your PH is high again. I think it is time to bring you TA down to see if we can get a handle on your PH. Here is a link I want you to study and ask questions about if needed:

Pool School - Lower Total Alkalinity

It is easy and fairly cheap to do. It is a process though. It could take a few days to finish but it will be worth it in the end.

Kim

 

[pooldv]

With those numbers you are guaranteed to scale your SWG cell and the pool walls. Pool School - Calcium Scaling

Manage your pH and TA such that you keep CSI between -0.3 and 0 to prevent scale in your SWG cell and your pool. PoolMath will give you your CSI number after you enter all your test results.

 

[gybe99]

ok, I see that Borate affects pH /TA. I haven't tested for Borate. Where is the test description/instructions? Is this test included in TF-100 kit?
Thanks

 

[kimkats]

There is no test for borates. You need to click on the link I shared and follow this directions. You need to get your TA and ph under control before your plaster is damaged.

 

[pooldv]

If you haven't intentionally added borates to your pool then the number is 0. There are test strips available to test for borates from TFTestkits.net.

 

[gybe99]

Alright. Pool Math says I need to add 9.9 oz muriatic acid & 51 oz (weight) or 107 oz liquid stabilizer. You concur?