Finally Got The Test Kit, Now Need Help With The Results!

[Maz99]

Hi Guys,

My TFP Test kit finally arrived and I was able to test my pool chemistry today. Here are my results:

CL: 0
Br: 0
TA: 110
CAH: 925
pH: 7.8
CYA: 0 (i'm assuming it is zero bc I could still see the black dot with the view tube completely full)

My pool guy was just here 2 days ago, so my first step is going to be firing him.

Other questions I have:

1. Should I use Chlorine tabs to bring up the CL, CYA and bring down the pH? If not, what's the best products to use to add CL, CYA, and bring down the pH?

2. Is that CAH level legit? If so, is there any way I can bring down the CAH without replacing the pool water?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mknauss]

Great on getting a quality test kit and taking control of your water.

CH can only be reduced via water exchange or reverse osmosis. I assume you do not have a SaltWater Chlorine Generator (please fill out your signature). So you can manage this water with the higher CH and then this winter do your best to drain and fill with rain water.

Add chlorine now. Trichlor tabs will be too slow. Add 5 ppm FC worth of liquid chlorine. Start 30 ppm worth of CYA dissolving using the sock method. Follow the FC/CYA Levels for 30 ppm CYA. At that point if you want to use tabs, you can, but you must test CYA every couple weeks and FC daily. You will still need to add liquid chlorine, most likely. Do not go above 50 ppm CYA in the water.

Lower your pH to 7.4 with acid. When it gets to 7.8, lower it to 7.4. That will reduce your CSI and keep you from having severe calcium scale issues.

 

[Maz99]

Thank you. Will take your advice. Is it OK to add the chlorine, acid, and CYA all at once or does it need to be step-wise?

 

[Newdude]

If all 3 are liquids, wait 15- 30 mins with the pump running between. if the CYA/stabilizer is granular you can hang it front of one return and add chlorine and then acid in front of the other. Brush the floor good inbetween the two, they both are heavier than water and may sink to the bottom.


Also never EVER let liquid chlorine and powdered/puck/tab chlorine touch. It good practice to have none of the chemicals mix while stored just because, But different forms of chlorine explode when combined.

 

[JimMarshall]

Thank you. Will take your advice. Is it OK to add the chlorine, acid, and CYA all at once or does it need to be step-wise?

Get the CYA dissolving and add the liquid chlorine now. Liquid chlorine and acid should not be added at the same time because in high concentrations they react. Add the LC, let the pool circulate for 30 minutes or an hour, and then add your acid.

 

[Maz99]

Will do. Thanks guys!