First test of the season!

[allisen]

Got the pool open on Tuesday. I’ve been running the pump, heater, and vacuum since. Pool looks pretty good. Ran my first full chem test this morning and would love some advice on how to tackle my results. This is only my second year and I’m always a little nervous right after opening until I get my feet under me. Thank you!

 

[allisen]

Oh yeah, and somehow I overshot the salt. I used pool math based on what my intellichlor was telling me but I’m wondering if my started number was inaccurate somehow? Is it still ok that high?

 

[an1vrsy]

Is your TF-100 new? I ask because your TA test seems elevated. If your TF-100 is new, then wipe the tip of the R-0009 bottle with a moistened tissue. The r-0009 reagent can build up a static charge and the drops will be smaller than normal and then TA results will read higher than it really is.

Do you have the Salt test, K-1766? With a salt pool, you will want to rely on a drop based test rather than relying on the IC-40 for your salinity. You don't want to go much higher than you salt level is right now. However, you don't really know what your actual salt level is without a specific salt test. Check out tftestkits.net

 

[Newdude]

Looking good for starters.

Get your CYA to 30. Overnight Chlorine Loss Test and prove you won't need to SLAM before raising the CYA to SWG level.

Keep the PH in the 7s and the TA will come down. If you want it to happen quicker, target a low 7. If you don't mind it taking some some, target a high 7.

 

[allisen]

@an1vrsy This is the same test kit I used all last year. And my TA was high all last season too. I was really careful when I did the Ted and made sure to wipe between drops as directed. And I know no one likes the test strips but I dipped one when I did this just for funsies and it showed it right in that color range. So I think my number is at least reasonably accurate?

I don’t have the salt test kit. I’ve just always lived by the ic40 reading. But maybe now is the time to order one.

@Newdude Oh yes, I almost forgot about the overnight loss test. Thanks for the reminder, I will do that today. I will also add some stabelizer tomorrow to get that CYA up to 30. Is there anything in my readings that would keep us from swimming? It’s supposed to be super nice Sunday and the kids are dying to get in.

 

[Newdude]

Is there anything in my readings that would keep us from swimming?

Nope. Swimming is safe between min and SLAM of one's CYA.

PH over 8 may cause minor eye irritation but nothing crazy. And it's a 7.5.

The other #s won't ever keep you out of the pool.

I don’t have the salt test kit. I’ve just always lived by the ic40 reading. But maybe now is the time to order one.

It's $30 and will be needed a several times in its 2 year lifespan. Alls it takes is one little red light on the cell instead of green and you don't know a thing about what's happening, or why.

So I think my number is at least reasonably accurate?

Your numbers are reasonably accurate from the drop based test kit. If a pool store or test strip guess right, it doesn't make your result better. When they guess wrong, it doesn't make you result worse.

Your kit makes you the smartest kid in the class. Never. Ever. Cheat off the dumbest kids in the class. (Strips or poolstore). I don't care they got one right last time. My money is on you everytime.

What's the fill water TA ? Maybe the high TA is coming from that.

 

[allisen]

@Newdude Salt test kit is on its way to me! That’s awesome about swimming, my kids will be very excited! And that’s a great point about the TA of our hose water. I will test that in the morning!

Thank you guys so much for walking me through this. I really appreciate all the help.

 

[allisen]

Looks like I only lost 0.5 FC overnight (one drop less on this mornings test)! So no SLAM necessary correct? I’ll work on getting the CYA up to 30 today.

 

[Texas Splash]

Looks like I only lost 0.5 FC overnight (one drop less on this mornings test)! So no SLAM necessary correct?

That would appear to be the case. As long as your water is clear and no visible signs of algae you're doing well. Continue with normal chemical balancing and let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[allisen]

@Newdude You were right. I got an even higher alkalinity reading on the water straight from our hose today! So I guess I will expect that from now on. I assume it’s ok as long as everything else is balanced.

 

[Newdude]

I assume it’s ok as long as everything else is balanced

Yup. The pool TA will keep pulling the PH up. Each MA cycle will lower the TA some. The fill water probably won't matter too much because you don't have crazy evaporation by you. It just explains how it got so high in the first place and it looks like it's already on its way down.