First test on new pool - high pH - What to do?

[wgipe]

Good evening!

Posting a separate thread here. If this belongs in my build thread, I can post there instead - just let me know.

Our new vinyl pool was finally filled today. After everything was cut in, I ran ,my first tests to see where I was with the fill water they brought in. Results were:

FC: 1
pH: 8.2 (higher?)
TA: 70
CH: 125
Salt: 200

Based on the FC level, I added the amount for the water that's in there so far (16,000 gallons) to bring it to 3 - just a little over a quart - and brushed the whole pool to mix it in.

The water is still below the skimmer line, so I can't run the pump yet - will be able to do that next week.

Two questions:

1. Should I add some MA to bring the pH down to 7.6 or so?
2. Should I continue to test and add chlorine each day to keep it at 3PPM until I can get my SWCG up and running? I'm planning to add CYA when I can circulate the water, and then will run it up to the recommended levels for SWCG.

I did not test CYA or CC, but can certainly do that if needed. Also, PoolMath results are linked to my profile in case that helps.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

 

[mknauss]

Yes and yes.
Until there is CYA in the water, the half life of the chlorine is about an hour when sun is shining on the pool surface.

 

[wgipe]

Yes and yes.
Until there is CYA in the water, the half life of the chlorine is about an hour when sun is shining on the pool surface.

Thanks! Should I try to get some CYA in there somehow in the meantime?

 

[ajw22]

Thanks! Should I try to get some CYA in there somehow in the meantime?

Yes, with a vinyl pool you can add stabilizer now. It will take a while to dissolve without your pump running. But hang a sock with stabilizer in it in your pool water.

 

[wgipe]

Yes, with a vinyl pool you can add stabilizer now. It will take a while to dissolve without your pump running. But hang a sock with stabilizer in it in your pool water.

I just added MA to bring the ph down and brushed good. Do I need to wait a while or am I okay to do that overnight?

 

[mknauss]

No need to wait. The CYA will lower the pH a small bit too.

 

[ajw22]

You can hang some stabilizer in the pool now.

How long to wait between adding pool chemicals

The wait times between adding pool chemicals is usually around 10 minutes each, as that is also sufficient time for the chemicals to mix in the water.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mknauss]

Just be sure the sock with the CYA is not touching the liner. It can stain the liner if raw CYA gets on it.

 

[ajw22]

You have a fishing pole?

 

[wgipe]

You have a fishing pole?

Yep. I just took imminent domain possession of a pair of my wife’s tights and was going to hang that on the end of my pool pole in the deep end. Is there another better way? I’m all ears.

 

[mknauss]

public domain possession of a pair of my wife’s tights

Not sure I would admit that in a public forum -----

What you have should work.

 

[ajw22]

If you see any undissolved stabilizer slipping out and onto the liner brush it with your pool brush. As Marty said don’t let it sit on your liner and possibly stain it.

 

[wgipe]

If you see any undissolved stabilizer slipping out and onto the liner brush it with your pool brush. As Marty said don’t let it sit on your liner and possibly stain it.

Will do. I was going to let it hang there overnight, but maybe I’ll take it out and put it back in the morning when I can watch it.

 

[wgipe]

Probably a stupid question - could I throw my robot in there and run a cycle to keep water moving?

 

[mknauss]

Sure. Just be sure it does not catch the pole or sock for any reason.

 

[wgipe]

Just logged my testing for today. My CYA is starting to register, but my pH is now at the bottom of the acceptable range. If I understand correctly, the CYA brings the pH down also. Given that I still have a ways to go on my CYA, should I add some borax to boost it back up a bit or would that be chasing and just lead to porpoising?

 

[mknauss]

pH is fine. In the 7's. With that TA, it will rise.

 

[wgipe]

pH is fine. In the 7's. With that TA, it will rise.

Thank you.