First Test Results

[centralmaine]

My test kit arrived friday evening, I read the instructions a couple dozen times and due to rain and working the week end I was finally able to perform my first test.

FC 9
CC 0
pH 7
TA 80
CYA 50

Tomorrow is a day off for me so I can get to the store for washing soda, baking soda etc. Thanks for watching!

Mike

 

[Mike1162]

What's the current condition of the water?
Are you familiar with Pool Math & the Chlorine / CYA chart?

 

[pooldv]

Raise the pH up to 7.5 with some borax. Otherwise it looks ok. More here about adding chems to youf pool, Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

 

[centralmaine]

What's the current condition of the water?
Are you familiar with Pool Math & the Chlorine / CYA chart?

The water is clear...and yes I am familiar with pool math. I plan to raise my pH to the proper level and retest my cya and fc. A partial drain may be needed to lower my cya.

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Raise the pH up to 7.5 with some borax. Otherwise it looks ok. More here about adding chems to youf pool, Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

Is there a preference between borax and washing soda? I noticed the washing soda amount is lower than the borax...or is it: 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

thanks,

Mike

 

[Mike1162]

CYA of 50 is on the high side for us 'Northerners' but you really don't need to lower it. Just adjust your chlorine levels per this chart.
https://www.troublefreepool.com/content/128-chlorine-cya-chart-slam-shock

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Am I correct in assuming you've made the switch to liquid chlorine?

 

[pooldv]

Yes, I suggested borax because you don't need to raise TA. More here, Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

 

[centralmaine]

CYA of 50 is on the high side for us 'Northerners' but you really don't need to lower it. Just adjust your chlorine levels per this chart.
https://www.troublefreepool.com/content/128-chlorine-cya-chart-slam-shock

- - - Updated - - -

Am I correct in assuming you've made the switch to liquid chlorine?

Thanks for the direction Mike. I have been using 8.25% bleach since I filled the pool 10 days ago.

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Yes, I suggested borax because you don't need to raise TA. More here, Pool School - Recommended Pool Chemicals

...20 mule it is, thank you.

 

[centralmaine]

Day 2 of testing...

FC 2
CC <1
ph 7.4
TA 60
CYA 50

Pool math told me what to add. I am adding 29 oz of baking soda to up my TA...so I will hold off on the 1/4 cup of borax until I test the ph in 30 minutes or so.

I'm feeling better the 2nd time around as I questioned myself yesterday. With your direction at TFP I'm getting to know my pool.

The closest pool store is probably a 150 mile round trip and a local hardware store has a small HTH display...if you blink coming in the door you miss it. I have a jug of conditioner that should last a few yrs, 2 grocery stores, a Tractor Supply, and 2 different dollar something stores, a good test kit, and TFP...every time I walk by the pool I get thirsty.

Thank you all, I can see a grain of dirt on the bottom of the pool! love it!

Mike

 

[centralmaine]

Question... pool math has my target fc @ 4...with a cya of 50 shouldn't my fc target actually be 6-8. I did change my target number in pool math and got a different amount of chlorine to add which I shall add.

 

[pooldv]

Good news!

 

[Mike1162]

Question... pool math has my target fc @ 4...with a cya of 50 shouldn't my fc target actually be 6-8. I did change my target number in pool math and got a different amount of chlorine to add which I shall add.

Yes, your normal target is 6-8. You could bump it up to 10 - 12 tonight and see if the CC drops to .5 or less. You can still swim at any FC level 20 ppm or less. You might want to do the OCLT.

 

[centralmaine]

Thanks Pooldv, and Mike1162. I will bump it up and try the OCLT...

Why would I join a group that would have ME as a member!LMAO!

 

[centralmaine]

Yes, your normal target is 6-8. You could bump it up to 10 - 12 tonight and see if the CC drops to .5 or less. You can still swim at any FC level 20 ppm or less. You might want to do the OCLT.

I bumped up my fc to 12 and the OCLT was less than 1 and today my CC was 0...I also got my pH up to 7.5 and TA to 90 CYA 50

Thank you Mike1162

 

[Mike1162]

Those are great numbers. For next few days target 8 for your nightly additions and see if you're maintaining 4 minimum before adding.

 

[centralmaine]

...will do

 

[centralmaine]

Those are great numbers. For next few days target 8 for your nightly additions and see if you're maintaining 4 minimum before adding.

Tonight FC is 4.4, CC 0, pH 7.2, TA 100, and CYA 50...so 16oz of 8.25 bleach going in, and 14 oz of borax. The family is loving it, thank you.

 

[Mike1162]

You're welcome, glad we were able to help. It's pretty easy to keep a clear pool clear. Pat yourself on the back for getting one of the recommended test kits.

 

[centralmaine]

A big thank you to everyone that has helped me with a shimmering clear pool...my speedstir and test refills are on their way!

 

[centralmaine]

...first test results with a SpeedStir, how does anyone live without this little gem of a tool!

FC 8
CC 0
pH 7.4
TA 90
CYA 50

Also, the Intex maintenance kit arrived today as well and my 9 yr old had a ball vacuuming the pool without the pole.

Woke up this morning to 57* outside and the pool water temp was 72*...time for a swim in Maine

 

[centralmaine]

This little gimzo makes life little easier...a must for all!