First time pool owner

[Mascabii]

Hey guys, just went to a pool store for the first time, to test out the water of my brand new pool. These were the results

ph 8.3
Alk 158
CyA 48
FC 0.7
TAC 0.7
CH 154
Pho 955
Salt 2963

Before i go buying anything from them, heres the issue ive been seeing, I cant seem to keep my FC above

1. They tried selling me a phosphate remover., Reading on the forums, looks like this doesnt really matter?
2. My pool is located in florida and it gets hit with sun 24/7 no shade. Should my CyA be higher?
3. Whats the recommended test kit so i can perform my own test and not rely on pool company's?
   
   P.S. First time using forums, so sry if using the wrong way.

 

[jeffchap]

Correct, phosphates are irrelevant as long as you have no algae growing, and with the TFP method you will not.

Here are the recommended test kits. Kudos for getting one right away. It's the best money you'll ever spend on your pool.

Test Kits Compared

Based upon the pool store test results you posted, I would not take any action other than to add 5 ppm of FC to your pool per day until your test kit arrives. PoolMath will help you determine how much liquid chlorine to use.

Welcome!

 

[Mascabii]

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[wireform]

Mascabii,
Hi and welcome. As you were advised above "drop no cash at the pool store". Just order the Tf-100 pro kit which I have and like. While you wait ....see if you can work on your signature linked on the bottom which will make members answer you more swiftly knowing what you have.

 

[Katygreys]

Completely ignore pool store for anything regarding chemistry or anything you put in your pool water, except for blowup flamingo and unicorn floats. I completely trust the pool store for toy/ float advice.

But seriously, don’t listen to the pool store advice. I think the most important thing to understand is the relationship between CYA and FC (free chlorine). The only way to know how much FC you need to maintain to keep your pool algae-free abs sanitized is to FIRST know what your CYA is. Have a look here and click on SWG.

The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Mascabii]

I ordered my test kit today. Hopefully I'll have it by end of week so I can test my water and get some accurate results. Will update asap