I started my first SLAM yesterday morning. FYI - here are my numbers before starting:
FC-2
CC-5
PH-7.8
TA-170
CH-200
CYA-60
I have added around 10 gallons of 10% bleach in less than 24 hours. (Mfg. date on bleach is 4-29-16). First test this morning showed FC of 8, so added 2 more gallons to bring it up to shock level of 24. Tested (twice because I thought the first one was wrong) an hour later and get this:
FC-3
CC-4
So now I need to add another 2 1/2 gallons!!! My pool is crystal clear. I have scrubbed/brushed around the pool lights, steps, bottom drain, jets, around and inside skimmers (even under the baskets). Kids are grown and gone so we haven't bothered with the ladder for a few years. I just don't know where else anything could be hiding. My filter pressure is 12 and has not changed. There has been literally nothing to vacuum from the pool except for a couple of stray leaves - absolutely nothing. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN (looking).
Is this "normal". Can I expect to go through another 12 gallons of bleach today?!. That's $60 in two days! I thought I was going to be saving money, but an $80 bucket of pucks normally lasts me until about 2 weeks shy of closing the pool. I'm really starting to questions my sanity - LOL. Am I doing something wrong? Could there be something wrong with the chemicals in my brand new kit? I realize user error is a good possibility, however I have now run these chlorine tests so many times I think I could do it in my sleep.
Please help - I'm close to just giving up and going back to my "old way". I would love to hear any advice, recommendations, insights that anyone can provide! Thank you.
FC-2
CC-5
PH-7.8
TA-170
CH-200
CYA-60
I have added around 10 gallons of 10% bleach in less than 24 hours. (Mfg. date on bleach is 4-29-16). First test this morning showed FC of 8, so added 2 more gallons to bring it up to shock level of 24. Tested (twice because I thought the first one was wrong) an hour later and get this:
FC-3
CC-4
So now I need to add another 2 1/2 gallons!!! My pool is crystal clear. I have scrubbed/brushed around the pool lights, steps, bottom drain, jets, around and inside skimmers (even under the baskets). Kids are grown and gone so we haven't bothered with the ladder for a few years. I just don't know where else anything could be hiding. My filter pressure is 12 and has not changed. There has been literally nothing to vacuum from the pool except for a couple of stray leaves - absolutely nothing. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN (looking).
Is this "normal". Can I expect to go through another 12 gallons of bleach today?!. That's $60 in two days! I thought I was going to be saving money, but an $80 bucket of pucks normally lasts me until about 2 weeks shy of closing the pool. I'm really starting to questions my sanity - LOL. Am I doing something wrong? Could there be something wrong with the chemicals in my brand new kit? I realize user error is a good possibility, however I have now run these chlorine tests so many times I think I could do it in my sleep.
Please help - I'm close to just giving up and going back to my "old way". I would love to hear any advice, recommendations, insights that anyone can provide! Thank you.