First time testing myself

[justinjla]

On the web based pool calculator, it’s telling me not to add bleach. The app is telling me to add a gallon.

What else do I need to add based on these numbers? Sorry for being a rookie.

 

[beaverplt]

From what I can see, your chlorine is on the high side. The two numbers I'm concerned with are the PH and CYA. Your PH should be around 7.2-7.4. CYA should be around 40-50. Before adding anything, my question back to you is how are you testing the water?

 

[justinjla]

From what I can see, your chlorine is on the high side. The two numbers I'm concerned with are the PH and CYA. Your PH should be around 7.2-7.4. CYA should be around 40-50. Before adding anything, my question back to you is how are you testing the water?

I ordered and used the TFP test kit.

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to tfp.

Before proceeding, it would be wise to lower your CYA level. I assume you've been using trichlor or dichlor as your primary means of chlorination. This is unsustainable and will lead to increased CYA levels. Read "no drain water exchange here...Link--> Draining - Further Reading



With a cya result of 100, you need to do the diluted testing method for cya. Follow these directions:

1. Fill the mixing bottle to the lower mark with pool water.
2. Continue filling the mixing bottle to the upper mark with tap water.
3. Shake briefly to mix.
4. Pour off half of the contents of the mixing bottle, so it is again filled to the lower mark.
5. Continue the test normally from step 2, but multiply the final result by two.

Add the chlorine recommended.

Use Muriatic acid to lower your pH. Lower it in .4 increments. test and repeat after 30 minutes. Target 7.6.

At some point soon, you should raise your CH to 250.

Hope this helps...

 

[justinjla]

Welcome to tfp.

Before proceeding, it would be wise to lower your CYA level. I assume you've been using trichlor or dichlor as your primary means of chlorination. This is unsustainable and will lead to increased CYA levels. Read "no drain water exchange here...Link--> Draining - Further Reading



With a cya result of 100, you need to do the diluted testing method for cya. Follow these directions:

1. Fill the mixing bottle to the lower mark with pool water.
2. Continue filling the mixing bottle to the upper mark with tap water.
3. Shake briefly to mix.
4. Pour off half of the contents of the mixing bottle, so it is again filled to the lower mark.
5. Continue the test normally from step 2, but multiply the final result by two.

Add the chlorine recommended.

Use Muriatic acid to lower your pH. Lower it in .4 increments. test and repeat after 30 minutes. Target 7.6.

At some point soon, you should raise your CH to 250.

Hope this helps...

Thank you. Yes, I’ve had a pool service for 2 years and they used tabs.

I did the diluted CYA and get 40. Now what?

 

[PoolStored]

Your CYA is 80. Use this tool and see what the recommended FC level is for CYA 80. Keep your FC in range. Link-->FC/CYA Levels

Log 80 for CYA in pool math. Enter the top of the target range into target FC. Add the chlorine recommended.

Use Muriatic acid to lower your pH. Lower it in .4 increments. test and repeat after 30 minutes. Target 7.6.

At some point soon, you should raise your CH to 250.

I would recommend that you do this test tonight and post results. Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

 

[justinjla]

Your CYA is 80. Use this tool and see what the recommended FC level is for CYA 80. Keep your FC in range. Link-->FC/CYA Levels

Log 80 for CYA in pool math. Enter the top of the target range into target FC. Add the chlorine recommended.

Use Muriatic acid to lower your pH. Lower it in .4 increments. test and repeat after 30 minutes. Target 7.6.

At some point soon, you should raise your CH to 250.

I would recommend that you do this test tonight and post results. Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

Yesterday afternoon, I added several cups of muriatic acid, 8lbs of calcium chloride and a gallon of 10% bleach based on the recommendation.

 

[PoolStored]

Looks good!

When you test FC, never let it get near minimums. If you find you are getting close, dose FC higher (13 14) so that when you test, you are still in range.

Your TA is fine. Manage your pH. When it gets to 8, reduce it to 7.6. TA will come down over time. When TA gets to 60-80, only reduce pH to 7.8, and keep between 7.8 and 8.

Good Job! Enjoy the pool!

 

[proavia]

Be aware that the pH test is invalid with FC greater than 10.
Before testing pH, let the FC drop to 10 or less. After testing and dosing pH, increase the FC.

 

[justinjla]

Be aware that the pH test is invalid with FC greater than 10.
Before testing pH, let the FC drop to 10 or less. After testing and dosing pH, increase the FC.

I can’t let my FC drop because my CYA is so high, right? I will add water over time and not let the CYA get higher, but that will take time. Let me know if I’m not thinking about it right.

 

[PoolStored]

Correct.

Adding water will not reduce CYA, unless you first take water out. CYA stays when water evaporates.