First time TFP'er & Test Kit Tester

[tbrown1025]

Hello everyone,
I'm new TFPs by way of Google after learning that our pool guy is decreasing his client roster (too many pools, not enough staff), and we got the axe.
Pool was built approx 25yrs ago according to neighbors; new everything (equipment, vermiculite, liner, etc) installed 5 years ago before we purchased the home.
Recent test results from TF-100 Test Kit: (I actually tested each number twice since it was my first time)
FC = 33
TC = 36
CH = 100
TA = 30
CYA = 30
Salt = 2600 PM
These numbers are quite off from ideal (which is disappointing seeing how I was paying a pool guy for years); before I start adding things to get these numbers to ideal preferable by July 4, should I be concerned that my test results are so far off from ideal?

Hayward Aqua Right Pro T-15 diagnostic numbers:
28
25.5
4.88
100p
-2.20
AL-0
r 1.55
t-15
2.5

*Recently replaced thermister after pool guy said $1200 to replace the whole thing, but TFP forums saved us so much money and the fix is good so far! Thank you!

 

[PoolStored]

Can you confirm that your CC is truly 3?

What is your pH?

TA test, did you add drops until the color no longer changed, and subtract that last drop?

Do you know what kind of shock/chlorine he or you have put in the pool lately?

 

[tbrown1025]

Can you confirm that your CC is truly 3?

What is your pH?

TA test, did you add drops until the color no longer changed, and subtract that last drop?

Do you know what kind of shock/chlorine he or you have put in the pool lately?

- I can confirm that is 3 only bc I tested twice yesterday. I can test again today and check again. I'm certain I'll have some "user error" issues being a 1st time tester.
- pH is 7.5
- For the TA, I dropped until it changed color (it was more pink than red to me); and subtracted the drop that didn't change the color, yes.
- Our pool guy has been using chlorine tablets in the skimmer each week, which we recently discovered. After browsing these forums, I know now that was incorrect.

 

[PoolStored]

pH test is invalid when FC>10, I shouldn't have asked for it.
Turn your SWCG off now, take any pucks out of the pool. Let your FC come down below 10. Monitor FC every 6 hours or so to catch it going below 10.
When it is below 10, retest your TA and Ph when it does, with a TA of 30, your pH will likely be low. If this is true, this is the first thing to correct. Post up these results and we will help.
After we correct this, follow the SLAM process to clear the pool. Link-->SLAM Process

 

[tbrown1025]

This morning:
FC = 8
TA = 30
pH = 7.2

 

[PoolStored]

Can you confirm that with the TA test, you are adding drops, swirling, until the color does not change, and you are subtracting the last dot? See instructions.

Total Alkalinity

A drop-based test used to measure the alkalinity in water. Alkalinity helps serve as a … Read more…

www.troublefreepool.com

If you did it correctly, raise your TA to 50-60 with baking soda. Use pool math to determine amount. Link-->PoolMath

What is your CC? What does the pool look like?

If you still have elevated CC, then start the SLAM process. Link-->SLAM Process

 

[tbrown1025]

We retested the chlorine just now and got a FC of 13.5 (we did this twice, so maybe I miscounted this morning).
CC is .5
TC = 14
TA = 30
pH = 7.2
We have not put in anything to raise the TA yet since it looks like we're not below 10 yes with FC. Will test again in 6 hours.
Pool is clear.

 

[tbrown1025]

This morning:
FC 10.5
CC .5
TC 11
TA 30
pH 6.8

Can we add baking soda now or do we need to wait until FC is fully below 10? Is it OK to swim while we're working to get the numbers correct? When should we turn the SWG back on?
Thank you for all your help - it is greatly appreciated!

 

[PoolStored]

Go ahead and add 30ppm of baking soda.

 

[tbrown1025]

Added 12lbs of baking soda (it was I had on hand) about 6 hours ago. Readings just now:

FC 9.0
CC 0
TC 9.0
CH 0 (?) test drops resulted in blue, no red
TA 50
CYA 30
pH 7'ish

Should we add more baking soda or wait longer? When do we turn on the SWG?

I'm so appreciative of your replies and all the help.

 

[PoolStored]

Everything looks good.

Raise your pH to 7.4, use 20 mule team borax. If TA doesn't budge in another day after the borax addition, raise it another 10.

Salt level for your cell is 2700-3400. I'd raise it to 3000. Leave the cell off, put the salt in the shallow end and brush until dissolved. Wait 24 hours with pump on, then fire it up.

 

[tbrown1025]

pH is about 7.4 but TA is still 50.
I need to add baking soda to raise it another 10?
Do we need to wait for TA to get up 60 before salting and turning on the SWG?

 

[PoolStored]

50 is fine if your pH is 7.4.
Turn on the SWG...