I have seen many devices (widely varying in price) online that are supposed to measure PH. Is there a "TFP approved" device for this sort of thing?
First Water Test Results
- Thread starter bgoz98
- Start date
- Jun 24, 2021
- 7,510
- Pool Size
- 30000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60
No not really. I bought one and it sadly sits in the drawer. Way quicker to do the water test. Any electronic device for testing needs to be calibrated regularly too, so you have to buy the powder for the test, re-calibrate etc. Trouble free is the mantra. Electronic testers can work with the right calibration/maintenance, but certainly not "Trouble Free." You will get the hang of it. If you want a tester, happy to sell you mine. Used sparingly in mint condition.
Go like this, or something similar. It's weird because I needed a free hand to take the pic. It's much better holding with one hand and using the other to block all but one line. Or the thumb from the hold-y hand can block the below value and the other hand/fingers can block above the one you want to see. It makes it so much easier to only have to match one color, without being distracted by above and below it.
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Numbers are looking pretty good:Congrats on the OCLT!As for the salt, don't expect it to go anywhere anytime soon. Chemicals, typically liquid chlorine, can add a little salt with each dose that can accumulate over time. I don't know if that might have been the case before or if perhaps too much was added at one time for the SWG. The easiest way to reduce a salt level is to exchange some water. Salt, just like CH and CYA, are typically lowered by changing some water. Those levels can get lower over the course of the season was overflow or splashout.
FC 5.5
CC 0.0
CYA 70
PH 7.8 (I plan to add more MA tonight to help with TA)
TA 170
Salt 5000 PPM
So here is my question... I plan to drain and replace some of the water to lower the salt ppm. What is the best method of draining? I have read where some people put their cover pump on a step/ledge vs backwashing at the pump/filter. Also, PoolMath says I need to replace 15% (depending on my target) of the water. This equates to about 7" on the water line for me. Should I do this all at once or reduce 3" and add 3" back, etc? Doing all of it at once would take me below my first step. Is this ok for the liner or will it lead to wrinkles? I plan to replace via spigot/hose and any rain we may get.
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,873
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
You have several options. Since I don't think you are in a major rush, a simple pump tossed in the water will do fine. Some people might have a spigot on their filter at the bottom they can open, or there are those who do it quickly by backwashing to waste. You can go a little at a time or all at once for this scenario. Either option should work fine for you.
Got about half of the calculated gallons drained and replaced. How long should I wait before testing salt levels again?
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,873
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
No more than an hour of circulation should be plenty.