Got CYA down - what should I tackle next?

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C

Chellayh

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Silver Supporter
Nov 10, 2011
23
Spring, TX
Over the past week, I have been getting my CYA down, then I SLAMMED (using cal-hypo to help raise my CH). Now I'm not sure what my next step should be. For full history, see Prev owner messed up pool chemistry - how many gallons where to start?

Current readings:
FC. 13.5
CC. 0.5
pH. 8.0+
TA. 170
CYA. 60
CH. 100

My fill water is obviously high TA and low CH, because with the drain & refill process, TA went from 110 to 170 and CH from 120 to 80. I know my CYA is still a bit high, but for several reasons I don't want to lower it any more, primarily because I am looking at converting to a SWG soon, but also because even with my CYA at this level, I am still losing about 6-7 ppm FC during the day.

Do I tackle CH or TA first, or at the same time? If I do one or the other first, will I get my CSI enough out of whack for it to be a problem while I am going through this process?

How do I tackle TA if I need to keep my morning FC about 13 to keep it above minimum during the day? With FC so high, I know pH isn't accurate. Is that true for TA also?
 
Let your FC drift down to 6. If you are having that much loss per day, I would say you still have something consuming your chlorine in your pool. Do you pass an OCLT?

When your FC is under 10, You can test pH and lower it to 7.2. When it gets to 7.8, lower it again with acid. This will lower your TA over time.
If you want to do it quicker, follow this Pool School - Lower Total Alkalinity
But remember, you are not targeting a TA number, just whatever slows your pH rise.
You do need to get CH into this pool as it is gunite. Ch of 250 - 300 should be targeted. I doubt that Spring TX has ice melt on the store shelves so may need to look at other sources.

Let us know if you pass an OCLT. A 7 ppm FC drop per day is pretty high.

Take care.
 
Yes, I passed the OLCT. FC only dropped by 0.5. I didn't really feel like I needed to SLAM, because my pool was crystal clear & my beginning FC was high, but did based on recommendations on the above referenced thread.

I understand about the TA number, but I should keep it at a number that balances the CSI with the increase in CH, right?
 
Yes. Manage the CSI, but with your low CH and needing to add calcium, CSI should not be a big issue as long as you keep your pH in the normal range.

Still bugs me that you have such a high FC loss. Keep an eye on that.

Take care.
 
Yes the OCLT is valid even if you are not at shock level. I suggest you take your pool into a SLAM. It may be quick, but should help the high FC consumption on a daily basis.

Take a hard look around your sheet falls. Algae can hide in those and could be your problem. Also lights, skimmers, etc.
 
So my husband asked a question tonight I wasn't sure of the answer to. Could evaporation and the autofill on our pool account for the amount of FC drop (6-7 ppm) I see daily?

On an unrelated note, I am feeling frustrated! I've been working so hard to get this pool in balance & we've got Tropical Storm Cindy visiting tonight! ARRRGHHH!!!
 
FOUND MY ALGAE!!!!!!

So in all this there was one thing I hadn't gotten around to doing yet, removing & checking behind my lights. Since it was cooler today & not much sun (I've been getting burnt) I decided to do it. The pool light had quite a bit a dirt in it, but looked ok. The I remembered the spa light. I've been brushing the spa from outside, but hadn't been IN it. And when I got in to remove the light.....



I've got algae!!! On just about every grout line at the water line. But not now. I scrubbed those suckers to within an inch of their little chlorine-sucking lives, then filled a spray bottle wth 10% bleach & soaked 'em.

Now I've got to go get more chlorine. I used used up all but about 1/2 gallon dosing last night. Cross your fingers that I've found it all!
 

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Sounds like you should probably go through the Slam process to me. I am sure someone with more knowledge will chime in. With known algae present, CC at .5 and not passing the OCLT, I would think that is what they will suggest. Good Luck, I will follow this and see how it goes.
 
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