Got started, fixed algae overnight

[gaajar35]

Did my tests.
FC=5.5
CC=0 (unsure of the accuracy of this reading because I had added one extra drop of R-0871 in the FC test to make sure there wasn't any residual pink)
CYA=40 (this was exactly at 40, so probably right, but could be slightly higher if I eyeballed it wrong)
TA=60 (I MIGHT have under counted the drops by 1, in which case this is 70. Still in range)
pH=7.7
All results are pretty close to store levels, considering my water exchange ran another 1.5 hrs after that sample was taken. This gives me even more confidence in my testing. Chemistry was not my favorite subject in school ;-)
Will clean filter, then do the overnight FC test.

 

[PoolStored]

Did my tests.
FC=5.5
CC=0 (unsure of the accuracy of this reading because I had added one extra drop of R-0871 in the FC test to make sure there wasn't any residual pink)
CYA=40 (this was exactly at 40, so probably right, but could be slightly higher if I eyeballed it wrong)
TA=60 (I MIGHT have under counted the drops by 1, in which case this is 70. Still in range)
pH=7.7
All results are pretty close to store levels, considering my water exchange ran another 1.5 hrs after that sample was taken. This gives me even more confidence in my testing. Chemistry was not my favorite subject in school ;-)
Will clean filter, then do the overnight FC test.

 

[Mdragger88]

Be sure to turn the light on with your speed stir- it really helps you see that the test is complete (no pink left)

 

[gaajar35]

<blush>thank you!

 

[gaajar35]

Be sure to turn the light on with your speed stir- it really helps you see that the test is complete (no pink left)

I have been doing that. Definitely a big help, especially for consistency and a newbie.

 

[PoolStored]

do the overnight FC test.

 

[gaajar35]

Cleaned the filter. Did the overnight FC test. 0.5 drop overnight! CC at 0.5. CYA at 50 in the morning. Need to add chlorine, but looks like I don't need to SLAM. If you see the logs, you'll also notice an average of 0.5 FC drop over 3 days from the previous test, so overall pretty consistent.

 

[Newdude]

How's the water look ?

 

[Mdragger88]

You’re in the danger zone now- get that fc up to 8 (high target ) ASAP then be sure to replenish before it gets to 4 (min).
FC/CYA Levels
It’s best to do the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test @ target fc levels.

 

[Mdragger88]

How's the water look ?

This

You are done when:

CC is 0.5 or lower;
You pass an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
AND
the water is clear.
?? (Crystal Clear w/no algae dead or alive)

 

[Newdude]

And we are talkin stooooopid clear

How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[gaajar35]

Water is CRYSTAL clear. No algae of any kind anywhere, including the hose of the cleaner which always used to have some green. Will increase FC to 8. I'm stocked with 8 gallons of 10% chlorine

 

[PoolStored]

Will increase FC to 8.

You allowed your FC to go below minimum. FC/CYA Levels

That is why you will get algae again. Keep it between 6-8. Don’t let it get below 6 at 50 CYA, until you know your pool better.

 

[gaajar35]

On a separate note, my cartridge filter is leaking. Likely issue is O-ring. When I replace it, should I put lubricant? No moving parts so wasn't sure.

 

[PoolStored]

When I replace it, should I put lubricant?

Find and read the manual for your filter. Mine says no, other filter manuals say yes.

 

[gaajar35]

You allowed your FC to go below minimum. FC/CYA Levels

That is why you will get algae again. Keep it between 6-8. Don’t let it get below 6 at 50 CYA, until you know your pool better.

Will do. Last CYA reading was 40, and I'm still not super confident in my CYA readings, so FC=4 seemed reasonable, but yes, I should've kept it higher.

 

[Mdragger88]

Will do. Last CYA reading was 40, and I'm still not super confident in my CYA readings, so FC=4 seemed reasonable, but yes, I should've kept it higher.

Just trying to drill home the fact that minimum is hot lava not a goal to maintain. Maintaining High target keeps you from playing kissy face with minimum & in the clear incase of a higher uv day, higher bather load, or other environmental factors.

 

[gaajar35]

FC now at 6.5 (CYA 50, CC=0) and I'm leaving on a 10 day vacation early tomorrow AM. Forecast for the duration says temp in the 40-60 range and some rain expected. Looks like I'm losing less than 0.5 FC / day. Should I add enough chlorine to reach FC=9?

 

[gaajar35]

Find and read the manual for your filter. Mine says no, other filter manuals say yes.

Mine said no also. Replaced with OEM o-ring. Much better, but still leaking a little bit - apparently right at the joint. That's weird because with the old ring, before cleaning, and similar pressure it wasn't leaking. Could it be the clamp? Seems unlikely because it took some effort to get it to the normal closed position. Any clues?

 

[mknauss]

FC now at 6.5 (CYA 50, CC=0) and I'm leaving on a 10 day vacation early tomorrow AM. Forecast for the duration says temp in the 40-60 range and some rain expected. Looks like I'm losing less than 0.5 FC / day. Should I add enough chlorine to reach FC=9?

Raise to SLAM level. As long as water is under 50F, things should be fine.