Hello,
What a great site and group of people. First summer with a pool (see signature). Learning lots from here and the other links. Today I'm learning about SLAM and the value of better testing materials and have them on order. We had nice clean clear looking water (never did proper tests, so only going by looks) until it hit 80° and we got green and translucent such that we couldn't see the bottom. I've been shocking and trying to adjust PH.
I know we need data to make any good recommendations - but as of today, I only have low cost test strips from a hardware store. I'll be following SLAM procedures this weekend and if there's an issue, post back with data on my pool water, and tap water. However, I would like to get advice on how to prep to handle the hard water and high PH.
We used city tap water to fill the pool. We have "Hard" water. Our city reports 25 grains per gallon (428 ppm?)
The test strips (better testers on order) show we are pegged at the highest number on the strips. PH is also pegged. Using the test strips, it's the brightest color on the strip which is 8.4. I added enough "PH Reducer" to bring it down one 1.0 and it made no change at all. After three more full doses, the subsequent test strips finally changed color, but still too high. Likely we were in the 9s.
My plan for today:
I put in three bags of Shock packets yesterday along with some clairifier. I'll switch to just chlorine bleach from now on (per TFP standards?) and not use the shock pouches.
Vacuum tonight
Get PH into the 7s
Put in bleach and CYA per findings on TFP site
Run filter (SWG off) full time
Clean filter and vacuum as needed
While that's getting done tonight, and I wait for the better testers, what should I do to prep for handling the hard water?
Does having such a high PH mean anything else that I should worry about?
Again, No data, No good advice - so just your thoughts on next steps for now so I can order/find what I need.
What a great site and group of people. First summer with a pool (see signature). Learning lots from here and the other links. Today I'm learning about SLAM and the value of better testing materials and have them on order. We had nice clean clear looking water (never did proper tests, so only going by looks) until it hit 80° and we got green and translucent such that we couldn't see the bottom. I've been shocking and trying to adjust PH.
I know we need data to make any good recommendations - but as of today, I only have low cost test strips from a hardware store. I'll be following SLAM procedures this weekend and if there's an issue, post back with data on my pool water, and tap water. However, I would like to get advice on how to prep to handle the hard water and high PH.
We used city tap water to fill the pool. We have "Hard" water. Our city reports 25 grains per gallon (428 ppm?)
The test strips (better testers on order) show we are pegged at the highest number on the strips. PH is also pegged. Using the test strips, it's the brightest color on the strip which is 8.4. I added enough "PH Reducer" to bring it down one 1.0 and it made no change at all. After three more full doses, the subsequent test strips finally changed color, but still too high. Likely we were in the 9s.
My plan for today:
I put in three bags of Shock packets yesterday along with some clairifier. I'll switch to just chlorine bleach from now on (per TFP standards?) and not use the shock pouches.
Vacuum tonight
Get PH into the 7s
Put in bleach and CYA per findings on TFP site
Run filter (SWG off) full time
Clean filter and vacuum as needed
While that's getting done tonight, and I wait for the better testers, what should I do to prep for handling the hard water?
Does having such a high PH mean anything else that I should worry about?
Again, No data, No good advice - so just your thoughts on next steps for now so I can order/find what I need.