Hardness in Puerto rico

[kemmer]

Hi All,

We have a 22k gallon pool in Puerto Rico with a salt system. The pool is usually always perfect but I started noticing that the CYA and hardness is off.

We previously had issues with the pool turning purple. I suspect it was the excess CYA from the previous chlorine puck. I can’t tell if it’s too high or too low based on the test strip. I’d hate to add more just to turn the pool purple again. We haven’t drained it, but there’s a chance we could have diluted it with rain and overflowing.

The hardness is a similar scenario. We can’t tell if it’s too high or too low.

The second picture shows our pool test strip next to a tapwater test strip.

What do you think we need to do?

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

I think you need to get a good test kit and trash the guess strips.

Either the Taylor K-2006C + K1766 or the TFT Test Kits

When you get your test kit post the results and we can talk.

While waiting for your test kit you might want to review...

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kemmer]

Circling back on this.
Hardness - 50ppm
Alkalinity - 50ppm
CYA - Near zero

Would Sodium bicarbonate work to raise both the hardness and Alkalinity or should I use Calcium Chloride as well?

For the CYA - i was thinking just adding stabilizer

 

[duraleigh]

Your prioritizing the wrong stuff. Tell us your Chlorine content and pH. Then, based on that we can help get your CYA correct and then last, get your CH and TA in the correct ranges.

Don't use sodium bicarb for anything.

 

[JamesW]

TF-Pro Salt

tftestkits.net

 

[Newdude]

I can’t tell if it’s too high or too low based on the test strip.

And there lies the issue with test strips. Even if you had a color, they're just far too vague.

We dose FC per the 10s of CYA. 0, 30 to 50, 100, 150 and 240 doesn't tell you squat. Without the precision you simply can't have your FC in the correct range, and you're on the bullet train to Swampville.

Welcome to TFP !!!

 

[JamesW]

We previously had issues with the pool turning purple.

That might be copper cyanurate.

What test kit do you have?

We cannot give good advice based on test strip test results.

What type of pool?

Can you show pictures of everything?

 

[kemmer]

Your prioritizing the wrong stuff. Tell us your Chlorine content and pH. Then, based on that we can help get your CYA correct and then last, get your CH and TA in the correct ranges.

Don't use sodium bicarb for anything.

pH is at 7.5
Total chlorine is 3ppm

 

[duraleigh]

pH is at 7.5
Total chlorine is 3ppm

Based on that, leave those results alone and bring CYA to 60 ppm, CH to 300 and TA around 60.

However, as indicated above the results from test strips are completely erratic and I would toss them out until you decide tp get accurate test kit. Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared I would add the Pool Store testing is equally unreliable

 

[kemmer]

All, the most recent results are from a liquid test kit, not strips.

What should we do to get the pool balanced again?

 

[ajw22]

What test kit are you using?

What type of pool?

Based on that, leave those results alone and bring CYA to 60 ppm, CH to 300 and TA around 60.

What don’t you like the recommendations in post #9?

 

[kemmer]

It’s a fiberglass pool coated in aqua guard 5000.

Should I use calcium chloride or sodium bicarbonate?

 

[Newdude]

It’s a fiberglass pool coated in aqua guard 5000.

Ok so it's a painted fiberglass pool, and calcium isn't needed.

Raise the TA by 10 with baking soda.
Get 30+ CYA in there or you won't be able to hold any chlorine.

Maintain enough chlorine to replace the daily loss and remain free and clear above minimum. (You'll notice the chart isn't test strip friendly)

Having been without CYA and chlorine, you likely have algae brewing. Overnight Chlorine Loss Test and if you fail, SLAM Process

 

[kemmer]

Thanks. Also wanted to note that the pool is a salt water pool. We never really had algae issues since switching over.

Here’s a shot of the current state. We noticed it’s just a little cloudy compared to usual.

Pool drain is about 9’ deep for reference.

Haven’t vacuumed in a few days.

The black specks are apart of the finish. Previous owner liked it and paid extra for it