Hello from Austin, TX USA

Hookemhorns85

New member
Oct 8, 2024
2
Austin, TX
Pool Size
17000
Surface
Plaster
Hi all! I'm not new to pools but am new to this site - looks like lots of great advice is available here along with the PoolMath app (installed yesterday!).

My pool history: I had an in-ground PebbleSheen pool/spa built when we lived in the Houston area, and maintained it myself for two years so I learned a *ton* through that. We bought our current in-ground plaster pool/spa (along with the house and the lot it was on ;-) when we moved to the Austin area ~10 years ago and have self-maintained it as well, other than hiring out a pump replacement and a controller enhancement. Now it's time to deal with more-complex water maintenance for my first time (drain and fill, or reverse osmosis) that I'm evaluating vendors for along with a DIY option, and a small black algae problem.....sigh.....that I hope to nip in the bud. I'm also thinking about "upping my game" on chemical analysis based on some recommendations I've read here (up to now I've always used a very basic kit for chlorine and pH along with the neighborhood pool supply store's analysis) going forward, again partly inspired by the PoolMath app.

I've always used 3" tablets ("pucks") for chlorine.....interesting it's not even an option in the drop-down menu for describing one's pool but I guess I'll learn why. ;-) I do know (I think!) the pros and cons of pucks vs liquid.
 
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Get yourself one of the recommended test kits and then provide us the results of all of the tests. You're going to have to SLAM because of the black algae so find a good supply of liquid chlorine. Skip the outside maintenance unless you need some equipment or plumbing work done. The water management is what you can do yourself. Fill out your signature so we know what your pool and equipment details are. We also recommend a salt water chlorine generator but at the least you need to plan on maintaining the pool with liquid chlorine. This gives you a clear and sanitary pool.
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
SLAM Process
Test Kits Compared
 
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