Hello From NJ - new to inground pool

[skywalker575]

We purchased new home, and it comes with pool. we didn't do anything for two weeks. We are not finding any help for maintaining the pool, so I am planning to do it myself
I learned TFP is the way to go. I went through all pool chemistry and other resources. Downloaded the pool math app. I am facing difficulties in balancing the water as I left the pool untouched for the first two weeks.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Skywalker and Welcome !!!

Did you get a Test Kits Compared ?

What's it say if so ?

How's the pool look ?

It's likely you'll need to SLAM Process and youll need an above reliable test kit to do so.

 

[skywalker575]

Thanks you @Newdude

I am comparing strps, poolmate with store. And they are close and am confident on testing myself

Pool store asked me to shock it twice in a week which I did
My reading from July18th and July 22nd

Free Cl - 0.23 and 0.2
Total Cl - 0.23 and 0.2
Combined 0 and 0
Ph - 7.9 and 7.9 - added 5 lbs of phDown on July 18th/5 lbs on July 22
Hardness = 50 and 151 - added 40lbs on July 18th and 19th
Alkalinity - 86 and 121 added 28lbs
Cynauric Acid - 5 and 25 (added 4 lbs on July 18th)
Phospares - 2646 and 3323
Salt 3323 and 2956

Shocked twice so far -

Water looks clear to me -
- Checked SWG system and installed in 2018 and at 80% in self test
- adding Clorine manually (5 tabs in each of the skimmers - two skimmers)
What to do next for balancing?

 

[PoolStored]

Hey! Glad you are here.

One of the foundations of TFP is self-testing.

Here are the test kits we recommend and will provide advice if you have one...Link-->Test Kits Compared

We don't rely on strips, other test kits, or pool store testing, which are notoriously inaccurate.

A bit about TFPC:

What is TFPC?

We believe any pool owner can achieve and maintain safe, crystal clear pool water, by using the science-based, Trouble Free Pool Care (TFPC) methodology.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Newdude]

First and foremost is always an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. It removes the sun from the equation and if you lose FC overnight with no UV or swimmers, then organics are growing. If you pass, then we have time to adjust anything else and you won't be gifted a swamp in the meantime.

Pool stores have terrible accuracy and here's why it's problematic :

Click and read

test strips are simply too vague for the values, on top of inaccuracies. CYA for example needs to be a 10 to set an appropriate FC level. 0, 30 to 50, 100, 200, 300 (or whatevs yours say) simply won't cut it.

 

[skywalker575]

I ordered - Taylor K-2006 and Taylor stirrer. They will be delivered tomorrow

 

[Newdude]

If it's not too late, cancel it and visit tftestkits.net. I broke down the differences In this thread. While the Taylor drops are the same ones used by TFT, either TF kit is a better value by far.

The TF100 which is comp priced to the k2006 has 2.7X the supplies. The TFPro includes the stirrer for the same cost of the K2006C, along with having better allotments of supplies.