Help me navigate conflicting info for target ranges

[haroldo]

Hello!
I'm trying to find my way through the multitude of info on the Internets, I am not sure what is legit, what isn't. I intend on maintaining my own SWG pool. This site and PoolMath seem popular enough for me to trust it. I frequently come across other sources of info live Swim University (good, bad?)

A couple of things I am confused about

PoolMath app says:
Calcium Hardness target between 250 - 650 (650????)
CYA target beween 60 - 90 ppm
Free Chlorine target between 1 - 3 ppm
Alkalinity target between 50 - 90 ppm
no suggested salt target (why?)

SwimU Salt Water sheet or videos:
CYA 30 - 50 ppm (from video)
calcium hardness 200 - 275ppm (from video)
Free Chlorine ideal 3ppm (videos mention range of 2 - 5ppm)
Alkalinity 100 - 150 ppm
Salt level 3200ppm

What is right? Mainly, how are the suggestions for calcium hardness, alkalinity, CYA so far off?

 

[PoolStored]

As for salt, you need to turn salt tracking on and set your own target. Every SWG is different. Go to gear menu upper right.

Here you go!

Why are TFP Recommendations Different than Manufacturers? - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

You need to ask Swim U why they recommend what they do.

TFP recommendations are in...

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

and lots more details available in Pool School and Further Reading

PoolMath is just a tool we use and not an explanation of TFP methods.

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

Why are TFP Recommendations Different than Manufacturers? - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[TinFoilHat]

400000 members can't be wrong! Well, some of them could be or just didn't come back.... I would not hesitate to never view another pool forum or website ever again. And I haven't. The processes taught on this site are top notch and based in science, not industry norms.

 

[Bperry]

PoolMath app says:
Calcium Hardness target between 250 - 650 (650????)
CYA target beween 60 - 90 ppm
Free Chlorine target between 1 - 3 ppm
Alkalinity target between 50 - 90 ppm
no suggested salt target (why?)

To further explain a little, the poolmath app is just a calculator. The targets and ranges are adjustable so don’t take them blindly.

For example, if you perform a test and log the reaults with a CYA measurement of 60ppm, the target for FC will not be 1-3ppm anymore. The target ranges for some of the items are dependent on measured levels of other things.

Another example is the calcium hardness. Some folks live in the desert with very hard fill water and are constantly adding water to the pool to counteract evaporation. This builds up the calcium over time but it can be managed by adjusting some other items a little differently. I have the opposite problem of my pool constantly being filled by rain and having to drain some out so my calcium doesn’t ever seem to change much.

All that kinda shows that there’s no one single set of numbers that can apply to everyone. There’s a range of measurements to manage, some independently and others depend on multiple factors.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Harold and Welcome !!!

The truth is, everybody has to pick *something*, even us, and even then it can't come close to nailing what a particular pool in a particular location needs. Even between two neighbors, an intex and a plaster pool will behave miles apart.

So we teach you how to understand how your style pool typically behaves in your area, then tweak it as need be because things don't always follow the rules.

In the end, you'll be your own pool's pro, and be well experienced in handling anything that arises.

 

[sande005]

The above answers are right on. To add context to some of the differences you noted:

CH - The amount relates to the structure of the pool, and the equipment. My vinyl pool, without a heater, doesn't care at all. A plaster pool may be subject to erosion or deposits. A heater may have specs (right or wrong) for an expected level. So a very wide range may be tolerated, depending on the situation.

CYA - Higher CYA demands greater overall Cl levels. For liquid (or, gasp!, the evil tablets) a lower level means less product usage. A salt pool can run much higher, as the CL is free, so better protection from sudden drops (sun, bather loads, etc.)

Salt - rather than a generic target, one can set one's own to better comply with the specification set out by the manufacturer.

As you read through the resources noted, you'll see the reasoning behind the other measures, and how to better define targets specific to your pool.

 

[haroldo]

thanks folks! such great info in this thread!