High CYA - Keep Draining/Refill to Reduce?

[Hwmeador]

So I started with this pool in May when I purchased this home. Because I wasn't moving in immediately I hired a pool company to temporarily take care of the pool. That was a disaster as all they wanted to do was dump piles of unnecessary chemicals/algecides in the pool. The did note that the CYA was high (140) and wanted to do a complete drain and refill. For numerous reasons I didn't want to do that but rather some strategic partial drain and refills, I'm on a well. So over the last couple of weeks I had done several partial drains/refills. First partial drain got me down to 110-100 range. I just finished another small drain yesterday and it tested at ~80. So success! Obviously the first key to success was to stop putting tri-chlor tablets in the feeder. I switched to the liquid chlorine method and have been manually testing/dosing. Pool company was fired a few weeks ago.

So my question is do I do another drain/refill cycle to keep reducing my CYA or just let it go? I know the CYA can't increase because I'm not adding any more. I tested FC after the drain and it was low as expected (FC=4). I just added more chlorine to bring it back into check for the range of minimum FC according the chart. My current Ph is sitting right at 7.8, it seems to sit there. Pool is currently clean and clear. Just want to get this under check to reduce amount of chlorine required. It seems like I am moving in the correct direction.

 

[Toxophilite]

It's an either/or situation based on your preferences for doing a third partial or not. With the sun and heat down here, you might be around the 60 mark by end of August just by natural depletion. But, if you wanted to get to that point faster, then a partial is the only way.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome! Agreed. ^^ Your call really, and since you are familiar with the FC/CYA Levels you know how to balance the FC to the current CYA.

Don't forget to update your signature with all of your pool and equipment info. Nice to have you on the forum.

Pool Care Basics

 

[Toxophilite]

Also, if don't have, get a good test kit and come to know all your other water chemistry: Pool Test Kits - Further Reading Maybe even have your water tested for copper level.

You don't know what all was added or not prior. If he or previous owner were using much algaecides, or adding too much of something else other than the CYA via pucks, maybe your water exchanges are not over based on something else other than just CYA.

 

[Hwmeador]

Thanks for the feedback. First thing I did was buy a good test kit, I'm using the TF-100. Everything else seems to be in check. When I did have the pool company they would give me weekly test results. When I would come to town during move in I would check myself to confirm any of those results. I haven't seen anything abnormal in the other results. Should I have the water tested for copper levels? I don't suspect anything abnormal was used but obviously don't know. If I am doing the partial drain and refills then any other constituents in the water will be diluted as well.

 

[Toxophilite]

Being on a well and new house purchase, there should be a verified water test in your closing papers. If not, check with your realtor, as it is usually submitted by seller through their realtor. Pretty much mandatory with a mortgage purchase. That should tell you not only the bacteria count, but have basics on iron and copper. If none done, you need one done, preferably annually. Last resort, pool stores can give a free reading for what it's worth.

Edit: I got off on your well and fill water Last resort pool store test for pool water level unless you want to test it otherwise. But, you should know your well water testing regardless.