Okay, so here we are exactly one week later. I'll fill everyone in on how bad these pool service guys are:
- When starting each day, the pump now runs dry for almost 5 minutes before sucking water. Can't be good for the impeller.
- I am assuming this is because somehow air is getting into the pipes.
- Filter has a ton of air in it after starting, which I also assume is because of the leak. I let it out until water comes out, again assuming that if air is in it, the cartridge won't be working well (Am I correct?)
- Pool cleaner has all but stopped working. I bought a clip for the tail and put it on myself, as the dufus pool guy I told about it never came back with one. It sits there lethargically in the pool, barely moving, so something's up.
- Algae started appearing in clumps on the bottom yesterday, probably in part due to the lack of a working pool cleaner.
I wrote a long email to the owner explaining the situation that these guys aren't any good and I would hate her to incur avoidable expenses. I offering to help find another service. No reply.
I called the service owner (Not his dufus helper) and explained the problems. He's coming tomorrow.
I took a water sample to the same shop just now. Readings are:
FC=4 (Up 1), TC=4 (Up 1), pH=7.4 (Down 0.1), TA=80 (Down 10), CH=350 (Up 50), CYA=45 (Down 5), TDS=2100 (Down 100), phosphates=300 (Same).
According to pool school for my CYA level, the FC needs to be increased to 5.5. Also I notice the CH coming up fast. But is the phosphate the immediate problem to tackle? I am going to meet the guy tomorrow. What would you advise, short of firing him (I've already tried that with my landlord).