How do I read this pH color on TF-Pro kit comparator block?

[pjt]

It's tough to figure out when the shade of my water is slightly off compared to any of the example colors.

A consistent background is key. To get good backlighting, hold the block in front of your computer monitor/tablet/phone with a blank white screen displayed. Also, try holding the block sideways or upside down. Sometimes that helps distinguish colors better. I also use two old hotel keycards to mask off areas and narrow down my decision.

 

[CreedenceTapes]

Yes, let's go there in increments. You are learning. Let's get it to 30, then we go up from there.

The only practical way to get rid of a substantial excess of CYA, @just4747, is to drain partially and dilute what's left with fresh water. You really want to avoid that.

Increments are the way to go until you know exactly how your pool responds to additions of CYA.

 

[just4747]

It is fine. Any pH in the 7s is ok. pH rises naturally. The higher your TA the faster it will rise. With a TA of 80, pH should be pretty stable around 7.8-8. Don't force ph down below 7.8 with that TA.

Sock doesn't matter the type.

Ever play the lava game? The floor is lava? Don't go there...

Ah got it lol. I thought that might be it.
Ok will leave pH alone.

Yes, let's go there in increments. You are learning. Let's get it to 30, then we go up from there. We'll use it as a learning tool for adding CYA and getting accurate results.

Have you done this test yet? Do it tonight. Link-->Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

Ok will do stabilizer shortly. Do you recommend in skimmer or tied in front of a return jet?

I will read the link and do that too.

I wanted to add two more factors into the mix:

1. For TH/CH - I have a heater and the heater says recommended level of CH is 200-400 (see image below). Should I follow that despite having a vinyl liner for the benefit of the heater staying in good condition? In that case I'd need to raise the level a bit.

2. Since we've opened the pool a few weeks ago (we just moved in here last Fall and the pool was already closed), I've noticed some light orange/brownish stains in a few spots of the floor liner. A few random spots in shallow end and a few spots in floor/wall creases in the deep end. Some are pretty noticeable if the water is steady and you look down.

Is treating/removing these something I need to incorporate now while I am correcting levels/will using whatever products to possibly clean those stains affect any levels? There were two products left here from previous owners that do mention having certain levels before using them (products are Natural Chemistry Ascorbic Acid Stain Free and also Citrus Treat Natural Stain Remover) - see pic below.

I can get pics of the labels and what they say but just mentioning them since we have them here. Maybe they aren't what I should use at all - I basically have no idea yet how to deal with the stains but would like to sooner than later, if you or anyone has any recommendations.

Thanks.

 

[PoolStored]

Do you recommend in skimmer or tied in front of a return jet?

Your choice...door #1 or door #2. Same prize.

1. For TH/CH - I have a heater and the heater says recommended level of CH is 200-400 (see image below). Should I follow that despite having a vinyl liner for the benefit of the heater staying in good condition? In that case I'd need to raise the level a bit.

Yes, 200 would be just fine.

2. Since we've opened the pool a few weeks ago (we just moved in here last Fall and the pool was already closed), I've noticed some light orange/brownish stains in a few spots of the floor liner. A few random spots in shallow end and a few spots in floor/wall creases in the deep end. Some are pretty noticeable of the water is steady and you look down.

Is treating/removing these something I need to incorporate now while I am correcting levels/will using whatever products to possibly clean those stains affect any levels? There were two products left here from previous owners that do mention having certain levels before using them (products are Natural Chemistry Ascorbic Acid Stain Free and also Citrus Treat Natural Stain Remover) - see pic below.

I can get pics of the labels and what they say but just mentioning them since we have them here. Maybe they aren't what I should use at all - I basically have no idea yet how to deal with the stains but would like to sooner than later, if you or anyone has any recommendations.

The first is Ascorbic Acid. The second is Citric Acid. Throw the Citrus treat out.

Use this guide to identify the stain. The Ascorbic acid can be used to treat iron spots, which you may have. Ascorbic acid is vitamin C. You can get vitamin C pills, put them in a sock and rub over the spots to see if the spots are iron stains. You can also put some of the Ascorbic acid you have in a sock. Same/Same.

READ the guide:

Stains in Your Pool

The stained pool is beyond embarrassing. Our in-depth Guide to remove stains in your pool will help you to remove the stains and prevent them in the future.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[just4747]

Your choice...door #1 or door #2. Same prize.


Yes, 200 would be just fine.


The first is Ascorbic Acid. The second is Citric Acid. Throw the Citrus treat out.

Use this guide to identify the stain. The Ascorbic acid can be used to treat iron spots, which you may have. Ascorbic acid is vitamin C. You can get vitamin C pills, put them in a sock and rub over the spots to see if the spots are iron stains. You can also put some of the Ascorbic acid you have in a sock. Same/Same.

READ the guide:

Stains in Your Pool

The stained pool is beyond embarrassing. Our in-depth Guide to remove stains in your pool will help you to remove the stains and prevent them in the future.

www.troublefreepool.com

Thank you for that.

I am about to add the Stabilizer to go up about 20ppm more like you said (to start with). Should I also add liquid chlorine now to get my FC of 2 up to at least 3ish (3-6ish) and then raise it again once the CYA levels are brought up (each time) in increments? Or do I just leave CH alone/low right now and adjust it only once the CYA is in final range (60-90) after a few increments of raising it?
Wasn't sure if I should do these increments of both in conjunction with each other or focus on CYA now first.

 

[PoolStored]

Once the sock hits the water, just assume your CYA is 30 (or whatever target CYA the addition is shooting for).

 

[just4747]

Once the sock hits the water, just assume your CYA is 30 (or whatever target CYA the addition is shooting for).

Ok I will adjust Chlorine now too then.

Hope I did the sock thing right

 

[PoolStored]

BEAUTIFUL. You can move the sock 1/2 way closer to the return. Might work a bit faster. After 30 minutes soak, you can probably take 10 minutes and squeeze it a bunch of times to help dissolve.

 

[just4747]

BEAUTIFUL. You can move the sock 1/2 way closer to the return. Might work a bit faster. After 30 minutes soak, you can probably take 10 minutes and squeeze it a bunch of times to help dissolve.

Great tip thanks. And thanks for everything so far. Lots learned today. Might be reporting back here with new numbers tomorrow (?).