How often do you test EVERYTHING?

[djdonte]

So I thought I had a handle on my pool until I realized my SWG was scaled up (in 6 months!) and my TA was making my pH run away. Dosing with MA once a week to get from 8.2 to 7.8 was not enough. I was testing FC once a week or so, CYA every month, TA/CH pretty much every few months. I guess I got comfortable with the SWG. Suddenly one weekend I noticed my pool not sparkling, lo and behold zero FC and the SWG had been off for a week. Turns out my CSI was to blame, and my TA of 120 was causing a pH of 8-8.2

Should I start testing everything once a month? More in the summer? I am working on lowering my TA. Its currently 80 but I think I will put a little more MA to get it to 70 and see how the pH rises. Should I go for even lower? I will also test/adjust pH twice week when I empty my skimmers instead of once a week. CH has held pretty constant. I tested my fill water too, as the pool needs constant topping off in the summer and the water from my tap has a pH of 8 and even a few ppm of FC. I have a SWG and waterfall that we use whenever we swim so I know that's working against me too.

 

[JJ_Tex]

I'm not sure my the official TFP guidance, but here is what I did:

Year 1 - Test TC/pH most days, full set of tests weekly
Since then I have backed off to testing TC/pH 1-2 times a week and a full set of tests every 1-2 months.

I would certainly step up your testing. I also would get more aggressive on the pH and hit it with enough MA to take it down to 7.4, and not let it get past 8.0.

 

[djdonte]

Thanks for your input. Why do you say 7.4? According to pool math with my TA at 80, 7.8 would put me at CSI of near zero (-0.08).

 

[Texas Splash]

There is a basic TFP-recommended frequency (below), but for my pool, if my SWG is in a good routine, I'll test my FC and pH every couple days. This year I have had to add acid just about every 2-3 days mostly due to the added water top-offs from the drought this year. I test my TA once a week or so. My CH and CYA maybe once a month.

Basic Pool Care Schedule

This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Regular pool maintenance will keep your water sparkling!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Katodude]

When running normally in the summer I test FC about once a week. I will use the block to check TC more often. If the solution is not super dark yellow then I bring out the full test. I also test CYA weekly in the summer. For pH I have a probe plumbed in so I just check it every couple of days. Everything else kind of when I feel like it.

 

[jark87]

FC and pH 2-3x per week. TA weekly to every 2 weeks. Once I get CYA set early in the summer, it gets tested again only if I notice FC dropping slightly. CH, salt, phosphates - maybe once or twice a year. (Salt test is really just a spot check to verify cell reading.)

 

[JJ_Tex]

Thanks for your input. Why do you say 7.4? According to pool math with my TA at 80, 7.8 would put me at CSI of near zero (-0.08).

Since your SWCG was scaled up in 6 months, I was trying to make sure you stay negative on your CSI. Also your pool math logs say a TA of 120 10 days ago so taking it down to 7.4 should help bring down the TA over time.

 

[djdonte]

Thanks. I have lowering the pH to 7ish then using my waterfall to bring the PH up. The TA is currently 80, but I'm debating if I should bring it down a little more to 60-70.

 

[HermanTX]

Should I start testing everything once a month? More in the summer?

I think you are on the right track that it is weather dependent. Due to the drought this year in Houston area, I have tested more frequently because of evaporation causing new water to be added, high UV burning off FC, more dust/debris moving around, etc. I try to test every 2nd day for FC, CC, pH and TA.
I do CH testing every week or so, and CYA every 2-3 weeks. It should be noted that I am retired and have the time - but I am also over cautious knowing the downside risk is a lot harder work to recover from an algae bloom then to prevent one.

 

[poolnoobgrandma]

When running normally in the summer I test FC about once a week. I will use the block to check TC more often. If the solution is not super dark yellow then I bring out the full test. I also test CYA weekly in the summer. For pH I have a probe plumbed in so I just check it every couple of days. Everything else kind of when I feel like it.

Ah, Florida and our disappearing CYA!

 

[johngault007]

Ah, Florida and our disappearing CYA!

No kidding!!!! We have had a particularly wet summer so far here on the panhandle and I have been testing my CYA weekly because of it.