I really need help in opening my pool

[Countblitz]

Hello. I am pretty much a beginner. I've had this pool for about 2 years now. I have turned to this community in the hopes I could get help.
I live in Phoenix I have a 49,000 gallon pool. It has a pebble tech finish. I have Pentair Intelliflo VSF Variable speed pump. I have a Pentair TR40 Triton sand filter. My pool is not heated. I recently drained it and refilled it.
I had not put any chemicals in my water yet. I usually use the 3" chlorine tablets. I tested my water today. I'm pretty new at that. My test was as follows;
-PH test
8
-Acid Demand test
2 drops to get it to 7.6
3 drops to get it to 7.4
-Total Alkalinity test
13-14 drops to turn red
-Calcium Hardness test
calcium present, turned red
8 drops to turn blue
I did not test for chlorine because I had not added any chlorine yet.
I was wondering if someone could steer me in the right direction on what to add, how much and in what order.
Thank you so much in advance. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello and welcome to TFP! Below is an article on the very subject you are asking about. Let's start there and let us know if you have more questions. I see you updated your signature - great. Please take a moment to add which test kit you are using to your sig as well. It will help with questions later. Based on your notes, it looks like your numbers are like this:
FC - 0
CC - ?
CYA - 0
PH - 8.0
TA - 140
CH - 200? Did you use the 10ml or 25 ml size?

Use muriatic acid to lower the pH to about 7.4 today. The TA will slowly fall over time. Be sure to use the PoolMath APP to help you with dosage amounts. You can link your APP test logs here to TFP from the APP's setting feature. The article below will help get you started om everything else. But hey, stay clear of chlorine tabs if you can. They increase CYA too fast. Liquid chlorine is your best bet for seasonal chlorination until perhaps later you can get a salt water generator.

Just Filled Your Pool with Water? Here's What To Do Next - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Countblitz]

Thank you very much. I am using Leslie's Complete (FAS-DPD) Chlorine test kit. I used the 10 ml size. I'm going to start reading through everything and do what you had advised. Thank you so much for answering and helping me.

 

[Countblitz]

I am so confused on the pool math calculator I don't know if I'm even doing it right. My pool is so large and complicated I probably just need to call in a pool person to do it. I thought I could do it but don't think I can. Thank you for the help though.

 

[Texas Splash]

I am so confused on the pool math calculator I don't know if I'm even doing it right. My pool is so large and complicated I probably just need to call in a pool person to do it. I thought I could do it but don't think I can.

You certainly can do it. Don't throw in the towel just yet. Let us try to coach you through any issues. I'm about to step out so I'm going to tag @Mdragger88 for additional help if others don't jump in as well. We've got your back.

 

[Texas Splash]

One step at a time.
1. Ensure your pool info is loaded properly in the PoolMath APP. If you have questions, ask.
2. Also go to the APPs "Settings" and look for the toggle that allows you to link test logs to TFP so we can see all your testing.
3. Practice using the "Effects of Adding" tool. Just practice with common items you might add like bleach, stabilizer, muriatic acid. Sometimes there are more than one type of those items, so select the one that's right for you.
4. Once you try to "Add Test Results", the APP will provide suggestions. Some items might even be flagged as a caution. Don't panic. Some items are not really bad, the APP just doesn't know everything about your situation. That's where experience comes in, or simply asking us.

We are happy to walk you through any APP issues to help you stay in control of the water. Hang in there.

 

[Pauls234]

Hang on Countblitz! Calling a "pool person" often makes things worse, we've seen it a thousand times.

The backstory of your pool (in your signature) and why it is so large is very interesting! This could be a fun one.

Being Father's Day (and scorching hot here in the midwest) much of the TFP Army are likely poolside with family, but we will get you squared away in the coming days.

Do you have liquid chlorine on hand? It may be labeled as pool shock. 2 gallons of 12.5% strength will add 5ppm to your pool which is a good start.

You will need some CYA (cyanuric acid) as well - it protects your chlorine from getting completely devoured by the Phoenix sun. It may be labeled as conditioner or stabilizer. I'd get 20 lbs of it

Get your hands on those 2 items.

Sounds like you are testing with Taylor k2006, is that right?

 

[Mdragger88]

Here’s a video about how to use poolmath

When you refilled your pool did you happen to read your water meter before & after?