Is Draining My Only Option?

[structre40]

I have struggled all summer with keeping chlorine levels up in my pool which gets direct sunlight for most of the day. I have added a shade sail over the pool to help provide some shade. I had been going to the pool store for water tests but finally purchased my own testing kit(TF-100 - XL with SpeedStir). I have been testing through the week and come out with these results:
FC: 0.5
ph 6.8
TA: 80
CH: 775
CYA: 120(estimate since the measuring doesn't get that low when testing)

According to the PoolMath app and https://www.troublefreepool.com/calc.html I need to drain about 2/3's of the pool to lower my CYA and CH and then I can SLAM to try to get my FC up. Is this a must do right now? We are nearing the end of summer swimming season so likely won't be using the pool much longer but we do use the attached spa during the winter. Do I have any other options?

The pool looks great with the occasional dirt on the walls when brushing. Thanks for the help!

 

[mknauss]

Follow step 8 in Pool School - CYA to get your actual CYA number.

Yes - it would be best to drain and refill to lower your CYA and CH. Can you manage it for awhile? Sure - you will need to run very high FC levels and then will have issues measuring your pH (only can test when FC is under 10).

How do you chlorinate?

Take care.

- - - Updated - - -

You do need to address your pH now. Aerate as fast as you can to increase it above 7.2.

 

[structre40]

Thanks for the heads up on Step 8. That was not included in the Kit test steps so I will need to make sure to add that to my list.

For chlorination I am just doing Shock and tab float(which is obviously not working). I am going to start with chlorine bleach now to bring up my FC this week.

We do have a aerator but have not had it on to make sure our pop-ups are getting full pressure. Any other options for aerating?

 

[Perpetual summer]

I read your post and mknauss is correct but I think if your writings correct you need to get FC up in order to slam, not vice versa. Immediate concern is way to low FC. And ph. Get both up to correct levels while your thinking about draining. Unless you are draining today. Algae is knocking on the door.

 

[mknauss]

Definitely discontinue the shock and tabs. That is what added the CYA. You will need to make a decision going forward if you are going to switch your daily maintenance to liquid chlorine or invest in a SWCG. Unless you wish to drain your pool every 6 months or so.

Aerating - you can swim, point your returns to the surface, etc. But right now it is very important to raise your pH - much more than keeping the pool clean. The low pH will destroy your heater (you show a spa in your signature but no heater - so my assumption).

Take care.

 

[structre40]

Thanks to both of you for the help. I will work on pH and FC today. We will be going with liquid chlorine for now. Eventually we will look at doing a SWCG but need to think on it for a bit.

 

[Perpetual summer]

I had a SWG for a season and other than testing, brushing and vacuuming (as for any pool) there isn't much else to do. Just have to be aware of changes in the air temp, bather loads and water temps, that will affect the daily ppm loses and you will then need to adjust the SWG % settings. It's really a breeze, I keep a bottle or two of bleach for just in case and no more buying or lugging bottles.

 

[kabutotx]

Drain this winter. You can usually rent a pump and hose from Ace or Home Depot. You want to aim for a CYA of around 50 in AZ if your water is clear and don't need to SLAM.
In the meantime use liquid chlorine (bleach) to maintain you FC and get your pH up.