Just bought a house with a pool

[Nefid]

Hey all,

I bought a house with a pool which has been a dream since I was a kid. When we looked at the house a couple times the pool was sparkling and awesome. Moved in a week ago and while the water looked good, there were a lot of debris, leaves, sand, etc in the pool. I spent the last 5 days trying to figure out what I'm doing without getting into spending tons of money on this and, frankly, it's a little overwhelming at the moment. And when I took the water test into the nearby pool place and he started pointing out all the chemicals I'll need I started getting a little suspicious so I backed off and started rummaging around the internet until I got here.

I think the Pool School was helpful, but I've still got some questions.

So I did clean the pool, used the polaris 360 quite a bit, had a pool guy come out and show me how the stuff works, scrubbed it with the brush, etc. It currently looks great. However, the pool testing reveals the following:

pH: 7.9
FC: 5.6
TC: 5.6
TA: 80
CH: 24
CYA: 18

This testing was done at the local pool store, I don't have a test kit yet, I know pool school has a section on that and I need to purchase one, just trying to keep costs down a little while transitioning to new job and after the move
I dumped in 40 oz of pH reducer this am (Sunguard brand, its what prev owner had on hand) and I know I need to use a lot of stabilizer, but the sunguard stabilizer doesn't have much in the way of instructions of how to calculate how much. Is all that stuff the same? Can I use the PoolMath calc and just put in 10 lbs of that (I'd likely have to buy more), or is there a better way? The calcium hardness appears really low as well, it seems like I need a ton of that as well. Am I just a newbie who doesn't realize 10lbs of stuff is going to be NOTHING in 22K gallons and need to shift my way of thinking? How much do most people spend a month on pool chemicals (not electricity)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[niteshift38]

Welcome to TFP!!! You've come to the right place. I'm new and sure the experts will chime in shortly, but I would DEFINTLY order a test kit ( Pool School - Test Kits Compared ) . Others will recommend how much bleach/chlorine to add till it arrives to keep you where you are. I personally would read ALL articles in Pool School and re-read sevaral times to get an understanding of pool chemistry. TRUST ME ... the advise you will be given here will be immeasurable. Congrats on your new pool and your decision to take control of it yourself!!!

 

[Jimrahbe]

N,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all "Overwhelmed" new pool owners...

We do not trust pool store readings because more often than not, they will be wrong. Because of this it is very hard for us to advise you what to do.. As example, your CYA may be 18, but it may not.. if we tell you to add more CYA it could put you way over the max limit for CYA...

With a SWCG your pH will generally creep up on a continual basis... We recommend that you use Muriatic Acid to reduce pH...

Pool Math and an accurate test kit will keep you out of the Pool $tore and also keep your pool sanitized and crystal clear.

Glad to have you with us..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[HOMELAND_POOL]

I'm in the same position as you are. Bought a house in the middle of may that had a pool. Went to the pool store and started dumping this and that in my pool. I was hesitant on buying a "real" test kit and for a couple days gave myself every excuse not to. Then last week I said to myself if I'm going to do the TFP method I have to dive in head first and get the kit. I pulled out my CC and bought the TF 100 and the magnetic stirrer. I have only been testing and following the advice on here for three days but I can tell you with 100% certainty that the $105 I spent is the best money I spent so far on the pool. There is nothing more comforting than doing your own tests and taking control what goes into your pool and, not to mention the money I'll be saving. Do yourself and your pool a favor and buy a test kit. Like I said....i was very hesitant at first but I'm so happy that idid!

 

[dkimble]

I concur, you won't regret testing and managing the pool yourself. It is very rewarding, both personally and financially!

 

[Nefid]

Ok, here is a follow up question you can help me with: its a SWG pool and the water level is currently ABOVE the skimmer due to heavy recent rains. Can I just attach a hose to the filter which has a release and drain x gallons into and around the yard?

 

[dkimble]

I drain into out yard all the time.

 

[Tim Bish]

Welcome to TFP

buying a test kit is the beginning of your Freedom from paying big $ at the pool store. They will have you add stuff you do not need. The test kit seems like an unwanted expense at this time but it is really cheaper than listening to the "song and dance" info you will get there. You will save so much going the TFPway,that it will more than pay for your test kit. I wish you a lot of happy times in your pool for years to come. As far as using the fitting on your filter to drain excess water from the pool, I will let someone else chime in. I have a DE filter and can only backwash from there (which cleans out the DE from inside my filter).