Here goes, I'm diving in! First-time pool owner, finished pool build in late November 2016 but we have not been swimming in it yet. I'm in the process of reading Pool School (my brain is overwhelmed but I'll get there), I just ordered a test kit (Taylor K-2600) and, in the mean time, I took a water sample to the pool store (don't judge) because I'm anxious to get started as swimming season is upon us! And I have a pool party planned on May 19.
Based on the Pool and Spa Depot water test, their printout reads like this:
My water looks pretty good and clear except for a little algae that is starting to bloom on part of the bottom. See PHOTOS below.
I went to Walmart and bought a 4-lb bottle of granulated Clorox-brand CYA/Stabilizer, dissolved it a little in a bucket, and added to both skimmers (without a sock-whoops). My pump is on 3200 and the SWG is off. I realize that I won't be able to get a good reading on CYA for a week (test kit should be here by then). I also purchased 4 bags of SALT, and a huge bag of baking soda.
Here are my questions for you helpful experts out there:
1) I'm confused about which additives can be added to the water at the same time; should they each be added at separate times? If so, in what order should I add them?
2) Can I go ahead and add a few bottles of bleach and a few bags of salt NOW? I'm worried the algae is going to get out of control.
3) Did I do the right thing by turning off the SWG until I have enough SALT in the water?
4) I read in a forum that with a vinyl liner, you should never have to add anything for the calcium harness, is that correct?
5) Any other suggestions are welcome! Except telling me to be patient
Based on the Pool and Spa Depot water test, their printout reads like this:
- FC is valued at 0 (acceptable range is 1 to 4ppm) Need to add 3 bags of salt
- Total Chlorine value is 0 (acceptable range 1 to 4ppm) Need to add 3 bags of salt
- Combined Chlorine is 0 (acceptable range is <0.2 ppm) Level is OK
- pH level value is 7.6 (acceptable range is 7.2 to 7.6) Level is OK
- TA value is 34 (acceptable range is to 60 to 120ppm) Need to add 19.5 lbs Alkalinity Plus for $40
- Calcium Hardness value is 0 (acceptable range is 200 to 500 ppm) Need to add 51.75 lbs of Calcium Plus for $120
- CYA value is 7 (acceptable range is 30 to 70 ppm) Need to add 4-lb bottle of Cyranuric Acid for $14.99
- Phosphates value is 744 and is HIGH
- SALT value is 2900 (acceptable range 2500 to 4000)
- Endure value is 0 (acceptable range 30 to 50ppm) Level is LOW
- Copper, Iron, Manganese, Nitrates, Total Dissolved Solids are all at a value of 0 and are OK
My water looks pretty good and clear except for a little algae that is starting to bloom on part of the bottom. See PHOTOS below.
I went to Walmart and bought a 4-lb bottle of granulated Clorox-brand CYA/Stabilizer, dissolved it a little in a bucket, and added to both skimmers (without a sock-whoops). My pump is on 3200 and the SWG is off. I realize that I won't be able to get a good reading on CYA for a week (test kit should be here by then). I also purchased 4 bags of SALT, and a huge bag of baking soda.
Here are my questions for you helpful experts out there:
1) I'm confused about which additives can be added to the water at the same time; should they each be added at separate times? If so, in what order should I add them?
2) Can I go ahead and add a few bottles of bleach and a few bags of salt NOW? I'm worried the algae is going to get out of control.
3) Did I do the right thing by turning off the SWG until I have enough SALT in the water?
4) I read in a forum that with a vinyl liner, you should never have to add anything for the calcium harness, is that correct?
5) Any other suggestions are welcome! Except telling me to be patient