I know there are only six weeks or so of pool season left here in central IL, but we're just getting started. We have an 56xx gal "quick set" that we're in the process of filling (we're on well water, so it's time consuming...next summer we'll have it delivered...that is lesson # one so far!). We wouldn't be bothering this late in the season under usual circumstances, but some things just can't be helped (and our kids have a really late school start date this year). Plus, I can "get my feet wet" as it were in terms of water quality before next summer comes.
I've read a TON of pool chemical information on this forum, and I'm trying to sort it all out. I think I have a fair understanding of the various tests and what the ideal results are. I also think I understand to some extent how to get the numbers where they should be if they aren't (love that pool calculator!). What I don't feel comfortable with is all the options out there in terms of chemicals...I realize that ingredients, not name, is what is important, but as pools go, we're not dealing with much water, so I don't want to "overdose" it, etc. I also don't want to buy what I don't need. I wanted to run my plan by some "experts" and see if you think I'm on the right track...
I've run the tests and my for my completely untreated water, the ph, alk., hardness are all good (ph was 7.5, can't remember the exact # for other two right this second). The water is not treated yet, so there was no chlorine to test (it's unchlorinated well water). The test kit I'm using now is the six-way (not strips) test from Walmart. Not too fancy now but hoping to get by until spring, at which time I'll get a good kit...we're numbers and science geeks in this house, so we want the better testing supplies.
I've used the pool calculator to calculate the amount of 6% bleach to add for shocking and added it this evening. I will check chlorine levels early in the morning.
I have not yet added any kind of stabilizer...I first wanted to make sure my ph, alkalinity, and hardness were good, before doing anything else. And I wanted to get shock load of chlorine in now, even though we aren't quite full yet, to kill off whatever is there.
So, if you're still with me, here is my plan...feel free to correct or amend as necessary...
Tomorrow (pool full by then I'll pick up a container of CYA and add the appropriate amount (I read where I should put this in a sock and put it on the pool ladder...for extra safety, we intend to remove the ladder while not in the pool...when I read the container at the store (HTH stab./cond.) it said you could broadcast it and it would take about three days (or a week to dissolve...is this OK?). I'd like to maintain my chlorine levels and shock with 6% bleach for the rest of this swimming season (about six weeks here). I like the convenience of the tabs, but I don't want to be constantly adding CYA to the water (especially since partial refills to lower a too-high level are inconvenient when we're on a well). Plus, I haven't figured out how to dose the tabs to the correct level.
So, provided I'm testing regularly and I don't run into any weird test numbers (or weird-looking water), will this plan work for my chlorine needs for the rest of the summer? Anything I'm not considering here?
Thanks, everyone...I hope I don't sound like too much of an idiot here!
I've read a TON of pool chemical information on this forum, and I'm trying to sort it all out. I think I have a fair understanding of the various tests and what the ideal results are. I also think I understand to some extent how to get the numbers where they should be if they aren't (love that pool calculator!). What I don't feel comfortable with is all the options out there in terms of chemicals...I realize that ingredients, not name, is what is important, but as pools go, we're not dealing with much water, so I don't want to "overdose" it, etc. I also don't want to buy what I don't need. I wanted to run my plan by some "experts" and see if you think I'm on the right track...
I've run the tests and my for my completely untreated water, the ph, alk., hardness are all good (ph was 7.5, can't remember the exact # for other two right this second). The water is not treated yet, so there was no chlorine to test (it's unchlorinated well water). The test kit I'm using now is the six-way (not strips) test from Walmart. Not too fancy now but hoping to get by until spring, at which time I'll get a good kit...we're numbers and science geeks in this house, so we want the better testing supplies.
I've used the pool calculator to calculate the amount of 6% bleach to add for shocking and added it this evening. I will check chlorine levels early in the morning.
I have not yet added any kind of stabilizer...I first wanted to make sure my ph, alkalinity, and hardness were good, before doing anything else. And I wanted to get shock load of chlorine in now, even though we aren't quite full yet, to kill off whatever is there.
So, if you're still with me, here is my plan...feel free to correct or amend as necessary...
Tomorrow (pool full by then I'll pick up a container of CYA and add the appropriate amount (I read where I should put this in a sock and put it on the pool ladder...for extra safety, we intend to remove the ladder while not in the pool...when I read the container at the store (HTH stab./cond.) it said you could broadcast it and it would take about three days (or a week to dissolve...is this OK?). I'd like to maintain my chlorine levels and shock with 6% bleach for the rest of this swimming season (about six weeks here). I like the convenience of the tabs, but I don't want to be constantly adding CYA to the water (especially since partial refills to lower a too-high level are inconvenient when we're on a well). Plus, I haven't figured out how to dose the tabs to the correct level.
So, provided I'm testing regularly and I don't run into any weird test numbers (or weird-looking water), will this plan work for my chlorine needs for the rest of the summer? Anything I'm not considering here?
Thanks, everyone...I hope I don't sound like too much of an idiot here!