Learning to Balance New Pool Help and Pump Run Schedule Needed

[bjxds]

We had a pool installed and its been running for about a month. Initially we had a problem with low salt and low chlorine. The installers replaced the flow sensor and now it is producing chlorine.

I tested the water with the Ocean Blue CL/PH test kit included, Taylor K205 Salt kit ,and also had it tested at 3 different pool stores. The results were very similar:
I currently have the SWG set at 40% and run the pump at 3100 for about 12-16 hrs. My wife likes to see the bubbler's. I run at lower speeds for the rest of the time. Ideally I want to run the pump 24 hrs for constant skimming, if that does not cause any problems.

Basic Kit: CL 5 PH 7.8 CL is dark yellow.
Taylor Kit: TC 7.5-10 FC 7.5 10 TA 50 PH 7.6 CYA 30 Salt 5K. The color on the TC/FC are very close and hard to see the difference.
3 Store Tests: TC 4.8 - 5.8 FC 4.8 -5.8 TA 40-75 PH 7.4 -7.8 CYA 20-30 Salt 3.7- 4.8

3 Pool Stores reccomended, lower chlorine, Raise TA Raise CYA, Lower salt and shock pool on regular basis, ie every 2 weeks.

I want to try to bring the pool to the TFP reccomended levels, but there is still a lot I do not understand.

Do I need to shock the pool on a regular basis or only if the TC is much higher than the FC. What is the reccomended difference between TC/FC and if I shock on a regular basis will I need to bring down the chlorine levels or does it naturely drop? Any idea on how to tell how long this takes or do I need to keep testing to see?

If CYA is a stabilizer for the chlorine, why do I need to increase the CYA level if the chlorine levels stay consistent?

It is my understanding the SWG only produces chlorine at the set percentage, ie 40% if there is sufficent waterflow. I have waterflow at 1000K . The pump was off so there was no waterflow. There was power to the SWG with the following lights on:
Power
No Flow
Generating - Do not understand why it showed generating, if there was no flow.? When the pump is running I can hear the SWG turn on and turn off when I turn pump off. Is this normal or is it an indication of a possible problem?
When the Super Chlorinate switch is in the on or auto position the generate light is on. When the swith is off the generate light is off.

 

[Texas Splash]

Standby by as I get a reply set to answer all of your questions.

 

[Texas Splash]

Do I need to shock the pool on a regular basis or only if the TC is much higher than the FC.

Neither. The occasional "shock" that you hear from pool stores or on the streets is useless to us hear at TFP. The FC is either balanced properly to the CYA or it's not. The water is either crystal clear (and sanitary) or it's not and requires a SLAM Process. Maintain a proper FC level consistently and all should be good.

What is the reccomended difference between TC/FC and if I shock on a regular basis

FC + CC = TC. If the FC is say 5, and the TC is 8, that means the combined chlorine (trash) is elevated and there's a problem.

If CYA is a stabilizer for the chlorine, why do I need to increase the CYA level if the chlorine levels stay consistent?

You don't. But in the summer, most pools see that the FC diminishes faster under the intense heat and UV from the sun, hence more CYA is required. KEY - When the CYA is increased, it's important to ensure the FC is increased as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. If the FC falls too low, that's when algae can begin.

I have waterflow at 1000K . The pump was off so there was no waterflow.

I'm not following this statement, but let me try to summarize. Yes, as long as the flow switch is activated, the cell produces chlorine. The duration of that cycle is dependent on the output % you select - a higher output means it runs longer. If you find the system not operating, but the generation light on, it could mean the cell is supposed to be in generation cycle, but for whatever reason it's not actively producing chlorine, hence the red lights. The key is to find a happy rpm that your cell (flow switch) likes. For many, that could be anywhere from 1,200 rpm to about 1,600 rpm. It just depends on the pool set up, plumbing, distances equipment, etc.

Hope that helps.