Low Chlorine High PH

[hamoorhead]

New pool owner here.

22,000 gallon gunite saltwater pool. We usually run our pump during the day at 60% chlorinization and turn it off at night. Our pool is clear, and temp is 87, but we get a lot of calcium buildup on the salt cell and calcium flakes being pushed out of jets into the pool.

Taylor k2006 kit readings today (my first time using the kit):

Free chlorine and total chlorine both 0.5
PH 8-8.5
Alkalinity 175-200
Calcium hardness 270
CYA 50

Where do I start?

 

[Texas Splash]

Where do I start?

1. Use muriatic acid to lower the pH. Shoot for a pH goal of about 7.2.
2. Then add liquid chlorine for am FC target of 7-9 ppm.
3. If possible, perform an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to see if there's an overwhelming organic demand on the water (algae). If you pass, great. If you fail, you'll need to look at the SLAM Process.

CH is a bit low but we can come back to that later. FC and pH are most critical right now.

Welcome to TFP!

 

[hamoorhead]

Thank you! How long do I wait between adding acid and chlorine? Should I just start in the morning if it’s a large wait time?

 

[Texas Splash]

How long do I wait between adding acid and chlorine?

With good water circulation, give it about 5-10 mins and that should be fine. I would do that this evening if possible.

Do the OCLT as soon as your schedule permits so you know where you stand.