My first SLAM + new to TFP

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audi_driver_ said:
I'll watch it and start testing once I see FC fall under 10. Can you direct to me to the next channel where I can learn about the proper sequence to balance the water?
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Post up another full set of results, we'll get you going. Also, test your fill water and post those numbers too.

You can also share your logs with pool math, it will help us. Login to pool math with your ID/PW from forum. Go to home page. Press gear in upper right. Scroll to the bottom. Enable sharing with TFP.

Proper sequence is likely to get your pH balanced first, then your CH. If your pH starts with a 7, DO NOTHING. It will rise over time, when it gets to 8, reduce it back to about 7.4. Don't sweat a pH that starts with 7.

CH will be next, check out What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

You will likely have to do nothing with TA, just manage pH and your TA will take care of itself. You will want to watch/test CYA about every 2-4 weeks.
 
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audi_driver_ said:
Can you direct to me to the next channel where I can learn about the proper sequence to balance the water?
Click to expand...
Our Pool Care Basics page has just about everything you need.

Also see:

www.troublefreepool.com

Basic Pool Care Schedule

This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Regular pool maintenance will keep your water sparkling!
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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Thank you everyone for the guidance! My results are below. I didnt get a morning test in today.

FC - 8.5
pH - 8
TA - 125
CH - 175
CYA - 40

I dont have an official test to show it, but I suspect I lost more than 4ppm in an 18 hour period. Current temps are 95-100F with very high UV, and my pool gets ALL THE SUN from sunrise until ~1pm. I would not be surprised if I lean towards the higher end of 'normal' daily consumption.
 
PoolStored said:
Post up another full set of results, we'll get you going. Also, test your fill water and post those numbers too.

You can also share your logs with pool math, it will help us. Login to pool math with your ID/PW from forum. Go to home page. Press gear in upper right. Scroll to the bottom. Enable sharing with TFP.

Proper sequence is likely to get your pH balanced first, then your CH. If your pH starts with a 7, DO NOTHING. It will rise over time, when it gets to 8, reduce it back to about 7.4. Don't sweat a pH that starts with 7.

CH will be next, check out What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

You will likely have to do nothing with TA, just manage pH and your TA will take care of itself. You will want to watch/test CYA about every 2-4 weeks.
Click to expand...
I dont have any automatic fill, just the hose/tap water.

Will I lose all of my current data in pool math if I change usernames?
 
From your last set of test results, definitely lower the pH to 7.2. That should also help to lower the TA a little. Once the pH hits 8.0 again, repeat knocking the pH down to 7.2 until the TA falls down to about 60. Once the TA is around 60, your pH should not rise as fast and should settle better around 7.7-7.8.

As for your FC, if you are sure you are algae free, IMO your CYA is too low. I'm full sun all day out in the country. Before I went salt, my summer CYA was at least 60.
 
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Really great guidance! I will work on getting the pH down and CH up to 250+, along with the CYA.

- For the pH adjustment I will refer the app.
- CH is something I will need to dig more into...
- Regarding the CYA, can I simply add tablets to my chlorinator and then 'cut it off' once my CYA creeps back up to a more ideal range?
 
Nice progress being made! Test results this morning:

FC - 6
pH - 7.4
TA - 100
CH - 200
CYA at yesterday's test - 40

pH was 7.4 today (from 8) and TA was down to 90 (from 125). I am going to rinse and repeat on using the prescribed amount of muriatic acid to bring ph to 7.2.

I am still working on bringing my CYA up closer to 50 to hopefully reduce my daily FC losses.

My CH was up slightly, but still low. I have not added anything specifically to increase CH. Is this standard deviance from day to day testing, or a result from other variables moving around?
 
audi_driver_ said:
Is this standard deviance from day to day testing, or a result from other variables moving around?
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CH doesn't typically change much unless you add something, so it's may just be a drop or two variance.
 
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We had some folks in the pool today but at the end of the day my test results were:

FC: 6.5
pH: 7.6
TA: 100
CH: 175
CYA: 40 (recording

Ive added acid magic for the third time to bring my TA down where it needs to be.

I am going to do some digging into how to get my CH up, and keep on creeping my CYA up.
 
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Appreciate the help as always. I feel as if I am nearly ready to set off on my own and make a new thread if need be lol. Looking to get my calcium hardness up.. any reason not to use pool time brand calcium hardness increaser which is readily available at my local Home Depot?

www.homedepot.com

Pool Time 4 lbs. Calcium Hardness Increaser Balancer 23504PTM - The Home Depot

Prevent your pool surface damage and corrosion of pool equipment by raising calcium hardness with this Pool Time Calcium Hardness Increaser Balancer.
www.homedepot.com

From my research it appears there might be slightly cheaper alternatives, but I’m hoping to get it today I don’t mind spending a few dollars for instant gratification.
 
audi_driver_ said:
Appreciate the help as always. I feel as if I am nearly ready to set off on my own and make a new thread if need be lol. Looking to get my calcium hardness up.. any reason not to use pool time brand calcium hardness increaser which is readily available at my local Home Depot?

www.homedepot.com

Pool Time 4 lbs. Calcium Hardness Increaser Balancer 23504PTM - The Home Depot

Prevent your pool surface damage and corrosion of pool equipment by raising calcium hardness with this Pool Time Calcium Hardness Increaser Balancer.
www.homedepot.com

From my research it appears there might be slightly cheaper alternatives, but I’m hoping to get it today I don’t mind spending a few dollars for instant gratification.
Click to expand...

It's calcium chloride, fine to add. I don't know if you'll find de-icing calcium chloride (which is typically cheaper) down in Houston. I know you guys get the occasional ice storm but I doubt people buy much to combat the ice like they do up here.
 
Note, do NOT put it in a bucket and add water to try and dissolve it. Calcium chloride is exothermic, so it will give off heat as it dissolves, and the water could flash-boil and cause a real issue.

Just broadcast over the pool, or if you really want to dilute first, put it into a 5gal bucket already mostly full of water.
 

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