Need guidance with pool levels, please!!

[aweronick]

I have been maintaining our pool levels for the first time this summer. I was doing a pretty good job with my TF-100 kit.
Yesterday my readings:
FC was 5
CYA was 80
TA was 80
pH was 7.9.
I didn't test my salt level but it's been within range. Early this morning, my husband poured 40 lbs of salt into the pool! I can't comprehend why he would do such a thing! It was sunny earlier today and late this afternoon we had thunderstorms. At 2:00 pm (when I found out about the salt), the FC was 9. I think I put the salt cell at 20%.
I retested around 7:00 pm
FC is 5
pH is 7.9
CYA is 60
5,000 or over for salt with the Taylor test strip.
My control panel isn't very accurate so the salt reading is off. I will test early morning and at night but can I have some of your feedback?
Also, what % range should I put the salt cell chlorinator at tomorrow morning or do I base it on the FC levels? I am a beginner so if you can explain it to me in simple terms, I would appreciate it!!
I am getting so confused now. Thank you so much for your guidance.
Alisa

 

[PoolStored]

Do you have the Taylor drop test for salt (K-1766)? If not, order one now, you need it to manage the pool. Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit

How did you know your salt "been within range?" If the strips, it is possible the water has not fully mixed yet and you are testing high.

Set your cell, for now, to keep your FC in range. If you have to turn it up and you run a little high on FC, that is ok. I would raise your FC with liquid chlorine now to range and set your cell to your normal setting. SWCG isn't good at raising FC, it is good at maintaining.

 

[aweronick]

I have been using the Taylor Salt Test Strips, it says S-1341.
I feel so stupid! I didn't realize that I added the Taylor K-1766 Salt Test Kit to my order. It didn't have specific directions included in my kit for it. Thank you so much for mentioning it. I added one drop of R-0630 to 10ml of water and then it took 21 drops of R-0718 using the speed stir.
I have the target salt level set to 3200. What should it be set to?
So my FC is 5
CYA is 60
Salt is 4200
Pool math is not suggesting that I add in any chlorine. Should I add in some liquid chlorine? Should I let the pump run all night?

 

[PoolStored]

What salt cell do you have? Is it still working? Is it giving you any errors/error lights?

We are in the heat of summer. I would raise your FC to 9 with Liquid, and target the maintaining the high end of the range (4-9) for your CYA. Adjust your pump runtime and or % output to maintain close to 9.

 

[aweronick]

It is a generic one- Blue Works salt cell and I was told by a pool company recently that it is working. What should the ideal salt range be? Should I focus on increasing the CYA or is 60 ok?
Thank you again, so much!

 

[PoolStored]

What should the ideal salt range be?

For your cell, 3000-4000. You are a bit above.

Should I focus on increasing the CYA or is 60 ok?

Depends. If you are an inexperienced pool owner, I'd leave it at 60 until you get a better grip on the pool. If you do get algae, SLAM at CYA levels above 60 are hard.

 

[aweronick]

You have helped me so much!