Hello everyone ... quick history : built pool in August 2018 and it stays open year round . This is our first full summer with the pool . It has been crystal clear since install ( except white calcium looking deposits on spa fountain stone ) with weekly dip strips and monthly water samples to store recommended by builder and daily skimmer emptying , weekly brushing / skimming , emptying pump baskets / add tabs to chlorinator ( keep 2-3 tabs in tube and dial at 1.5 keeps cl at 3-5) . I shock very infrequent because chlorine is always around 3 with little to no combined chlorine . I use Cal Hypo 68% shock and tricolor tabs . I am currently adding 9 oz algae control ( polyethylene 60% ) weekly during the last week of July and month of August . Over the life of the pool recommdatiins have included adding alkalinizer or muriatic acid on occasion per store advice .
Upon having confusing results in recent tests , researching water testing and recently taking three same day samples to three different stores and getting 3 different treatment recommendations , I am confused .
It is my understanding that if combined chlorine is 0.5 or less then there is no need to shock . Is this correct?
I am considering getting a simple test for daily cl , ph and alk levels and a more comprehensive test for weekly samples .
Results of stores A, B and C are as follows:
Store A: ( recommended by builder and used up until 1 month ago )
FAC:1.9
TC:1.9
CC:0
PH: 7.7
TA:69
TA Adjusted:28
CH:253
CA:122
Sat Index:0.4
Recommendation: 18.5 lb alkalinity plus
Store B:
( used over this last month - sample taken weekly this month in attempt to educate myself)
FAC:3
TAC:3
CH:175
CA:65
TA:140
PH:7.8
Copper:0
Iron:0
TDS:900
Phosp:400
Recommendation:
- 24 oz muriatic acid with additional 4 qt 4 oz possibly being made over time )
-14 labs 1oz Hardness Plus
Store C:
FC:1.5
TCl:1.5
TH:260
CYA:100
TA:80
PH:7.7
Sat index :normal
Recommendation : shock pool 1.5 pounds
Any help would be greatly appreciated .
Upon having confusing results in recent tests , researching water testing and recently taking three same day samples to three different stores and getting 3 different treatment recommendations , I am confused .
It is my understanding that if combined chlorine is 0.5 or less then there is no need to shock . Is this correct?
I am considering getting a simple test for daily cl , ph and alk levels and a more comprehensive test for weekly samples .
Results of stores A, B and C are as follows:
Store A: ( recommended by builder and used up until 1 month ago )
FAC:1.9
TC:1.9
CC:0
PH: 7.7
TA:69
TA Adjusted:28
CH:253
CA:122
Sat Index:0.4
Recommendation: 18.5 lb alkalinity plus
Store B:
( used over this last month - sample taken weekly this month in attempt to educate myself)
FAC:3
TAC:3
CH:175
CA:65
TA:140
PH:7.8
Copper:0
Iron:0
TDS:900
Phosp:400
Recommendation:
- 24 oz muriatic acid with additional 4 qt 4 oz possibly being made over time )
-14 labs 1oz Hardness Plus
Store C:
FC:1.5
TCl:1.5
TH:260
CYA:100
TA:80
PH:7.7
Sat index :normal
Recommendation : shock pool 1.5 pounds
Any help would be greatly appreciated .
