New Above Ground Pool Owner

[Q19Z6TC1]

Hello,
I am a new above ground pool owner and a new member to the TFP family. Here is the case study...

Water Source=Well Water ( I use a Inline filter to help reduce the PPMS in the well water added to pool)
Location=Southern Minnesota
30X15X4 OVAL=10,575 gal
Installed new 25ml liner prior to opening
Filter=Hayward Xtreme cartridge filter system (New OEM Filter installed with Liner)
Pump=Heyward power Flo matrix
Inline Heyward puck chlorinator,

Here is what I have attempted thus far...
Filled Pool=Cloudy and green water.
Vacuumed pool=No plant materials, and debris.
Brushed floors and walls, almost daily-Not so much now as it is crystal clear. Every other couple of days.
Shocked Pool Once= Clear water

From here it gets tricky as I was not a good student in taking notes in my paper pool journal.
I have been relying on test strips of which I know is probably not the best testing source. I do have a Leslie's Complete (FAS-DPD) Chloring kit PART# 81329 that was left with the pool although the unopened regent is 2022. (Can this still be used?) I have not tried to use it yet....( I have downloaded the Pool Math calculator)
Since the shocking I was able to get everything balanced but the TA & PH.
I have tried muriatic acid, PH down, stabilizer, liquid chlorine, chlorine pucks, to no avail no matter how much I add.......? ( I have some dry granular pool acid on order) "They" say that will reduce my TA?
Here is a reading from today. And now it is all out of whack again????
TH=500
TC=0
FC=0
PH=8.4
TA=240
Stabilizer=100

What am I missing here and what more information can I provide to this Pro Pool Family to assist with a resolve. I want to go swimming so BAD!!!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! So the water is currently clear? If you're not 100% sure of the water's condition, I would suggest doing an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test to be safe. TA is notoriously high in your region, so 240 is not bad at all. It will take time to lower it. Focus on the pH more than anything. When the pH hits 8.0, use enough muriatic acid to lower the pH down to 7.0 per the Poolmath APP. Then let the pH rise on it's own and knock it down again from 8.0 to 7.0. Each time you do that you knock the TA down a notch. Try to stick with muriatic acid most of the time and use dry acid only when you have to due to sulfates.

You may already know that iron's enemy is chlorine and an elevated pH, so those need to be carefully tested and controlled.

Wait, I'm just noticed the CYA - 100? How did that happen? Are you sure? New water has no CYA (stabilizer). The dot disappeared that fast with the test?

 

[Q19Z6TC1]

Sorry Tex, I an not sure about the CYA, I will perform another test around 3pm and send those numbers. I was in a hurry and I want to insure that the test strips are handled correctly and that you have accurate numbers to go off of. Will post testing again shortly. What you are saying make total sense now!!!

 

[Q19Z6TC1]

New testing as of 3PM CST
FAC=o/o
PH=7.5
TA=240
TH=200
CYA=70

 

[Texas Splash]

Okay, then I would add 5-7 ppm worth of liquid chlorine right away. Try to go info the evening with an FC level about that high and do the Overnight Chlorine Loss Test if you can.

My only disclaimer if you will.... If those Numbers are from test strips, they are not trustworthy. Be very careful about that. Our advice is only as good as the test results given to us. We want you to succeed and enjoy your pool, not get frustrated.

 

[Q19Z6TC1]

Yeah, that is kind of where I am at too. I just do not trust them. Any recommendations on a quality unit? Also with that being said should I move forward with adding the chlorine?

 

[Texas Splash]

Any recommendations on a quality unit?

Sure, see the link below. IMO, the TF-100 or Pro-Series kits are much better values, but either will work - TF-100/Pro-Series or Taylor K-2006C.

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Q19Z6TC1]

Sure, see the link below. IMO, the TF-100 or Pro-Series kits are much better values, but either will work - TF-100/Pro-Series or Taylor K-2006C.

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

Nice , Thank you I will absolutely look into these testing kits!!
Here are the numbers after adding 128oz of liquid chlorine. It has been circulating for going on three hours. I will repost new numbers when I test in the morning.

 

[Q19Z6TC1]

Here are my results from this morning, pump is running. I do have a proper test kit on order. What should I add now?

 

[Q19Z6TC1]

Any one have any ideas of what I need to do next?

 

[Texas Splash]

Any one have any ideas of what I need to do next?

Until you receive the test kit, simply do the following:
1. Add one-half gallon of liquid chlorine the pool each day. Normally I might say a full gallon, but you're on a well and we don't want to agitate the iron.
2. Bookmark and review some of the articles in our Pool Care Basics.
3. Sweep & clean the pool like normal. Try to help the chlorine get around, but don't try to adjust any chemicals until you can test for yourself.

Once you get the kit and we see a full set of those test numbers, everything will go much easier and make more sense.

 

[Texas Splash]

Oh, also take this time to update your signature with all of your pool and equipment details. Include you are on a well and go ahead and list the test kit your ordered too. We look at a poster's signature on each post. It helps tremendously with each reply. If you are on a portable device, you may need to flip it sideways to see signatures at the bottom of each post.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com