So a couple months ago we had a guy install a pool for us. It's an IG 14x30 Latham fiberglass pool. Guy runs a small business and while I appreciate trying to support people like that, to say it has been an adventure would be quite an understatement. So the pool has been complete since about mid September and sadly I'm just now getting around to testing the water. During the process the builder swore that a little salt and maybe an additive for alkalinity would probably be the only thing we would ever have to add. Having previously had a small above ground pool a few years ago I knew that was too good to be true, but somehow I held a little hope he knew what he was talking about. Water has stayed clear and with nobody getting in the pool since it was already cooling off after it was completed, testing the water hadn't really been a priority. Obviously I now realize I should have started much sooner getting a handle on things, but I'm hoping now I can get headed in the right direction. So last weekend I got my TF-100 test kit and ran some tests.
FC - 7.0
pH - 8.2
TA - 280
CYA - 20
CH - I ran this test later without logging my measurement but I remember it was a good bit lower than the recommended amount
So needless to say, my parameters were not exactly ideal. The only thing I have changed so far is turning down my swg to bring the chlorine level down. It is now at 1.5 so I feel like I'm at least getting closer to having one number where it should be.
So my first question is do these numbers seem accurate for a new pool that has had nothing but a swg running at 70% for the last couple months. Coming from a background with saltwater aquariums Alkalinity and pH have always been numbers that you had to work at to keep at higher levels. Is it normal for my water to have levels this high just on its own? And most importantly, where do I go from here? I obviously know getting those 2 numbers in check are probably my first priority, but I don't want to do too many things at one time. Plan on getting some acid this weekend and start working on getting those numbers down as soon as possible. Should I also go ahead and start adding stabilizer now, or wait until I've got the alk & pH in check?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm just trying to cover it all at once. If it matters I plan to keep the pool open during the winter, but we don't have a heater so nobody will be swimming anytime soon. I'm also currently running my pump 24/7 on the lower setting as well if that matters.
Thanks!
FC - 7.0
pH - 8.2
TA - 280
CYA - 20
CH - I ran this test later without logging my measurement but I remember it was a good bit lower than the recommended amount
So needless to say, my parameters were not exactly ideal. The only thing I have changed so far is turning down my swg to bring the chlorine level down. It is now at 1.5 so I feel like I'm at least getting closer to having one number where it should be.
So my first question is do these numbers seem accurate for a new pool that has had nothing but a swg running at 70% for the last couple months. Coming from a background with saltwater aquariums Alkalinity and pH have always been numbers that you had to work at to keep at higher levels. Is it normal for my water to have levels this high just on its own? And most importantly, where do I go from here? I obviously know getting those 2 numbers in check are probably my first priority, but I don't want to do too many things at one time. Plan on getting some acid this weekend and start working on getting those numbers down as soon as possible. Should I also go ahead and start adding stabilizer now, or wait until I've got the alk & pH in check?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm just trying to cover it all at once. If it matters I plan to keep the pool open during the winter, but we don't have a heater so nobody will be swimming anytime soon. I'm also currently running my pump 24/7 on the lower setting as well if that matters.
Thanks!