New liner - starting from scratch, help please?

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Kimvee

Kimvee

0
May 26, 2018
4
Madison Heights MI
Hi there. After ruining our previous liner with pucks, pool store advice, shock that resulted in too high CYA (you get the picture) I spent last summer discovering TFP, learning to test my water and work with the suggestions here on this site. My water was never more comfortable and clear, and I thank you for helping me with that. Today a new liner went in and I am filling the pool. My Taylor K2006C kit will be arriving Friday.
I want to get it right from the beginning - could you please tell me what is the best start up method when you are literally starting from plain city water?
Do you circulate the plain water and then test? I have my last years test kit, but not sure if the reagents are reliable.
I will start the pump in the morning so I can make sure everything is operational - how long should I run the pump over the first few days?
My big fear is the CYA - having had it so high last year (90-120 range despite partial fills) I am afraid to fall back into that mess. I have tried to search the forum to find a similar question but I haven't been successful. Thanks in advance.
 
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If I'm not mistaken, the protocol is to test your fill water to see where you're starting from. Then adjust as needed. You will most likely have 0 free chlorine and 0 CYA. I believe you adjust your pH and TA first, then CYA, then FA. Vinyl doesn't need calcium, so unless it's horrifically high you don't need to worry about it.

TFP Elders, correct me if I'm wrong!
 
Hi Kim,
Just test the tap water to get a baseline of what you're starting with. You dont have to circulate the fresh water in the pool. Once you know your tap water results, use the recommended levels and pool math to determine what it is you need to buy.

For sure some you'll need liquid chlorine
For sure some CYA because it doesnt exist naturally.
Base your need for MA (pH) and Baking Soda (TA) on your test result
There isnt a chemical reaction between vinyl and calcium, so no real need to do anything with CH unless it's crazy high like they might have in So Cal or Arizona.
 
Your priority would be FC and CYA. Definitely test your fill water first so you have idea about your pH, TA & CA.
I would start slow with CYA. Use pool math calculator to find out how much you need to add to achieve CYA 30.
If you have enough water to start and circulate pump, keep it running all the time while you start dissolving CYA.
At the same time add enough LC to achieve FC 6. Adjust pH if needed. Don't worry about TA and CA for now.
Once you get your test kit, report all parameters.
 
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Hi - after testing the water with no additives, I have:

FC 0
CYA 0
pH <7.0
TA 70
I did not test calcium d/t vinyl liner
Pool math gives me 50oz of 10%LC, which I will add.
pH - will add 54oz Borax
I will pick up some stabilizer tomorrow from pool store and shoot for CYA of 30. (is there a preference between liquid or granular?)

Before I go any further, is this a good plan? Thanks!
 
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Hi Kim

Get started on stabilizer as soon as possible because without it all the chlorine will get burn out very fast by UV rays.
Before you build up your CYA you might want to add LC after sunset, so it can work thru the night before being burned out by sun.
Liquid stabilizer is easier to work with it and much faster to dissolve but usually much more expensive and you would need more of it too.
I would go with dry, it's not that hard to do. Put recommended amount (for your pool - 26 oz by weight) in a sock and tie it in front of return.
Keep pump running all the time and additional 24 hours once all stabilizer has dissolved. You can squeeze sock periodically to speed up the process.
Test for CYA no sooner than 24 hours after all stabilizer has dissolved.

As for pH, do not raise it too much as you will probably have to lower it soon.
Given your perfect TA of 70, it should be as stable as it will ever be but depends how you have your return outlet aimed it might keep creeping up if there is any water aeration.

Besides those two minor adjustments your plan sounds great and you are on a road to success.
Later on you might want to bring your CYA a little more, perhaps to 40 if you find out your FC keeps dropping fast daily.
But for now start slowly as to not overshoot your target.

Hopefully this year you will get a lot more enjoyment from your pool and a lot less maintenance.
 
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