New member - Learning my pool

[Picketfences]

Hi,
Ive had my first pool for about 2 years. I was previously using 2 local pool shops for advice and testing along with frequent test strips to give me indications between trips to the shop, but I dont think their advice was great so I have decided to educate myself and track my own water chemistry.
Taking some advice from this forum I purchased a test kit (clear choice labs) and yesterdays results are.
FC 1.0
CC 0.5
pH 7.0
TA 125
CH 275
CYA 30
Salt 5400
Temp 29C
I added, 2480g (5.4lb) of calcium chloride, 640g (1.41lb) of stabilizer

I checked the chlorine levels this morning with a test strip and got practally 0 chlorine
This morning I have done:
Backwashed filter and lowered the water to the skimmer box level (recent heavy rain filled the pool).

added:
Soda ash 1132g
Dry stabilizer 2000g
Liquid chlorine 4L (approx 400g of chlorine)
Im running a pool vacuum cleaner toady as I have some debris on the bottom of the pool and it looks slighty green in a few places.
The SWG chlorinator is at 100% and will be run for max of 11hrs today or until the chlorine levels come up

My first thoughts are to read through the material on this site and understand the ideal levels for my type of pool. Ive started to use the Pool math app but Im unsure if my selection of a "plaster" pool is correct for my pool
Over the next few weeks and months I want to resolve the white deposits (I think they are calcium) that have appeared over the past few months

any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to the forum! It sounds as if you are developing an algae bloom. Your FC has dropped too low, and by adding more stabilizer you are separating a proper balance between the two as noted on the FC/CYA Levels. With algae, you need to use our SLAM Process method. It's important to follow that page carefully and you'll soon lose the algae and your FC will hold better each day. Once you complete the SLAM (pass all 3 criteria), then you can come back and focus on things like proper CH level, salt level, etc. I wouldn't try to adjust anything else right now. Focus on the SLAM. You definitely want to kill/remove the algae now. Use regular bleach or liquid chlorine (same thing) for the SLAM as SWGs aren't designed to increase FC to the SLAM level noted on the FC/CYA Levels.

Also take time to review our ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry, and read/save the Vital Links below in my signature. They'll help later. Stick around and let us know if you have any questions. Cheers!

 

[Teald024]

Hello and Welcome to TFP!!

You have made a good start by ditching the store testing and getting a quality test kit. Next thing you need to do is stop using the test strips and only use the Clear Choice kit for your testing.
The PoolMath App is great at keeping track of the pool and doing the math for you. Yes, use the Plaster option for your pool surface. The white stuff does look like calcium scale. We can help you deal with that later though.
First and most importantly, you need to perform the SLAM Process process on the pool to get rid of the green. Don't add any other chemicals, no stabilizer, only CHLORINE. You can turn the SWG off for now and stick with liquid chlorine/ bleach. Keep an eye on filter pressure and only backwash when the pressure goes up 25% above clean pressures.

Have a read through Pool School and ask any questions you have.

 

[Picketfences]

Thanks for the advice, I'll follow the guide to do the SLAM