New plaster pool chemical balance

[hcha2421]

My new plaster filled, estimated 15k gallon chlorine pool was filled 4 days ago directly after plaster was done. The PB came 2 days ago to start the pump and added some chemicals. We are waiting for “pool school” through them but I checked the levels using the dipstick today and wondering if I should be adding something now?

They left a brush but didn’t discuss how to use anything so I did start brushing it based on my own research.

Ph is somewhere between 7.8-8.4

Free chlorine is 3

Total alkalinity is somewhere between 40-80 (looks closer to 40)

Ppm stabilizer is 0

 

[proavia]

Do you have one of the recommended test kits? Test Kits Compared

Tell us a bit more about your pool by filling out your signature with info on your pool, pool equipment (including manufacturers and model numbers) and test kit info.

 

[hcha2421]

I have the dip stick test and just picked up a color test from Walmart. It’s a Hayward pump. I am not sure what the model is but I’m trying to find it. We took a sample to a local pool store and they told us what to add and now the ph is super low and alkalinity is 0.

 

[ajw22]

Plaster Start-Up Guides - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

We took a sample to a local pool store and they told us what to add and now the ph is super low and alkalinity is 0.

That is not good.

You need a good test kit before you start tossing chemicals in.

And pool store do not know about the correct plaster startup process.

Test Kits

tftestkits.net

 

[hcha2421]

I’m sorry, not a pool store. They are a pool builder that offers thorough water testing. They tested the water and provided the chemicals.

 

[hcha2421]

i plan to order the professional kit but have only used the dip stick so far

 

[ajw22]

i plan to order the professional kit but have only used the dip stick so far

Get a proper test kit. We can’t give advice on what to do with water chemistry until we have accurate data.

Stop adding chemicals until you have accurate water tests.

Follow the most appropriate pool startup guide from NPC or your plaster manufacturer.

Ask whoever is giving you advice to show you the startup guide they use.

 

[ajw22]

i plan to order the professional kit

Get it delivered to you next day.

 

[hcha2421]

okay do you recommend the one with smart stir for a beginner?

 

[ajw22]

okay do you recommend the one with smart stir for a beginner?

Yes.

Will you have a SWG to chlorinate your pool?

 

[cwswifty]

okay do you recommend the one with smart stir for a beginner?

YES

 

[hcha2421]

Smart stir it is. And no SWG

 

[ajw22]

And no SWG

How will you chlorinate the pool?

 

[hcha2421]

The pump has a chlorine feeder. It’s a Hayward C3030.

 

[ajw22]

The pump has a chlorine feeder. It’s a Hayward C3030.View attachment 563740

Watch your CYA levels as each tablet will add CYA that accumulates. When your CYA gets high your tablets will have trouble providing enough chlorine to keep algae out.

 

[hcha2421]

i did read that on this site somewhere and discussed this with the PB who recommended non additive tablets. I’m not sure if that’s what they gave my husband at the other builder yesterday. (That is where our PB recommended taking water sample) He said they were non ph tablets. Per the report our Cya is very low at this point but if I start seeing a pattern of elevated Cya could I use liquid chlorine instead of the feeder?

 

[ajw22]

i did read that on this site somewhere and discussed this with the PB who recommended non additive tablets.

There is no such thing as non-additive tablets.

Trichlor adds chlorine, stabilizer/CYA, acid, salt.

Cal-Hypo adds chlorine, calcium, salt.

TriChlor - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Calcium Hypochlorite - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

I’m not sure if that’s what they gave my husband at the other builder yesterday. (That is where our PB recommended taking water sample) He said they were non ph tablets.

Your builder is talking to you in baby talk or nonsense. You should find out the specifics of what chemicals are in the products you are adding to your pool and what the effects of them are.

Per the report our Cya is very low at this point but if I start seeing a pattern of elevated Cya could I use liquid chlorine instead of the feeder?

CYA always starts low as CYA is not in water naturally.

Yes, when you get the recommended amount of CYA you should being lugging jugs of liquid chlorine.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[hcha2421]

Okay I did buy some liquid chlorine from Walmart yesterday to have on hand going forward. I’ll take a look at what tablets we have when home. They had also recommended putting two additional tablets in the skimmer yesterday which my husband did do but since the Ph is so low I removed them after brushing this morning. And just ordered the TF Pro on priority, they did not have an overnight option.

 

[hcha2421]

We have NST prime extended release non stabilized calcium hypochlorite tablets.