New pool finally done

[mikef78633]

Hi Everyone,

Let me start by saying that our previous pool never looked as good as when I switched to the BBB method. I am planning on using that method again on our new pool which was acid washed on Friday and filled up Saturday morning.

We're outside of Austin, TX. and of course after weeks of hot weather and no rain, we got hit with over 7" of rain at our house and that caused the pool to promptly overflow. It also caused the PB's start-up guy to not come out until yesterday afternoon. He started all the equipment, added a sequestrant, added 4 lbs. of stabilizer, 2 gallons of acid and several scoops of powder to raise CH (don't know how much).
Of course when I told him I would not use the Nature2 cartridge or pucks in the feeder, but rather the BBB method, he had this look on his face as if I was crazy .... but all he said was "interesting".

I tested the water this morning and have a couple of questions for the experts on here - since it's been 5 years since our last pool. Here are the results:

FC - not tested
PH - 7.2
TA - 180/190
CH - 275
CYA - less than 20

1. For the CYA reading, the dot at the bottom was just starting to disappear as I filled the tube to the top. If I understand it correctly, CYA should still rise from the stabilizer that was added since it takes a while to fully disperse. Is that correct? Or do I need to add another 4 lbs. of stabilizer?
2. I believe PH is where I want it, but TA is too high. If I add acid to bring down TA wouldn't PH go even lower which would not be good for the curing plaster right now?
3. The PB told me chlorine should be added after 7 days, so this Friday, but I could swear I read somewhere that chlorine should be introduced after 3 days. Is there a definitive amount of days plaster should cure before chlorine is added?
4. Can I add several pucks into the auto-feeder now, set it on the lowest setting and introduce both chlorine and raise CYA to the 30-40 range?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Mike

 

[OTPirate]

Yes, your CYA will continue to rise as it gets into your water. Do not add any more stabilizer. You can assume it is what PoolMath says it is once you add it.
Don't worry about TA so much if your pH stays stable. How old is your test kit...it's not the one you used with your previous pool 5 years ago?
I'd hold off on adding any CYA in any form right now. Check your numbers using PoolMath. The 4 lbs of stabilizer you already added seems like a lot to me, but I'll let you do the math.

You need some CL in there asap. Congrats on the new pool!

 

[AftonJeeper]

...our previous pool never looked as good as when I switched to the BBB method. I am planning on using that method again on our new pool...

4. Can I add several pucks into the auto-feeder now, set it on the lowest setting and introduce both chlorine and raise CYA to the 30-40 range?

These two lines confuse me.

Since it is a new pool I would follow the builders start up procedures to the letter to ensure your warranty isn't voided. But I agree you should add bleach/liquid chlorine before the water starts to turn on you.

 

[mikef78633]

How old is your test kit...it's not the one you used with your previous pool 5 years ago?
QUOTE]

Thanks for the response OTPirate. It is a brand new test kit that arrived last week.

 

[mikef78633]

AftonJeeper,

Thanks for the response.

I only plan on using the puck auto-feeder when I am gone for an extended period of time - vacation, business trip, etc.
Since CYA is low, I wanted to know if by adding pucks to the auto-feeder and using the lowest setting, if it makes sense to bring CYA up that way .... as well as introducing some chlorine right now.

The PB said to wait 7 days to add chlorine and bring it up to shock level to kill any bacteria/algae. I don't think that's right for a curing plaster pool. I read that shocking a new pool that soon can cause future issues with the finish.

I was going to bring FC up to 5 with bleach per the pool math calculator ..... but I am not sure if I should do this now or wait until a week is up.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mknauss]

I would bet they added the CYA to the skimmer. So alot of it is in your cartridge filter. In fact, i would suspect that you will not test to the amount they added as some of it will be in the bottom of the filter housing in a dead zone with no flow. So just a heads up when you test in a week or so.

Have to say I have never heard on this forum that you are to let your new pool get algae. I guess you have to do what they say, but I think I would add liquid chlorine each day, well disbursed and brushed in, to keep from having a swamp.

Take care.

- - - Updated - - -

On the Nature 2 thing - Have you thought about pulling it out and replacing with a SWCG? Makes chlorinating your pool easy. Maybe you could get a few bucks off ebay or craigslist for the Nature 2 thing.

 

[mikef78633]

Mknauss,

Thanks for the reply.

Based on all the problems and issues we had during the build process, the more I think about it, the less I am willing to put any faith into what the PB told me during start-up.

I'm going to go out today and get some bleach and bring the FC up to 5, based on pool calculator, before the pool turns into a petri dish.

As for the CYA, I had to get on a conf. call when he started with the chemicals so I can't be certain, but I bet you are right about what he did with the stabilizer. I'll test CYA again in a week and see where it is at.
I did see him broadcast spread the CH chemical as I was walking into the house.

Thanks,
Mike