New Pool -No pump-No clue

[Brian W]

Hi all,
Looking for some guidance. On new above ground chemicals, but I still need to work on the circulation system for a few days.

Finally got the pool up with several tons of back breaking labor,( 5 inch slope by hand and wheel barrow).

It's full to about 4 inches below the skimmer line, which hasn't been cut out yet. Approximately 40 inches. 24 ft pool

I tried to do the testing ... but never did it before... so did I do it correctly? Heaven knows.

Here's what I think my numbers are.

FC 1 barest tinge of color
cc 2?
TA 200
CYA 0

I haven't added salt to the pool for the SWG yet.

So what do add, I am having trouble understanding how to use the pool math app at the moment :-(

Again my pump etc won't be functioning for about 3-4 days

Thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

Since you won't be moving water for a few days, your #1 chore will be keeping some FC in the water. With no stabilizer (CYA), the chlorine will go FAST. You also don't want too much FC because it's much more potent without CYA. So I would add about 2-3 ppm of chlorine in the morning and brush it around. Then check the FC later in the day and add chlorine (or regular bleach) again as needed to maintain an FC of about 2-3 ppm. That's to avoid algae. The PoolMath APP will help. Once you load your pool info and profile, look for the menu option for "Effects of Chemicals" and that should help.

For now, with no water moving, don't worry about anything else. Just maintain some chlorine (FC) to keep the algae away so the water doesn't get cloudy or green. When you add chlorine/bleach, brush it around really well. Post back once the pump is moving water and we'll help you ore from there.

 

[Texas Splash]

I will add this. There are some that may say to go ahead and add some stabilizer (CYA) for a goal of 30 just to give the FC some protection form the sun. If you do that, then you will need to increase the FC a little more as noted on the FC/CYA Levels as a non-salt pool until things get going.

Adding CYA:
To increase CYA via granular stabilizer, place the required amount as calculated by the Poolmath calculator into a white sock and place in the poolside skimmer basket. For those concerned about suction flow to the pump, suspending the sock near a return jet or from a floating device will also suffice. Best never to allow undissolved granules to rest directly against the pool surface. Squeeze the sock periodically to help it dissipate. Once dissolved, consider your CYA adjusted to that programmed (target) level. CYA test readings should show a rise in 24-48 hours, however some pools may experience a longer delay to fully register. Best to confirm final CYA in about 5-7 days before adding any more stabilizer/conditioner.

 

[Brian W]

Thanks Texas Splash,

I finally got my pump up and ran it yesterday. In the meantime I ran my aquabot jr rover a bunch to get at least some circulation.

Here's what my numbers appear to be this morning before my pump started.

FC 2.5
cc 0
TA 330 Really? on city water?
PH 7.5
CYA 0 (I did add two pounds of stabilizer-sock method, but the vial just starts to look cloudy at 20ml)

I haven't added any salt or any other chemicals, besides the Home Depot Chlorine.

Can you give me some guidance please?

Thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

The TA is certainly a bit higher than I would've expected for your area. You might double-check your testing process against the instructions just to be sure. Also make sure to hold the bottle vertical and wipe the tip with a damp cloth after every drop for the first few tests. New TA bottles sometimes get static that influences the droplet sizes.

Follow up on the CYA later today. You definitely need a CYA of at least 30, probably even 40 or 50 in the summer if your pool gets a lot of sun. In either can, always go back to the FC/CYA Levels to ensure the FC and CYA are balanced together. Note the minimum FC level. You never want the FC to fall below that (algae). Hope that helps.

 

[Brian W]

Hoping someone can answer a few more questions:

So I currently have:
FC 4.5
cc 0
TA 210 After testing properly. Do I need to lower it? My PH seems to be fine. It is lower without the pump running. What other levels will it affect?
PH 7.5
CYA 40

I'd like to start using my SWG but should I bring the CYA up first or after?

Also how much will using a solar cover effect any of my levels?

I have so much to learn

Thanks